Costa Rica has recently developed a strategy to reduce plastic use by the year 2021, and now, with new environmental protection efforts, they are banning the use of Styrofoam containers. The government has set up new legislation to prohibit the distribution, marketing, and import of polystyrene containers throughout the country.
If anyone violates these new rules, they may have to pay fines ranging from CRC 763 to CRC 7629. The industrial units and companies need to adapt to some environment-friendly containers before the full application of this new law.
Studies reveal that Styrofoam generators are the major source of pollution; hence, this initiative to ban these containers may ensure a significant impact on the environment, public health, and the economy as well.Plastic is one of the leading environmental pollutants on this planet that covers more than 0.03% of the entire surface. To preserve the world’s biodiversity, it is vital to control the plastic waste and various forms of pollution associated with this source.
President Alvarado has taken a positive step in this direction by preparing new legislation for reducing plastic use. As per these guidelines, all prisons, health system institutions, and public-school cafeterias need to stop using cutlery, disposable cups, and dishes.
Generally, expanded polystyrene or Styrofoam is the most commonly used type of plastic for take-out containers, cups, and plates. Solid polystyrene is used to prepare a variety of routine use accessories, including DVD cases, yogurt cups, and cutlery.
Advertisements have stated that Styrofoam is a recyclable product. However, it can be recycled, only if it is clean, uncontaminated, and un-dyed, which is tricky as this material is commonly used to carry food products.
Some studies show that Styrofoam may take around 500 to 1 million years for complete decomposition after use. Unfortunately, most of these harmful products end up in the water bodies and landfills. Sometimes, they are consumed by the microorganism such as smaller fishes and planktons. In this way, the contaminated particles of this harmful plastic material enter the food chain, which may have a severe impact on human health.
The Ministry of Health in Costa Rica has taken significant steps in favor of environmental health and safety. They are now going to ban all activities related to Styrofoam, and industries may prefer some new environment-friendly alternatives to this. It may help to protect the environment in the long run. Other countries should also take a message from Costa Rica and set up new legislation to reduce or ban the use of plastic.
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