GENERAL Trias, Cavite -- The local government here passed an ordinance prohibiting, regulating and prescribing certain uses of plastics for goods and commodities that end up as residual waste and promoting the use of eco bags and other environment-friendly practices as an alternative in the locality.

Mayor Luis “Jon-Jon” Ferrer IV said the plastic bag and styro ban is contained in Municipal Ordinance No. 12-03 authored by Councilor Kerby Salazar of the committee on environment and health.

The ordinance will be enforced in the locality, particularly in establishments, including public markets, as well as with stakeholders which produce, use, buy, sell and dispose plastics and styros.

The establishments also will have to stop the use and sale of non-biodegradable plastics and styrophor or styrofoam as containers for food, drinks or any business produce or products.

The ordinance, which was passed last Feb. 14, will take effect after all concerned have been notified of its provisions or implementing rules and regulations (IRR) within six months.

The local government will go all-out with the massive information dissemination drive and enforce the decree on July 14, 2012.

“This will seriously contribute to a reduction in the volume of solid wastes generated by local communities that end up in esteros, waterways, rivers, creeks and canals.” Ferrer said.

Under the ordinance, establishments like shopping malls, markets, convenience stores, supermarkets, grocery stores, restaurants and fast foods are prohibited from using plastics bags for purchased goods.

Ferrer reiterated that instead of plastic bags, he suggested the use of reusable canvas bags or the traditional ‘bayong’ or baskets made from woven ‘buri’ leaves.

Violators will be fined P1,000 for the 1st offense, 2,000 for the 2nd offense and 3,000 for the 3rd offense and six-month imprisonment and cancellation of business permits for one year for the succeeding violations.   Dennis Caparas Abrina