Shelly Ann Murphy | Lessons from Rwanda on plastic bag bans

Rwanda, a small country in East Africa, experienced an ethnic genocide almost 25 years ago. The country was on the brink of economic and cultural ruin and had no tangible incentive to implement a ban on the production, importation, use and sale of polythene bags on a national level but, a decade ago they did. There were, however, specific exceptions from the legislation within specific industries, such as healthcare (hospitals and pharmaceuticals) and agriculture. Today, Kigali, the country's capital, is one of the cleanest cities in Africa. Jamaica's single-use plastic ban needs to be tailored according to our specific situation and culture; however, these are some of the things that worked for Rwanda:

 

Cooperation 'Umuganda'

 

Umuganda is rooted in a culture of cooperation, where together the community believes it is stronger. A part of the reason why the ban has been successful is because there was a national consensus from the populace. Rwandans believed that this was a step in the right direction in achieving the country's Vision 2020 development plan. As such, cleanliness and an adherence to the rule of law is an important aspect of their culture. There was a requirement that, at least once a month, Rwandans ages 18 to 65, as long as they are physically able, are required to take part in at least three hours of community service. This includes the president of the country. Those who fail to participate without permission can face fines or even be arrested; I am by no means advocating this, as this is distinctly Rwandan. However, we can learn from it and encourage partnership through participation at the local level.

 

Border control

 

Each luggage is searched at the airport for plastics. If any is found, then it is confiscated. There are also signs at the airport informing visitors to the country of the ban so that each person entering Rwanda is informed and can act accordingly. Also regarding goods that are being imported, the plastic packaging are normally removed at Customs. Only in specific instances would the goods be passed on to the retailer, who must then remove said packaging before it gets to the end consumer, as the 2008 law prohibits the importation and use of non-biodegradable packaging bags.

 

Tax incentives to encourage new industries

 

People have lost their jobs because of the ban. However, others saw an opportunity to create new industries, such as environ-mentally friendly bags and packaging which didn't exist before 2008. These environmentally conscious companies are now looking to export to other East African countries which have since implemented their own ban on single-use plastic bags. I know it may seem impossible, nevertheless, we are still in a better position than Rwanda was a decade ago. We already have organisations in place that encourage recycling, and businesses that are manufacturing or importing alternatives to plastics and styrofoam. Therefore, we are more informed that they were when they started.

 

Black market for plastic bags In Rwanda

 

The policy isn't perfect, there have been varied reports that there is a black market for plastic bags at Rwanda's border. According to a report that was carried by The New York Times, women smugglers, who are at times the most severely affected because of their economic status, are finding ingenious ways of taking plastic bags from the Democratic Republic of Congo to Rwanda. If caught, they can be arrested or face hefty fines. In order for this to be prevented, we have to have viable alternatives in place and encourage the use of these alternatives by businesses.

 

Public shaming, hefty fines and even prison

 

Businesses caught using plastics are often fined and they at times, may have to stop operating until the fines are paid. Smugglers can be detained, and are also required to make public apologies through the media. That system works for Rwanda, whose social and political culture is different from Jamaica's. However, for the ban on single-use plastic bags, plastic straws and styrofoam to be effective in Jamaica, there must be tough penalties and a framework for which they are enforced.

 

Global recognition

 

Before the ban came into effect, there was a public education campaign across the country at the national and community levels. Today, young Rwandans are taught about the ban in schools and there is a public- and private-sector partnership. The country has also benefited from a boost to its image. It is being dubbed 'the cleanest country in Africa.' That means that tourists, those who care deeply about the environment, are visiting Rwanda, which was once torn apart by ethnic cleansing and is now in the global spotlight for its achievements in the ban on polythene bags and for its economic recovery.

Jamaica can learn from what Rwanda did. The country took a risk when it had very limited options and it worked out well. I hope that businesses will see the benefit of the ban and that, while the system is being streamlined, Jamaicans will buy into it, knowing that we are securing the environment for future generations.

- Shelly Ann Murphy, PhD, is an international trade and investment policy expert. Email feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com and shellyann.murphy@gmail.com.