March 18th is a day to reflect on how we are disposing plastic – Deo
March 18th will become a symbolic date that will represent an important change in our behaviour towards recycling as, on this day, the Prime Minister, Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka will declare Pacific Recycling Foundation’s Plastic Free Day initiative, which calls on all Fijians to refrain from touching or using any forms of plastic, and reflect how we are disposing plastic waste.
This declaration will be done during the 2023 Global Recycling Day celebrations at the Sheraton Fiji Golf and Beach Resort in Denarau this Saturday.
This is according to PRF Founder and the CEO of Waste Recyclers Fiji Limited, Mr. Amitesh Deo who said a lot of effort and thought process has gone into developing this idea and it is their way of saying to stop and reflect on how are dealing with plastic waste.
“We understand you cannot go completely plastic free but it’s a day dedicated to reflecting on our actions. Yes, we will need plastic but it is a day dedicated to thinking about how do you deal with it and dispose it,” said Mr. Deo.
Mr. Deo said he is urging Fijians to reduce plastic use while going shopping, coffee, or at the office on March 18th.
He said their message to the retailers on the day is to refrain from providing avenues where plastic can be used.
“We had pushbacks where people have said why only one day and it does not make any sense, however, our message is that March 18th is a day to reflect on how we are disposing plastic. Attached to all these are real stories and voices of people from Fiji and the Pacific as to how plastic and improper waste management have impacted their livelihoods where some food resources are no longer available, some do not taste the way they did in the past while others have plastic components in it,” said Mr. Deo.
Mr. Deo stated that village elders have recognised that the food chain supply has been impacted because of improper waste management.
He said March 18th is also a day to reflect on the struggles and challenges in recycling and is urging Fijians to join the recycling movement and show solidarity towards recycling programs by wearing a PIN.
Mr. Deo said discussions will also take place during a Roundtable on March 17th on why recycling is not a mainstream practice and the challenges faced by various stakeholders.
2023 GRD celebrations in Fiji is an initiative of PRF and WRFL in partnership with Tourism Fiji, Swire Shipping, Pacific Energy, and Fiji National University.