Ban disposable plastic - reusable cups and trays the norm
An inspiring example from Costa Rica
The problem of disposable plastic
Plastic pollution is one of the greatest environmental threats of our time. Plastic is light, flexible, water-resistant and cheap, making it indispensable in many aspects of daily life. However, the adverse effects on our oceans and ecosystems are enormous. Disposable plastics, such as straws, bags and cups, contribute to this pollution and are a major problem because they are quickly discarded after single use.
Legislation against disposable plastic in Costa Rica
On April 20, 2024, a new law went into effect in Costa Rica banning the sale and free distribution of disposable plastic throughout the country. This law, approved in 2021, targets products such as plastic straws, plates and cups. The Ministry of Health indicated that Costa Rica produces about 60 tons of waste of this material every day. The law also bans the use of plastic bags in supermarkets, with exceptions for reusable and biodegradable bags.
Collaboration for sustainability
To achieve these ambitious goals, cooperation between the public and private sectors is crucial. The Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Environment and Energy are working with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and local governments to provide technical and financial support. This initiative also requires the involvement of citizens, businesses and institutions to participate in voluntary actions and progress reports.
Innovative projects such as DONATAPA
One notable initiative contributing to the fight against plastic pollution is the DONATAPA project, presented by the Costa Rican Network of Accessible Tourism. This project focuses on collecting plastic waste and converting it into valuable resources such as wooden plastic walkways and amphibious chairs for accessible beaches. The project has already collected more than 185 tons of plastic and constructed 477 meters of walkways, demonstrating that innovative solutions are possible.
Challenges to a plastic-free future
While the strides Costa Rica has made are impressive, the challenge remains great. The transformation to a society free of disposable plastics requires ongoing awareness, education and infrastructure improvement efforts. Experience shows that a gradual change in cultural attitudes toward the environment is essential. In addition, clear guidelines and technical specifications are needed for companies to make the transition to reusable packaging without incurring economic losses. This requires effective communication and cooperation with agencies.
Retulp's contribution to sustainability
At Retulp, we actively support these sustainable initiatives and encourage everyone to make conscious choices that contribute to a better world. We strongly believe in the importance of sustainability and environmental protection, which is why we have designed a wide range of reusable products against disposable plastic. Our reusable water bottles, thermos cups and bags are perfect for everyday use and help drastically reduce plastic waste.
