Yesterday Thailand placed a ban on all styrofoam and single-use plastics to prevent more waste from harming the wildlife. For years, plastic waste and trash has accumulated on the coast of Thailand and grew even more during the coronavirus pandemic. This drastic rise in plastic was a result from takeout foods with their plastic packaging. But thankfully Thailand is now starting their fight in the war against plastic.
To ensure that their wildlife would be protected, they placed a fine up $3000 USD to anyone who is caught traveling into the park with single-use plastic or styrofoam items/containers. Information published by the Royal Gazette explained,
“The ban includes “carry plastic bags which are less than 36 microns, plastic food containers, cups, straws, and cutlery”, the announcement said.”
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Representative from GreenPeace Thailand explain that these plastics can block animals intestines and disrupt digestive systems if consumed. On top of that, the plastic can be carried into waterways and could potentially threaten marine life. Thailand has placed other bans on plastic in the past, but aren’t fully enforced. For example, in 2020 Thailand outlawed the sale of single-use plastic bags in supermarkets, but the same could not be enforced to street vendors, cafes, and smaller retail markets.
For now, Thailand’s plans towards a safer environment are slowly on their way and are making good decisions in the right direction. This year, Thailands government put out a statement that they hope to have 100 percent recyclable plastics to be in use by 2027. Time will tell; but this is a good place to start.
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