The Ministry of Climate Resilience et al on Thursday endorsed a new line of environmentally friendly disposable items launched by a local company.
Independence Agencies Ltd, a local wholesale and distribution company in a media conference at the company’s headquarters on Maurice Bishop Highway presented the new biodegradable products.
The list of items includes boxes, plates, trays, storage containers, straws, glasses, cutlery, bags and eating utensils all made from plants and are 100% degradable within 3 to 6 months.
Addressing Thursday’s launch Minister of Climate Resilience Senator Simon Stiell said that what is most critical about the session is our position as we transition from a society who has always known Styrofoam and plastic to now a safer, healthier alternative.
Hailing the significance of the project as a ground-breaking cooperation between government and the private sector, Senator Stiell said, “What we are seeing demonstrated here this morning is that coming together of government doing its part and the private sector doing its part.”
“It further demonstrates that there are viable alternatives, economic considerations and there are supply considerations, but most importantly is knowing that the things we consume are healthy and environmentally friendly,” Senator Stiell said.
Also in attendance was representative from the supplier Tropical Trading, Steve Ross.
Speaking of his company’s involvement in the manufacturing and supply of the environmentally friendly products Ross said his company is working with 12 countries. “These products, besides being earth friendly use less water and energy to make. They are made from annually renewable sources of plants like sugarcane, bamboo, wheat, grass and corn,” Ross said.
According to Ross, the products are non-toxic, non-polluting and they break down into healthy particles into the soil or marine life. The utensils have been approved for food use by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are safe for biodiversity and habitat.
It is expected that the diverse choices of products presented by the company will help to reduce the quantity of waste going to the landfill.
Independence Agencies’ action on Thursday shows the company’s full support and compliance with the Non-biodegradable Waste Control Act of 2018.
NADMA