By ANDREW MUKOMA
CONSUMERS must play a pivotal role in combating the use of plastic material to prevent pollution which is an environmental hazard, says Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC). CCPC Inspector, Matyola Chipapa, observed with concern the indiscriminate disposal of plastic material among residents.
He told the Daily Nation in Livingstone that the trend was causing negative effects not only on the environment, but also on humans and animals. Mr Chipapa noted that some plastic materials were poisonous as they were made from toxic materials and should be disposed of in designated areas. He said if exposed to living organisms, plastics could cause ripple effects that might lead to death and hence the need to handle them carefully.
According to Mr Chipapa, plastic materials could clog drainages and water bodies and should therefore be disposed of in proper waste bins. The CCPC inspector said, there is need for every resident to play a part in sensitizing and reducing the use of plastic despite it being a major component of people’s daily lives.
