Or Tor Kor market bans styrofoam containers, plastic bags

BANGKOK, June 1 (TNA) – The Or Tor Kor market, owned by the Marketing Organization for Farmers bans styrofoam containers and plastic bags in a pilot campaign to save the environment. The Department of Environmental Quality Promotion launched an awareness campaign for the World Environment Day, observed on June 5 to reduce plastic garbage. Under the campaign, Or Tor Kor will be the first plastic-free market. Sellers will find other materials to replace plastic bags and styrofoam containers. Customers are urged to use baskets and cloth bags to go shopping at the Or Tor Kor market. The cooperation will be extended to other markets to reduce plastic waste. Environment Minister Gen Surasak Kanjanarat said that plastic waste is the big issue and it has much impact on the environment. It pollutes the ocean and affects marine animals. In the past ten years, plastic garbage accounted for 12 per cent of all waste or about two million tonnes per year. About 500,000 tonnes of plastic litter was reused. In 2016, plastic waste amounted to 3.2 million tonnes. The United Nations Environment Programme reported 500 billion plastic bags are used each year around the globe. Half of these bags are single-use plastic, contributing to the environmental problem. (TNA)