Ministry Launches Initiative to Combat Plastic Pollution

To help combat the escalating threat of plastic pollution, the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation (MEGJC) has launched a groundbreaking initiative – an internal ‘EcoChampions Recycling’ programme.

Launched on Tuesday, August 27, at its offices on Half-Way Tree Road, the initiative is a follow-through on a direct call from Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, earlier this year for government facilities to begin separating plastic waste.

The programme will see the installation of recycling bins for polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles across all MEGJC locations, with plans to extend this practice to other agencies.

“This strategic move is a clear demonstration of the Ministry’s dedication to leading by example in the national push towards better waste management practices,” said Permanent Secretary in the MEGJC, Arlene Williams, at the launch.

Ms. Williams alluded to the fact that Jamaica’s efforts to curb plastic pollution are not new, as the country made headlines by leading the region in banning specific types of single-use plastics during 2019 and 2020.

This bold move was part of a broader global effort to address the mounting plastic crisis.

In this regard, the Permanent Secretary pointed out that “Jamaica is one of 175 nations to sign the global plastic treaty, a landmark agreement aimed at ending plastic pollution by 2040 through a circular economy approach, where all plastics are responsibly managed during production use and end of life.”

As a signatory, Jamaica remains committed to ensuring compliance with this treaty, which it seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from plastic production, use and disposal.

Additionally, the Permanent Secretary shared that in recent times the country entered the fourth phase of its plastic ban, targeting the importation, distribution, sale, and use of single-use plastic food containers and microplastics in cosmetic and personal care products.

“The Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation is, therefore, pleased and proud to lead by example in this process, as we realise that plastic pollution is everyone’s problem,” she said, adding that “we [will] continue to develop the necessary policy and legislative frameworks to assist in cauterising this problem.”

These include the National Policy on the Environmentally Sound Management of Hazardous Waste, which recognises specific types of plastics as hazardous waste and prioritises plastics for focused interventions at the national level.

Commendations were also given to the members of the Ministry’s Public Relations and Communications Branch for organising and implementing the initiative.

“I see your efforts regarding raising awareness, both within the Ministry and among the wider public, about the personal and national benefits of adopting a lifestyle that is free of single-use plastics,” the Permanent Secretary said.