The city government once again enjoins all establishments in Zamboanga to cease the use of non-biodegradable plastic bags and to encourage residents to use alternative bagging materials that are environmentally friendly on weekends.

This after the Office of the City Environment and Natural Resources (OCENR) has observed that only a small number of commercial establishments are still complying with the local government’s “No Plastics Policy” on Saturdays and Sundays.

To recall, the city government has ordered the ban on the use of non-biodegradable plastic sando bags in Zamboanga through the issuance of Executive Order No. BC 453-2019 on February 13, 2019.

The ban also covers the market stall owners, ambulant vendors and residents.

The move was made as part of the local government’s solid waste management initiative and its efforts to conserve marine biodiversity in the city’s seas and rivers.

Non-biodegradable plastic bags remain among the top pollutants in Zamboanga. (Sheila Covarrubias)