By Theresa Moses
In a resolute stride towards a cleaner environment and sustainable public health, Lagos State Government, on Sunday, January 21, announced the momentous step of implementing a ban on the use of Styrofoam products, commonly found at eateries and used by caterers.
In a personally signed statement, the State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said: “Our state cannot be held hostage to the economic interests of a few wealthy business-owners compared to the millions of Lagosians suffering the consequences of indiscriminate dumping of single-use plastics and other types of waste.”
Mr Wahab said most drainage channels in the state were daily clogged by Styrofoam through its indiscriminate distribution and usage, despite the regular cleaning and evacuation of the drains with humongous state resources, noting that the larger chunk of littering across major roads and markets, “which the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) contends with daily, is made up of Styrofoam.”
He also directed LAWMA and the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) to immediately commence the implementation of the ban, adding: “The state could not fold its hands and watch the continued desecration of its environment, especially for a coastal city.”
Styrofoam, also known as expanded polystyrene (EPS), has long been a ubiquitous part of daily life, especially in the form of disposable food containers and packaging. However, its convenience comes at a cost to public health. The material has been linked to the release of harmful chemicals, including carcinogens, when exposed to heat. As Styrofoam containers are commonly used for hot food and beverages, the ban is a crucial step in curbing the potential health risks associated with these toxins leaching into our daily consumables.
This decisive action, according to an environmental enthusiast, reflects commitment to a sustainable future, tackling the dire health hazards posed by Styrofoam, the environmental fallout, and the often-overlooked impact on marine life. The ban also serves as a wake-up call to address the environmental threat Styrofoam products pose, being non-biodegradable, contributing to long-lasting pollution. Its lightweight nature makes it prone to becoming airborne, further polluting the air and water bodies. This ban signals a commitment to curbing pollution and fostering sustainable waste management practices.
The ban’s implications reach far beyond the cityscape, extending to the waters that surround Lagos. Styrofoam products, when discarded irresponsibly, find their way into inland waters and rivers. The environmental impact on marine life is severe, with marine animals ingesting the micro-plastics derived from Styrofoam breakdown. The ban is not just a municipal initiative; it’s a call to action to protect the delicate balance of our marine ecosystems.
One may wonder why the ban on Styrofoam seemed to materialise abruptly. While companies manufacturing Styrofoam products have been integral to the economy, questions linger about their tax compliance and environmental responsibilities. The sudden nature of the ban prompts scrutiny into whether these companies were adhering to taxation guidelines and whether prior warnings were issued. It also underscores the need for stricter monitoring of environmental practices by regulatory bodies.
In his statement, the commissioner explained that the state took the action, relying on several enabling laws and regulations, such as the National Environmental (Sanitation and Waste Control) Regulation 2009, which was established pursuant to the NESREA Act that prohibited and specifically banned single-use plastics in the country, which has not been enforced.
According to Mr Wahab, other relevant laws include the 2017 State Environmental Management and Protection Law, section 56(I)(y): “Prevent, stop, or discontinue any activity or omission which is likely to cause harm or has caused harm to human health or the environment.”
The path forward involves not just the cessation of Styrofoam use but a concerted effort towards sustainable alternatives. The ban opens the door for the adoption of eco-friendly packaging solutions and promotes the use of materials that are biodegradable and pose no harm to both human health and the environment. The government, alongside industry stakeholders, must collaborate to incentivise the development and adoption of sustainable practices.
As Lagos State pioneers this significant environmental move, it is imperative for other states of the federation to take a cue for a cleaner, healthier environment. Aside from Styrofoam packs and single-use plastic health hazards, the daily cleanup of the products from roads and drainage channels runs into tens of millions of naira.
In conclusion, Lagos State’s ban on Styrofoam is a commendable step towards a more sustainable and healthier future. It calls for collective responsibility, urging citizens, businesses, and policymakers to join forces in safeguarding the environment and public health. The ban is not just a restriction; it’s a catalyst for positive change and an investment in the well-being of generations to come.
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