epa

Preparing for the Impending Ban on Single-Use Plastics- Part 2

A life without plastics seems impossible, since plastics are the main component in almost every single everyday item; from our computers and mobile phones, to food containers and other packaging.

Single-use plastics, however, generally have a functional life of less than a week, and are not designed to be repaired or refurbished. Single-use plastics include packaging, bags, bottles, straws, containers, cups, cutlery, and other items. Bioplastics are not exempt from the single-use plastic designation as in general; biodegradation only occurs under specific circumstances e.g. certain temperatures, and the presence of micro-organisms.

Preparing for the Impending Ban on Single-Use Plastics- Part 1

It seems as though a new gruesome image or video of a marine animal suffocated by plastics gets uploaded to social media every day. By now, you have probably heard the stories of marine animals being washed up on shore with their stomachs full of plastics. These stories and images are graphic, but often, we may catch ourselves thinking: if plastics are so bad, then why do we continue to use and produce them? Plastics are easy to use and transport materials. It is impossible to imagine life without them; just take a look around you. However, plastics actually have far-reaching, negative effects on the environment prompting the international community to rethink how we use and dispose of these materials, especially single-use plastics. As Guyana continues to transform itself into a Green State, the country has announced that by 2021, there will be a ban on single-use plastics. Within the next few weeks, the Environmental Protection Agency will write a series of articles on single-use plastics with the intention of keeping the public up to date as we move towards phasing out these materials.

EPA looking to have the use of Generators authorised for better management

The Air Quality and Noise Management Programme (AQNMP) hosted a meeting on June 13, 2018, with the Ministry of Public Infrastructure – Rural Electrification Programme (MOPI -REP) and Guyana Electrical Inspection Department (GEI); the Mayor and City Council (M&CC); Guyana Fire Service (GFS) and the Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL). to discuss a unified way forward for the management and authorisation of generators and mitigate the impacts that arise from their usage.

Press Release –EPA opens first regional office in Whim, Berbice

April 25, 2019- The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) commissioned its first regional office at Whim Village, East Berbice – Corentyne. This milestone achievement signals EPA’s commitment to its mandate to oversee the sustainable use of Guyana’s environmental resources.  This physical expansion will directly support the compliance of business operations in the wider Berbice area, allowing face to face support during the Environmental Authorisation process, timely monitoring inspections, investigation of complaints, and emergency response.