$30-million price tag for plastic ban education campaign

Some $30 million has so far been spent on a public education campaign for the ban on single-use plastic bags and polystyrene foam in Jamaica.

The ban, which began on January 1, 2019, covers the importation, manufacture, distribution, and use of the materials.

Senator Matthew Samuda said that the campaign involves the use of "radio, television and print media, as well as electronic billboards, to ensure that all stakeholders, consumers and manufacturers are informed about the ban and are on board in terms of the production and use of environmentally friendly packaging materials."

It is being undertaken by the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) with the support of the Jamaica Information Service (JIS) and the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA).

"The public awareness blitz has taken NEPA to 11 parishes to date and includes town hall meetings, meetings with business operators, small businesses, community groups, educational institutions, and churches," Samuda said.