Plastic Pollution In Trinidad
Caribbean countries are among the biggest producers of trash in the world per capita. In Trinidad and Tobago, over eight thousand tonnes of plastics are annually dumped at the nation’s landfills. This figure does not include the countless amounts which are thoughtlessly disposed of throughout the environment.
Image by Caribbean 360: http://www.caribbean360.com/news/trinidad-generating-trash-world-per-capita
In order to minimize this figure, the SWMCOL (Trinidad and Tobago Solid Waste Management Company implemented the Waste Recycling Policy in 2014 which involves the coordination and implementation of the National Waste Recycling Management System. This involved plastic processing equipment, the addition of a number of recycling programs and an increased focused on public awareness. In order for this initiative to become efficient, it is mandatory that citizens of Trinidad and Tobago to also make an effort to prevent the pollution of plastic. Individuals can add simple practices to their everyday lives to help relieve the severity of the situation. These practices include refusing unnecessary bags from retailers, using reusable bags, filtered water jugs, reusable bottles, biodegradable garbage bags, and by recycling plastic material. The next time you consider using a plastic bag, consuming something packaged using plastic, or even drinking from a straw, remember the effects it can cause not only on your life but the impact it has on all species of life.
