Ethiopia enforces nationwide ban on single-use plastic bags
Single-use plastic bags have been prohibited in Ethiopia since 31 January this year. Their production, import, storage, sale and use are now banned, TV BRICS reports, citing Fana Media Corporation.
According to the country's environmental protection agency, the measure is aimed at protecting citizens' right to a clean environment and reducing the risk of various pollution-related diseases, including cancer. It is noted that plastic can remain in the soil and other environments for more than a hundred years without decomposing, harming nature, and human health.
The Ethiopian authorities have indicated that individuals caught using or storing prohibited plastic bags face fines ranging from US$12.80 to US$32.25. The government has called on citizens to make a personal contribution to reducing plastic pollution.
Previously, Qazinform reported the economic damage caused by climate change is almost twice as high as previously believed, after researchers counted the harm done to the world’s oceans for the first time.
