For Your Consideration
From "REGULATING SINGLE-USE PLASTICS IN BERMUDA: Policy paper for public consultation"
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I would like to remember the people who are pushing this legislation that Bermuda is already expensive and the cost of items being increased due to more expensive alternatives needs to be considered.
The primary restrictions on imports to help the island should be more electric vehicles although they use power the degrees in noise pollution and the fact that Bermuda is a perfect size to implement such a change of phase out of gasoline burning vehicles, as they do have propane powered vehicles in the world now.
The reduction and elimination of products that wrap items in multiple layers of plastic should be banned. This goes for food items and electric items, which commonly have multiple layers of plastic for no reason other than aesthetics, not for protection while in transport.
The micro beads and products that contain them should be banned from point of import. Straws are of the same concern as are the plastic ties that hold soda cans together. As all of these risk our ocean life and enjoy for all.
It should also be noted that take out food items, like plastic forks, knives, and containers are not required to be banned. In Bermuda all garbage is burned and as such, an increase in cost for food should not be encouraged, as a result of the higher cost of these ‘environmentally friendly’ take out items which most do not manage well or stand up well with takeout foods.
Thank you for your consideration as I’m sure that you have all experienced what I have pointed out. As for the phase out. Of the products for food takeout, should you wish to continue with that. It should be banned from point of import as of a specific date and whatever people have should be reused, used, and stocks depleted without the import there can be no new additions and no additional requirements to enforce the legislation. I acknowledge that should a company order a years supply and delay implementation, it is an acceptable allowance; as stock can only be depleted.
Going above and beyond what is required, will have the same impact as the sugar tax increasing prices and providing retailers with an excuse to increase prices on items. As the majority resent the sugar tax as a result of the vast majority being impacted financially and the upper class thinking it is a brilliant idea. Sustainability must be acknowledged for all, the wealthy and the poor.
