REGULATING SINGLE-USE PLASTICS IN BERMUDA: Policy paper for public consultation
Single-use plastics facts:
- Single-use plastics comprise over half of the total worldwide production of plastic. Plastic production requires the use of non-renewable fossil fuels which contributes directly to the global warming crisis
- Single-use plastics are the top ten most common items found in international coastal clean-up efforts. Around 8 million metric tonnes of plastic are dumped into the oceans each year and recent estimates are that by 2025 some 250 million metric tons of plastic may be released to the marine environment
- Single-use plastics pose a very real danger to human health, particularly when they enter the ocean’s food chain - especially in the form of micro-plastics - which threatens our food security
The Bermuda Government invites the public to participate in a public consultation of the recently published policy paper on plans to legislate single-use plastics in Bermuda.
Phases
Analysis of Feedback
The Bermuda Government published the policy paper “REGULATING SINGLE-USE PLASTICS IN BERMUDA: Policy paper for public consultation” in August 2021. The general public of Bermuda was asked to provide feedback on the paper and the proposals contained therein over a two month period from 1st September 2021 to 31st October 2021 on the Government of Bermuda’s Citizen’s Forum website (www.forum.gov.bm).1 The majority of responses for feedback to the consultation paper were received on the government website, however four additional responses were submitted to the Ministry of Home Affairs which were accepted up to and including January 2022.
During the consultation period in September and October and into November 2021, five public information talks were also held. These were in conjunction with the Bermuda National Trust (BNT), Keep Bermuda Beautiful (KBB), the Chamber of Commerce (ChoC) and Beyond Plastic (BP). These talks were co-presented by a representative from the Ministry of Home Affairs Headquarters and one from the Ministry of Public Works.2 The policy paper was presented alongside a brief history of plastic and the role of the Ministry of Public Works Waste Management Department. Participants were also able to ask questions, make comments and seek further information. The Minster of Home Affairs also appeared on a radio interview3 and the Department of Communications launched a social media campaign on top tips for reducing single-use plastic (SUP) usage.
This analysis does not address the questions and feedback that were received orally at any of the public presentations nor during the radio talk show. The analysis is on the written submissions made on the forum webpage and sent directly to the Ministry.