Eco-friendly biodegradable bag launched

By Ifham Nizam

Environment Ministry yesterday(22) launched a new biodegradable bag to be used in places of worship to reduce the use of polythene and plastic. Ministry officials have calculated that more than 50 tons of polythene and plastic are collected annually at the Kataragama Sacred Area alone.

The use of garlands made of natural flowers and oil paper has been encouraged instead of plastic and polythene garlands as well in Kataragama

Speaking at the event Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said that polythene and plastics had become a major environmental problem. “Therefore, we have banned five products made of polythene and plastic, including sachets since 31 March 2021. Last week five Cabinet papers were tabled to ban eight more products.”

Minister said that from January next year, his Ministry would ban all shopping bags, especially bags without handles.

“That’s why this eco-friendly bag is being introduced. The Ministry hopes to implement this programme in all major religious places,” Amaraweera said.