IN a bid to preserve environment and protect the nature from hazardous waste, the public have been urged to use paper bags instead of banned plastic bags.
Paper bags are 100 percent reusable, recyclable and biodegradable and at the same time environment friendly and pose less threat to wildlife.
It requires less energy for paper bags to be recycled than plastic bags. Plastic bags cause environmental damage such as increase the level of air pollution.
Plastic bags not only have adverse effects on our natural habitats, death of many animals. Plastic bags are not renewable and you need UV rays to destroy it, which is harmful for environment.
The National Environmental Management Council Director General, Dr Samuel Gwamaka said use of paper bags is safer compared to other bags.
“Paper bags are so safe and friendly to environment, therefore we urge you to use paper bags for the betterment of our environment and the country’s development,” he said.
He said most paper bags that are used in Rwanda and Kenya are produced in Tanzania but the same products are not being used in the country.
“The paper bags that are produced in Tanzania are much used in Rwanda and Kenya, but they are less used in Tanzania, we need to increase the supply,” he noted.
Dr Gwamaka said there has been no big increase in the paper bags production since the banning of plastic bags in the country.
He said the government expected the increase of paper bags production but things have not changed that much.
