Oman has imposed a complete ban on the use of plastic shopping bags at the start of the new year.
Single-use plastic bags will be banned in the Sultanate of Oman from the beginning of 2021.
In a statement released by the Environment Authority, it has been said that this decision has been taken to improve the environment in the Sultanate.
According to the statement, this decision to ban single-use plastic shopping bags in the Sultanate will be implemented from January 1, 2021.
The statement also warned citizens of the Sultanate regarding the implementation of the ban, asking the authority, ‘Are you ready?’
It should be noted that millions of shopping bags are used in Oman every year, which harms the aquatic life, besides these plastic bags also cause environmental pollution.
Oman’s Department of Environment has also opened Dynamite Island to the public since November 1, after it was closed in April, after which public access was banned from early May to October.
Entry restrictions were imposed by the government due to the breeding of fish, sea creatures and turtles due to pollution caused by tourist arrivals which harmed the aquatic life.
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**Interview with Dr. Fatima Al-Harthy, Environmental Policy Expert**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Al-Harthy. Oman has recently imposed a complete ban on single-use plastic shopping bags starting January 1, 2021. Can you tell us why this decision is significant for the environment in Oman?
**Dr. Al-Harthy:** Thank you for having me. The ban on single-use plastic bags is a crucial step toward environmental sustainability in Oman. Every year, millions of these bags contribute to pollution, particularly impacting our marine ecosystems. With this ban, we aim to reduce plastic waste and protect aquatic life, which is vital for our biodiversity.
**Editor:** The Environment Authority has asked citizens, “Are you ready?” in light of this ban. Do you think the community is prepared to adapt to this change?
**Dr. Al-Harthy:** Change can be challenging, especially when it involves altering daily habits. While there is growing awareness about environmental issues, some may resist because they are accustomed to the convenience of plastic bags. Public education and alternative solutions will be key in facilitating this transition.
**Editor:** Speaking of alternatives, what suggestions would you offer to those who rely on plastic shopping bags for convenience?
**Dr. Al-Harthy:** There are several eco-friendly alternatives, such as reusable cloth bags or biodegradable options. Communities could also promote local initiatives to provide these alternatives at a lower cost. It’s about finding a balance between convenience and responsibility toward our environment.
**Editor:** some critics argue that this ban might inconvenience shoppers who rely on plastic bags for their groceries. What would you say to them to foster a more constructive debate about this policy?
**Dr. Al-Harthy:** I understand the concerns about convenience, but we must consider the long-term benefits of this ban. The environmental impact of not acting far outweighs the temporary inconvenience. We encourage readers to think critically: Is a slight inconvenience today worth preventing irreversible damage to our planet for future generations? This is a conversation worth having.