Following the recent ban on use of styrofoam packs and other single-use plastics by the Lagos State Government, Chicken Republic, a Nigerian fast-food franchise, says it would no longer use styrofoam packs for both walk-in and online orders from customers in the state.
Going forward, the restaurant has asked its customers to bring their reusable food containers when coming to purchase food, noting that there will be extra charges for plastic takeaway packs.
The Lagos State Government had on Sunday banned the use and distribution of styrofoam and other single use plastics in the state with immediate effect.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab who announced the ban directed the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) to immediately commence implementation of the ban.
recycled paper products are best alternative. Paper recycling saves trees and contributes to an overall savings
The decision, according to him was reached following the menace, which the single use plastics especially the non-biodegradable styrofoam was causing on the environment.
Though, styrofoam has over time gained popularity in the food service and packaging industries because of its insulating properties but experts believe that the cost of this convenience far outweighs any benefit.
Scientists also believe that the manufacturing of foam containers is harmful to humans and wildlife, creates environmental litter that is costly and difficult to clean up, and is simply not environmentally sustainable. Styrofoams made from Polystyrene never fully biodegrades because of it’s resistant to photolysis. It lasts virtually forever.
Food Concepts PLC, the restaurant’s parent company in a statement commended the state government’s decision to protect the environment by banning the use styrofoam.
“Effective immediately, all our outlets in Lagos will commence the transition from use of styrofoam packs for both walk-in and online orders. We encourage our citizens across the state to bring their own reusable food containers. In line with our commitment to sustainability, we will henceforth charge for reusable plastic takeaway containers.
“We are also actively working towards reducing our overall plastic footprint. We apologise for any inconvenience that might be experienced during this adaptation to eco-friendly, sustainable options.” the statement reads in part.
According to sciencing.com, styrofoam is a major environmental problem as the world produces tons of it each year. Washington University states that styrofoam takes 500years to decompose; as such, it cannot be recycled. So, the styrofoam cups or plates dumped in landfills are there to stay.
Lagos state, an energetic city with over 20million population is the economic hub of Nigeria and one of the world’s fastest growing megacities but this rapid growth has a downside with high rate of pollution.
The State is said to generate over 13,000 metric tonnes of refuse on a daily basis. Unfortunately, not all of the wastes end at designated dump sites as some end up in canals, drainages, and on the roads.
What’s the alternative to styrofoam?
According to Earth Resource Foundation, the solution to the styrofoam problem is finding and using alternative materials.
The Foundation identified recycled paper products as the best alternative, noting that paper recycling saves trees and contributes to an overall savings when compared to Styrofoam. Paper products, it says, are biodegradable and non-toxic to the environment as they are easily recycled, good for shipping and product packaging.
