Topic > Use of Plastic Bags in Kenya: Related Policies and Actions

IndexGovernment reaction to the use of plastic bags in KenyaFactors driving the plastic ban policyConclusionBibliographyPlastic bags have become an integral part of modern life, offering convenience and portability for a range of goods. However, their widespread use has also led to an alarming environmental crisis. As we move through an era marked by a growing awareness of ecological sustainability, the impact of plastic bags on our planet has become increasingly evident. In this essay we will delve into the multifaceted aspects of plastic bag use, examining its advantages, disadvantages and the urgent need for more responsible alternatives. By exploring the implications of this ubiquitous object, in this essay we aim to shed light on the importance of reevaluating the use of plastic bags and promoting a more sustainable approach to our daily consumption. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Government reaction to the use of plastic bags in Kenya A partial ban on the use of plastic bags in Kenya will fail to effectively control the menace as a loophole grows that will still see the bags leak into the environment. Therefore the exemption of primary packaging for industrial use represents a real step backwards for politics since many of the consumer goods are industrial, which means that over 80% of these bags will be disposed of in the environment. This is true since most basic usable household goods, such as food, are packaged by several sectors, including small-scale producers who manage to produce virtually everything in most urban settings. On 28 February 2017 the government made a historic move to ban plastic bags which have been a real threat to our environment. Kenya has joined countries like Denmark, Ireland and Rwanda which are the forerunners where they have imposed charges and taxes against the use of plastic bags which have drastically discouraged the use and production of these materials. Likewise the government has proposed the heaviest fines and penalties ever seen in the world of challengers, a fine of two million or four years imprisonment or even both if caught using or producing the same. The government has finally reached a milestone despite encountering numerous challenges and even failures over the past fifteen years. Kenya on a gazette notice regarding the ban on "use, production and import of all plastic bags used for commercial and household packaging" starting August 2017. The ban will apply to two categories of bags: the shopping bag, a "bag constructed with handles and with or without gussets", and the flat bag, a "bag constructed without handles and with or without gussets". Factors That Driven the Plastic Ban Policy I am convinced that the policy is great for conserving the environment, but the ban is not good enough to ensure that this menace is completely under control. The gazette notice clearly states that the ban is not applicable to industrial primary packaging, which makes it somewhat of a problem. These plastic bags will end up in the environment causing environmental pollution in many of the following ways which actually led to the ban: Plastic bags do not decompose for a long period of time, so they affect the quality of the soil. Plastic bags litter the environment and make our environment beautiful. They are killing animals and marine life that ingest these microplastics into their systems., 25(4), 567-582.