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Alba’s plastic bags ban: Leading the Caribbean to a plastic-free future
Since January 1, 2017, Alba has made environmental history, becoming one of the first Caribbean islands, officially banning plastic bags in detached houses. This groundbreaking move has helped rebuild the island’s daily life, impacting locals, tourists and businesses, adopting more sustainable habits and reducing the footprint of plastics.
The origin of prohibition
The grassroots campaign “No Plastic Bags – Mitas Tas Reusable,” launched by environmental advocate Juliet Carvalhal, launched Alba’s journey into a plastic-free environment. After years of community engagement and education, the movement banned plastic carry-out bags in a unanimous decision by Alban Parliament on June 30, 2016.
Retailers and vendors were given until January 1, 2017 to adapt to the new law. From that day on, all supermarkets, shops and retailers were no longer allowed to distribute or sell plastic bags.
Implementing new rules
To ensure compliance, the government has given inspectors the authority to fine up to 10,000 Alban Gilders (approximately US$5,715) against retailers who violate the ban. This highlighted the severity of the initiative and encouraged businesses to make quick adjustments.
Rather than plastic, consumers bring reusable bags and use cardboard boxes to carry groceries. Retailers responded by selling branded reusable bags and encouraging eco-friendly shopping habits.
Changes in movement and consciousness
The success of Alba’s plastic bag ban is more than just removing one product from stores. It’s about changing your way of thinking. The ban caused changes in behavior between residents and visitors, highlighting the importance of personal and corporate responsibility.
According to Juliet Carvalhal, special coordinator of Alba’s Green Agenda, “Managing the island’s waste, particularly the highly dependent island on tourism, has been an ongoing challenge. However, being the island itself also presents “added motivation to apply the concepts of denial, decline, revival and respect.”
How much difference can a ban make?
That’s a fair question: what is the real impact that it can be banned from plastic bags on the environment?
Lots, after all. Plastic Pollution Union It estimates that one person can maintain between 500 and 700 plastic bags from landfills and the ocean every year by simply using reusable alternatives. Considering that plastic is a material, the Earth cannot digest – and that 8 million tons of that can enter the ocean every year – these small actions quickly increase.
Beyond the Bag: Expand your Plastic-Free Vision
In 2019, Alba expanded its commitment to sustainability by banning all single-use plastics, including straws, plastic tools, cups, plates and styrofoam containers. The sale of sunscreens containing oxybenzone, known to damage coral reefs, was also prohibited. These initiatives further strengthen Alba’s goal of becoming a model of environmentally friendly tourism and environmental leadership.
Small actions, big results
Changes in the environment often start with everyday choices. For example, Lauren Singer, founder of The Trash, is for the Tossers blog. TossersBlog is famous for living in New York City for four years, producing only one Waste Mason Jar. By composting, separating garbage and carrying reusable containers and bags, she showed that it is possible to waste even in major urban environments.
Her message is simple: it helps even a little, especially when everyone is doing their part.
A model of sustainable tourism
Alba’s leadership in banning plastic bags and extending its initiative to other single-use plastics provides a valuable example for other countries, particularly those relying on tourism. Environmental conservation and economic growth prove that there is no need to be conflicted. Thoughtful law, community involvement and a common commitment to change can lead to sustainability thriving.
As the Plastic Pollution Union states: “Let’s exterminate plastic bags.”
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