Mexico eyes plastics ban

MEXICO, Pampanga — To address the growing problem of environmental degradation, the local government here is eyeing the ban on the use of plastic materials.

Vice Mayor Jonathan Pangan said the proposal is already being reviewed by the committee on environment and will soon be passed for second reading.

Pangan, however, said that once approved, the proposal will not be considered an ordinance but will just be integrated in the environmental code of the municipality.

“Hindi namin siya gagawin na ordinance since this is for the environment, isasama na lang namin doon,” Pangan said.

He added implementing rules and regulations will also have to be formulated before the proposal takes effect.

Ample time for preparation will also be given to business establishments like SM City Pampanga before the actual implementation, said Pangan.

Aside from plastics, use of styrofoam will also be banned.

A bill authored by Senator Loren Legarda has been passed which prohibits the use of plastic bags in groceries, restaurants and other establishments.

The City of San Fernando, Apalit and Masantol are among the local government units in Pampanga which supported the bill.

Source: Sunstar