Plastic pollution is one of the most pressing environmental issues globally, as rapidly increasing production of disposable plastic products overwhelms the world’s ability to deal with them. The use of plastic containers designed for one-time usage has become the chosen method of storing food and other items for convenience in Guyana and across the world. However, they are not properly disposed of after use and become a major pollutant on our land and aquatic environments.
Tomorrow Monday, June 05, 2023, World Environment Day will be observed under the theme “Solutions for plastic pollution,” focusing on combatting plastic pollution under the campaign #BeatPlasticPollution.
Guyana has been working for many years to combat plastic pollution through varying campaigns and a ban on the use of Styrofoam containers at fast food outlets. With the ban of polystyrene products, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) in 2018 developed National Standard for the ‘Labelling of biodegradable containers.’ The compulsory standard sought to ensure that all food containers being imported into the country meet the requirements of being biodegradable, recyclable, and environmentally friendly.
According to the document, all biodegradable food containers manufactured, imported, sold or offered for sale shall be legibly labelled with its material composition, time to decompose, microwavable properties, and a biodegradable certificate from an agency recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The biodegradable standard is just one of the many standards available which are crucial in guiding human actions towards the preservation of our global environment. The GNBS has a total of thirty-two (32) environmental standards to help stakeholders improve their practices towards sustainable development. These standards include Requirements for safe use and handling of refrigerants, Methods of sampling and testing for water and wastewater, Environmental labels and declarations, Environmental Management and standards relating to Greenhouse gas emissions.
In addition, the Bureau works with companies to implement the international standard – ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management Systems – Requirements with guidance for use. This standard is aimed at helping entrepreneurs achieve a balance between the environment, society and the economy towards sustainable development. It provides a framework to protect the environment and respond to changing conditions, while helping businesses to maintain compliance with environmental regulations.
Training is also offered on the ISO 14001 standard to help users better understand the requirements of the document.
As we commemorate World Environment Day 2023, each of us can play our part in reducing the number of plastic products dumped daily at the landfills, and plastic and other materials that clog our drains and waterways which leads to flooding. We can also prevent the release of toxic chemicals that are affiliated with various illnesses and those that adversely affect the environment.
The Guyana National Bureau of Standards encourages all stakeholders to utilize national and international standards which can help you or your organisation protect the environment for future generations. Let’s join the campaign this year to #BeatPlasticPollution and work to combat other forms of pollution through the implementation of standards.
For further information, please contact the GNBS on telephone numbers: 219-0069, 219-0065, 219-0062.
