By 2050 there will be more plastic than fish in the oceans and 90% of that pollution in the sea comes from the land, from the cities. These data that draw an environmental crisis caused the city of San José to start the “Chao Plástico Dessechable” (Bye Disposable Plastic) plan.
On Tuesday morning the Municipality of San José, the MarViva Foundation, and Paseo Gastronómico La Luz signed a cooperation agreement to reduce the consumption of disposable plastics. The effort generates changes in policies, regulations and habits.
Haydeé Rodríguez, manager of MarViva’s Political Advocacy, mentioned that the project will be developed in 3 axes:
• inside the municipality
• Relationship with patents (trade)
• Raising awareness in the canton
Internally, the goal is to make the Municipality an example institution, with guidelines and regulations, to avoid the use of disposable plastics. This would include banning consumption of straws, plastic bags, stereos, plastic bottles.
Externally, they will seek to create voluntary programs for businesses to sign up to change their habits and receive incentives from the local government. Finally, messages and information will be given so that citizens understand the crisis due to marine pollution by plastics.
Jorge Jiménez, director of MarViva, recalled that the country has a poor waste management. Costa Rica recycles less than 2% of waste.
The mayor of San Jose, Johnny Araya, said that the most important thing is to create a new culture in waste managementand change people’s practices. According to the official, the incentive for businesses will be to earn a seal, and proudly wear the style of the Ecological Blue Flag.
The execution of the initiative starts with a pilot program in restaurants and shops of Barrio Escalante.
Mónica Mendoza, president of the Paseo Gastronómico La Luz, added that there is commitment, although first steps are slow.