Mbabane: The Minister of Tourism and environmental affairs has extended the no plastic bag campaign by an additional two (2) days, effective from the 4th of February 2021.
This means now, plastic bags will not be issued out from Thursday to Monday.
‘Phatsa Sakho Nawe’ is a campaign aimed at encouraging people to reduce single-use plastics bags.
UNDP and the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs on 25 November 2020 launched the “Phatsa Sakho Nawe” Campaign – “Towards a plastic bag free Eswatini” an advocacy initiative to reduce single use plastic bags in Eswatini. Contributing to SDGs 12,13, 14 and 15, the campaign is a response to the waste challenge posed by single use plastic bags on the environment .
Phatsa Sakho Nawe ”means “bring your own bag”. Research shows that Eswatini, utilizes approximately 1 790 000 free single use plastic bags per month, through 3 of the largest retail franchises in the country.
The UNDP Accelerator Lab and the Eswatini Environment Authority (EEA), partnered with 5 major retailers in the country to combat the use of single use plastic bags. The participating retailers are OK Foods, SPAR, Shoprite, Pick ‘n Pay and Boxer.
The “Phatsa Sakho Nawe” Campaign seeks to advocate three key aspects over the use of single plastics in Eswatini: to control the plastic waste problem through reduction of the free distribution of single use plastic bags, monitor behavior change of consumers and encourage identified local manufacturers, SME’s, rural women, to supply the locally made multiple use shopping bags.
During the ‘Phatsa Sakho Nawe’ campaign, there will be no distribution of single use plastic bags issued by shops, Consumers are encouraged to bring their own reusable shopping bags. The ‘Campaign also complements the ongoing Clean Eswatini Campaign by the Ministry of Tourism and Environment.
The Minister of Tourism and Environment, Honourable Moses Vilakati had earlier noted that waste management had worsened over the COVID-19 pandemic; along public roads, open spaces and even water ways. He highlighted the innovative approach of the ‘Phatsa Sakho Nawe’ Campaign, which seeks to significantly reduce the single use plastic bags, for environmentally friendly alternatively reusable bags.
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