The Coordination Union for the Rehabilitation of the Environment (CURE) continues to express concerns about the persistent issue of thin plastics, as demonstrated during the commemoration of this year’s World Environmental Day 2023 in Blantyre.
The event, held under the theme “Beat Plastic Pollution,” provided a platform for non-state actors to voice their concerns about the environmental and human health problems associated with thin plastics, which continue to disrupt ecosystems.
In 2015, the Government of Malawi implemented regulations banning the production, importation, commercial distribution, and trade of thin plastics (less than 60 microns). This ban aimed to reduce the negative impacts of indiscriminate use and disposal of thin plastics and promote the adoption of environmentally friendly alternatives such as paper bags, cloth bags, thick plastics/biodegradable plastics, sisal bags, hessian bags, and baskets.
In alignment with this theme, CURE and its members commemorated the day by presenting a petition to the Malawi High Court in Blantyre regarding a pending thin plastic case. The petition urged the judiciary to expedite the judicial review process of an injunction obtained by the association of plastic manufacturers against the ban of thin plastic. CURE and Civil Society Organizations in the environment sector believe that delaying the ruling on this case hinders the fight against plastic pollution and the harmful effects of these non-biodegradable substances when disposed on the environment.
Despite the petition being submitted nine months ago, there has been no resolution from the judiciary. CURE and its members are now planning next steps to address the delay in the case review process and seek answers from the relevant authorities.
The event drew participants from various sectors, including CSOs in the environment, faith leaders, private sector players, academics, schools, and members of the general public.
Mathews Malata, National Planning Commission Environment and Sustainability champion, recently conducted a quiz competition, asking followers to mention three reasons why the government is banning the use of thin plastic materials in relation to environment management.
Responding to the question, Gibson Kamoza Banda observed that one of the primary reasons for discouraging the use of undecomposed plastic papers in Malawi is the significant environmental pollution caused by these materials.
“Plastic papers take hundreds of years to decompose, leading to the accumulation of plastic waste in landfills, water bodies, and natural habitats. This pollution poses a severe threat to wildlife, marine life, and ecosystems, impacting biodiversity and overall environmental health,” he added. “The presence of undecomposed plastic papers in the environment can also pose serious health hazards to both humans and animals. When plastics break down into smaller particles, they can release toxic chemicals and micro-plastics that contaminate soil, water sources, and food chains. Ingestion of these harmful substances can lead to various health issues, including respiratory problems, reproductive disorders, and cancer.
During the fifth session of the UN Environment Assembly, a historic resolution was adopted to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment. The resolution (5/14) requested the Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) to convene an Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) to develop “the instrument,” which is to be based on a comprehensive approach that addresses the full life cycle of plastic, including its production, design, and disposal.
