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09.25.12

Haiti Bans Plastic Bags and Foam Foodware!

News stories are circulating stating that Haiti’s government has announced a ban on plastic checkout bags and plastic foam foodware.  “This is a logical decision and makes sense,” Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe said. “Importing, manufacturing bio-degradable items will benefit Haiti’s short, mid- and long-term environmental interest.”

Surfrider Foundation does not have a chapter in Haiti but local Puerto Rico activists have started a campaign to reduce plastic bag litter in some coastal communities.  Most Caribbean countries seem to struggle to recycle profitable items such as plastic bottles while items such as plastic bags and foam foodware seem to be littered as often as landfilled.

The Miami Herald published a good piece that covers the Haiti news from various perspectives.  Photo Credit: PATRICK FARRELL / MIAMI HERALD STAFF