By Patricia Keamo – EMTV News, Port Moresby
Coinciding with the World Environment Day, the Brian Bell group of companies announced a total ban on usage of plastic bags in their Homecentre Divisions nationwide. Brian Bell CEO, Cameron Mackellar, said the company saw this as their environmental obligation to help reduce the use of plastic bags. This initiative according to Mackeller was born following conversation and initiative from the government 12 months ago for legislation against the use of plastic bags.
Former Minister for Environment and Conservation, John Pundari, acknowledged Brian Bell for imposing the ban without even asking the Government for tax incentives.
Brian Bell’s ban on the use of plastic bags started today as customers were seen coming out of the shop with their purchases in the new Brian Bell paper bags. This change to a plastic free organisation is said to be a milestone and other corporate entities are urged to follow this course.
Most of the plastic bags disposed eventually end up in the rivers and are washed down to the sea where it has a huge impact on the marine life and environment in the coast.
Given the impact on environment, Chairman of Brian Bell Group, Ian Clough, said they have decided to take the lead to reduce plastic bags. He also encouraged the customers to find alternate ways like bringing bags or bilums to pack items.
