Rather than fight ban, plastic bag makers should transition to alternatives

Local manufacturers of plastic bags are determined to fight tooth and nail to defeat the recent ban on their products announced by the government but they better read the mood of the times and transition to sustainable alternative products.

Last week, the manufacturers, through their powerful lobby, presented a strongly-worded petition to Parliament urging legislators to roll back or significantly dilute the ban imposed by Environment Cabinet Secretary Prof Judi Wakhungu recently. In addition, they have been actively pushing their case in the media and public fora to win support against the ban.