Costa Rica seeks to advance steadily in its commitment to become an area free of single-use plastic.
In 2016, around seven billion people generated 300 million tons of plastic waste in the world. The United Nations Organization estimates that some eight million tons of this waste go to the oceans every year, causing serious damage to wildlife and marine ecosystems.
Although the authorities insist on stopping the use of plastic, this global problem is increasing and the generation of plastic has increased significantly in recent years.
According to the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE), and the United Nations Development Program, people must take into account that the ecosystem, under ideal conditions, takes 500 years to biodegrade these materials, but the process can take up to 1,000 years.
MINA, the Ministry of Health, MarViva, CRUSA Foundation and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the National Chamber of Retailers and Allied Merchants (CANACODEA) are promoting the idea of replacing the use of plastic with other renewable and compostable alternatives.
In addition, the Technological of Costa Rica (TEC) seeks to make way for sustainability and through the Institutional Unit of Environmental Management and Occupational Safety, has decided to move forward in the elimination of single-use plastic.
In the short term the institution plans to eliminate:
• Straws.
• Removers.
• Containers for smoothies.
• Capsules for fruits, pastries, plastic bags, etc.
• Wraps and cutlery.
• Glasses, plates, disposable cutlery, lids.
• Beverages bottled in plastic.
• Fruits, bread, cereal and sandwiches from the Institutional Restaurant wrapped in plastic.