The Red Sea Governorate has begun using eco-friendly alternative bags made of paper, cloth and other materials. The use of plastic bags was banned in Hurghada.
Major General Ahmad Abdallah, Governor of the Red Sea governorate, held a meeting with a number of officials of the executive authorities to follow up on implementation mechanisms for the use of eco-friendly bags.
Abdallah formed a joint committee with the General Directorate for Environmental Affairs, natural reserves sector, supply sector, and the police to follow up on the implementation of the decision.
Abdallah said he does not seek to apply financial punishments on violators but rather seeks to raise awareness among citizens regarding a serious problem that threatens the environment.
The decision to ban the use of plastic bags is intended to protect wildlife and marine life and to preserve endangered species, which have been severely impacted by plastic use, either because of ingestion of, suffocation because of, drowning because of or poisoning by plastic residues. They also impact human health, he added.
He added that the decision prohibits the use of plastic bags in food shops including restaurants, supermarkets, groceries, and others. It also prohibits the use of plastic disposable tableware.
The first step was taken Friday at the vegetable, fruit and meat market in Dahar, Hurghada. Plastic bags were distributed free of charge to the sellers in the market, and plastic bags were collected, according to Abdallah.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
