Muscat – Each year, the world produces over 400mn tonnes of plastic, with nearly half of it designed for single-use purposes. Of that, less than 10% is recycled.

Led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and held annually on June 5 since 1973, World Environment Day this year is calling for  global solutions to combat plastic menace with a campaign #BeatPlasticPollution.

For the occasion, experts and citizens are getting united in their call to reduce plastic usage in our daily lives.

Dr Mohammad Majid al Kasbi, director, Department of Chemical Materials, Environment Authority (EA), emphasised the need for expediting the process for transition to a circular economy. The authority has already taken a big step by banning the use of single-use plastic bags below 50 microns from January 1, 2021.

Plastic is non-biodegradable substance that cannot be decomposed by micro-organisms. When plastic bags perish under sunlight, they release toxic substances into the soil, and burning them results in the emission of toxic fumes, Dr Kasbi explained.

The sultanate has made a notable progress in the environmental field through the authority’s programmes and initiatives. “EA is focused on continuous planning and development to enhance the quality of environmental work and ensure its sustainability,” Dr Kasbi informed.

To further reduce the use of plastic bags and manage plastic waste, EA – through an administrative decision (No. 61/2021) in April 2021 – established a team to support the transition to environmentally friendly bags.

Cooperation with relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources (MAFWR), Consumer Protection Authority (CPA), and Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP), has been crucial in raising awareness and promoting the use of eco-friendly bags.

Additionally, MoCIIP issued a decision (No 519/2022), effective from January 1, 2023, to ban the import of plastic bags.

“This decision aims to shift from plastic-intensive industries to environment-friendly alternatives. The authority is working alongside concerned departments and ministries to define specifications for manufacturers and suppliers, ensuring a smooth transition away from plastic bags.”

Dr Kasbi highlighted various projects undertaken by the authority for the protection of the environment, conservation of nature, and maintenance of air quality, while encouraging reuse and recycling of various items that we use on a day-to-day basis.

EA is also actively involved in a movement to ensure clean and green energy, better carbon management, and efforts to reduce the risk of climate change and global warming, so as to achieve the net-zero emissions by 2050.

Ahmed al Balushi, a private sector employee, spoke about the significance of individual actions in addressing plastic pollution. “World Environment Day is a reminder that people’s actions on plastic pollution do matter. The steps governments and businesses are taking to tackle plastic pollution are the consequences of this assertion.”

Hammoud al Hadrami, another private sector employee, acknowledged the long-term impact of plastic on the environment and the human race. “Banning plastics from the market will have a positive effect, contributing to an eco-friendly environment, cleaner seas and beaches, and improved survival chances for marine animals. It is time to Beat Plastic Pollution.”

Dr Kasbi urged people and companies to take national responsibility by reducing the use of plastic bags and opting for environmentally friendly alternatives.

“We have a plan, along with concerned authorities, to eliminate all types of plastic bags in commercial activities by the end of 2026.”