Pay attention to glass bottle pollution
Published:Friday | December 31, 2021 | 12:06 AM
THE EDITOR, Madam:
I have been observing the level of environmental pollution in Jamaica for many years – particularly solid waste disposal. However, there is a particular material that has been totally ignored – that of the disposal of glass bottles.
There is virtually no mechanism available for meaningful recycling or proper disposal of glass bottles. Subsequently, millions of bottles are simply dumped along roadways, bushes, gullies, rivers, beaches, backyards and they make their way to the ocean. There is no consideration for the impact on the natural environment and, by extension, our quality of life.
The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services estimates that it takes one million years for a glass bottle to decompose in the environment. I am unaware of any authority ever addressing this.
The disposal glass bottles needs to be addressed urgently – but it seems we have so many other pressing issues that apparently some are placed at the base of the priority list. Liquor manufacturers need to be more socially responsible and initiate recycling. Can the Ministry of Housing, Urban Renewal, Environment and Climate Change please look into this issue in the new year?
Jamaica needs a more wholesome natural environment for future generations.
“The earth will not continue to offer its harvest, except with faithful stewardship. We cannot say we love the land and then stake steps to destroy it for use by future generations.” (John Paul II)
VIVIAN COLLINS-HUTCHINSON
Above Rocks, St Catherine