News
47 market associations pledge to reduce plastic waste
Courtesy of ICRT
The Ministry of Environment says 47 market associations islandwide are now working with it and local governments to reduce plastic waste by encouraging the public to bring their own shopping bags.
The initiative aims to cut plastic bag usage by 20%, or around 65 million bags each year. Local market associations will be asked to provide shopping carts and second-hand bags to market goers who don't bring their own while vendors will be encouraged to ask customers if they need shopping bags rather than offering them automatically.
The environment ministry says signs will also be displayed promoting reduced plastic bag use. However, plastic bags intended to come into direct contact with food items including fresh produce will still be allowed to ensure hygiene and food safety.
Data from the environment ministry says traditional markets currently account for 50-60% of plastic bag usage.
