A Seychelles free from plastic bags – is it possible? |07 July 2015

The vision of the Sids Youth Aims Hub (SYAH)-SEYCHELLES, a youth-led NGO promoting and advancing sustainable development, is to see in their lifetime a Seychelles free from plastic bags.

The youths of this NGO spend many of their weekends cleaning up the coastline and are always left disheartened by the amount of plastic bags littering our coast which most likely end up in the ocean affecting biodiversity and the healthiness of our seas.

SYAH-Seychelles decided it was time to take a stand and initiated a campaign for a Seychelles free from plastic bags.
In commemoration of the international day free from plastic bags on July 3, a workshop was organised to educate youth about the effects of plastic bags on the environment and the role they had to address this issue.

It was Karine Rassool, a member of SYAH and environmental economist, who made the opening address. “I stand here today not with the promise of an instant solution, but with the firm belief that we can find alternatives which can make a difference. There are no shortages of reusable bags around, they come in all shapes, sizes and fashions. Yes they may be slightly more expensive than your plastic bag but do the maths. If I go to the shop once a day and pay R2 for a plastic bag, in 10 days I have spent R20, the price of a reusable bag which will likely last me for years. So please, for the love of Seychelles, let us refuse plastic bags and use reusable ones instead.”

She further urged the youth to “never believe that because you are one person, you cannot make a big difference”.

The highlight of the workshop was a senior citizen, Mrs Adrienne, who came to explain to young people what were the means of carrying groceries and fish during the times when plastic bags were not common.
The workshop ended with a debate as to whether a Seychelles free from plastic bags is possible.

A follow up exhibition on July 4 was organised with information about the effects of plastic bags, showcasing alternatives and donating reusable bags. Sustainability for Seychelles (S4S) were also present showcasing their alternatives to polythene take away boxes.

A survey was carried out of 100 people to ascertain whether they relied on plastic bags or made use of alternatives and how they would feel if it was announced that there would be a ban on plastic bags.

The highlight of the day was a rush of people from the bus terminal to watch the young people dancing at  Grocer’s supermarket to send out their message to say no to plastic bags.
SYAH-Seychelles will be continuing the campaign with other activities throughout the year.

Contributed