The Minister of Home Affairs, The Hon. Walter Roban JP, MP shares a message regarding single-use plastics this holiday and summer season:
As we know, the long-awaited Bermuda Day holiday is this Friday, and the summer months are not far behind.
As you prepare for your holiday events, enjoy our pristine beaches, and even prepare to run concessions - I would like to take this opportunity to encourage the Bermuda public to think twice before using, and disposing of, single-use plastics. Single-use plastics include items such as plastic cups, food containers, plates, straws, plastic cutlery, plastic bags and the like.
We have become reliant on plastic. We use it for everything and it is incredibly convenient. However, this convenience comes at a high price.
The Plastic Ocean Trust estimates that 80% of all marine debris is made from plastic. 8 million metric tons of plastic is being dumped into the sea every year and by the year 2050 there will be more plastic than fish in the oceans.
You will be reminded that in the Speech from the Throne, we made a commitment to eliminate the use of single-use plastics by 2022. A few Caribbean islands have already made dramatic changes to eliminate the sale, use and presence of single-use plastics in their jurisdictions and I am pleased that we have also begun the process to do the same.
As we move towards a more progressive and conscientious era, I seek your support in helping us to achieve this goal.
My message today is a short one but of grave importance to our environment.
Firstly, let’s keep Bermuda beautiful and dispose of all trash responsibly. At any events you host or attend, on beaches, parks or public spaces - have your own bags and containers for disposal. This will also help to assist those persons who have the responsibility for maintaining these public spaces for our benefit.
Secondly, I would like to encourage the use of reusable items. Many retailers around the island have begun to offer re-usable straws, utensils, cups and more. I want to encourage everyone to take advantage of these items and explore alternative options when purchasing plastic products.
I’d like to wish everyone a safe, happy and plastic-free Bermuda Day Holiday. Join me in keeping our oceans and environment safe this holiday and summer season.