The Ministry of Environment is stepping up its “Today I do not use plastic bags” campaign in a bid to make Cambodia a frontrunner in the battle against solid waste, primarily plastic.
Minister Eang Sophalleth said on October 24 that the initiative emphasised the reduction of plastic usage to maintain environmental cleanliness and safeguard the health and well-being of the country’s populace.
He highlighted the importance of the private sector’s role in this initiative.
“I urge the owners or directors of factories, enterprises and private sector companies to motivate their employees and workers to actively engage in this campaign. Together, we can successfully reduce plastic bag consumption in Cambodia,” he urged.
The minister said that within a mere 60 days of the campaign’s initiation, over two million students and teachers from approximately 9,000 schools nationwide had joined the movement.
He noted that factories, enterprises, the Cambodian Red Cross (CRC), civil societies, NGOs and pagodas are also demonstrating support.
Heng Kimhong, head of research and advocacy at the Cambodia Youth Network (CYN), voiced his concerns.
He acknowledged the ministry’s commendable efforts in collaborating with relevant partners on the plastic problem but pointed out the broader action still lacks effectiveness.
He attributed this shortcoming to the absence of a government-backed mechanism promoting investment in plastic recycling.
He stated that the current plastic processing industries face stiff competition, often struggling to stay afloat.
He also remarked on the policy implications surrounding plastic.
“The policies related to setting plastic prices or imposing taxes on them are inadequate, resulting in an excessive amount of affordable plastic in the market. Consequently, the low cost makes it an attractive option for consumers,” he said.
“It’s imperative for the government, especially the ministry, to re-evaluate this and potentially increase plastic prices, curbing its gratuitous distribution. This will compel people to rethink and reduce their plastic consumption,” he added.
The ministry has set out its circular strategic plan for the environmental sector for 2023-28 which focuses on three key areas aligning the Kingdom’s response to global climate challenges: cleanliness, greenery and sustainability.
