A ban on the sale of plastic bags and foam containers came into effect in Haiti today.
In August, Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe announced the government's plans to ban the importation, manufacturing, and marketing of plastic bags made of polyethylene, as well as foam cups, plates, and other food containers.
Customs officials can now confiscate the bags and Styrofoam boxes if they seize them on the border between Haiti and the neighbouring Dominican Republic, which is where the items are largely imported from.
Mr. Lamonthe says the move aims to help clear some of the litter in the capital, Port-au-Prince, which clogs drainage channels critical to preventing flooding.
He added that importing and manufacturing bio-degradable items will benefit Haiti's short and long-term environmental interests.
However, it's unclear if violators of the ban will face any penalties, as many Haitians make a living by selling the bags and boxes on the streets.
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