The goal is a ‘green’ Cyprus, without plastics, without waste, the Ministry of Agriculture said in its message to mark the International Plastic Free Day, noting that ‘the best waste, is the one that is not produced’.
According to the Ministry, an estimated eight million tonnes of plastic are dumped into the oceans each year, while in the Mediterranean, plastics make up 95% of the rubbish found in the seas.
The rapid increase in plastic pollution has raised concerns globally, it adds, since they it is the cause of injury or even death of many species of wildlife. ‘About 100,000 marine animals die every year because of plastic’, it said.
Beyond visible plastic pollution, it said, there is also an invisible one, which comes from microplastics that pass through the food chain and end up in the human body affecting human health.
The Ministry also refers to measures and policies Cyprus has introduced aimed at reducing plastics. Among them, the ban in 2018, on the free distribution of the thin plastic carrier b
ag 50µm and the obligation to charge for its use at points of sale, which it said, has resulted in an 80-85 reduction in annual consumption compared to 2017. It notes that from 2022, a complete ban on the sale of thin plastic carrier bags applies
It also refers to the introduction of harmonising legislation to reduce certain single-use plastics, such as plastic cutlery, plates, single-use straws, while measures are being taken to limit other single-use plastics. At the same time, it adds, the approval of Regulations for the management of waste plastic products for agricultural use is expected, while Regulations are being prepared regarding the management of waste fishing gear containing plastic, with regard to extended producer responsibility schemes.
The Ministry, among other things, also notes other actions such as the ‘Pay as You Throw’ scheme.
Source: Cyprus News Agency