Are plastics bags replaceable in Uganda ?
The story of plastics in Uganda is intertwined with that of the world. Possibly, Uganda's large scale use of plastics was delayed a bit by the civil wars we had in the 1970s and 1980s. The ardent of large scale use of plastics in Uganda started in the 1990s after the end of the civil wars. Prior to the introduction of plastics in Uganda, her society mainly used degradable options. Initially, Uganda imported plastic products from Kenya. However as of today, Uganda has over 40 companies producing plastics locally. Plastic products from Ugandan factories are mainly for home use. These products may vary from big items such as chairs or tables to small things just like tooth brushes or plastic bags.
Over the years, various entities fascinated about the environment local and global greatly campaigned against the use of plastics in Uganda. These efforts culminated into the creation of the National Environment Act of 2019. This act's main goal was to have efficient plastic waste management and decrease the damage they have on the environment. This act specifically makes it illegal to import, export, manufacture locally, use or reuse plastic products made of polymers of polyethene or polypropylene below thirty microns. Unfortunately, these practices that are outlawed are still being practiced by various factories in Uganda. All in all, this law is not fully enforced due to budget constraints, the society's mindset and corruption.
As per the above mentioned constraints for the implementation of the National Environment Act of 2019, we at "Nature Now or Never" shall concentrate on trying to change society's mindset. Since our mission as an entity is all about bring awareness to the severity and importance of replacing non-biodegradables for more recyclable materials. As of today, the greatest menace from plastics in Uganda comes from packaging plastic bags used by all groceries stores and markets. It is worth noting that these factories do produce these plastic bags illegally. Yet still this production persists due the availability of the demand for plastic bags by society. Since there is a demand, somehow supply will be created.
I remember when I was a minor, we regularly visited the nearest markets to purchase groceries for home use. During these weekly visits, we went with degradable handcrafted straw baskets (Kikapu) to carry the groceries home. These degradable straw baskets would be utilized for close to a year before being replaced by another set. As I grew older this degradable baskets were gradually replaced by plastic bags. As of today it hard to see anyone using these degradable handcrafted straw baskets since they a bit more expensive than the more abundant single use plastic bags.
In my opinion, it vital to reintroduce these degradable handcrafted straw baskets into society. Government can give a hand by availing tax holidays to companies interested in making them. Additionally, the authorities can available cheap loans for companies interested in this kind of business. It is noteworthy that making degradable handcrafted straw baskets is labor intensive. Therefore in a country like Uganda with a high percentage of youth unemployment, this project can kill two birds with one stone. That is, unemployment and the reduction of plastic bags in society. All in all, plastics bags replaceable in Uganda.
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