The Styrofoam ban in Lagos

Lagos state government has just banned restaurants, food spots and shops in Lagos from selling food in Styrofoam products on the claim that drainages are being blocked and streets are being flooded due to Styrofoam pollution. Punch reports that Lagos grapples with poor hygiene behaviors and indiscriminate waste disposal habits by residents causing Lagos to generates 870,000 tones of plastic and loses N7 billion annually managing waste. You are probably wondering what this has to do with you or if this news would be in effect, I think it would. In the last few days, restaurants like Chicken Republic, The Place have sort to find alternative to their take out pattern. If you didn’t know, these restaurants use the styrofoam pack for their affordable meals (Chicken Republic – Refuel and The Place – Combo pack). What then would be the alternative?

Although Cable and Cable reported that Chicken republic said we are to bring our plates to make food purchase (sounds funny to me).

The statement reads – “We encourage our citizens across the state to bring their own reusable food containers. In line with our commitment to sustainability, we will charge for reusable plastic takeaway containers henceforth. “We are also actively working towards reducing our overall plastic footprint. We apologies for any inconvenience during this adaptation to eco-friendly, sustainable options.” I wonder if this would be sustainable, I also find myself thinking about the road sides food vendors, do they know this news? What would be their alternative? Wouldn’t plastic plates be too costly for average Nigerians? Tell me, what are your thoughts?

Image from JSTOR Daily

Here are some of the questions I have in my head and some answers I have given to myself, please read and tell me what you think. I mean, I am a Foodie in Lagos; this news is a concern for me.

What happens to those whose shops are packed with Styrofoam?

That’s a critical question, would they be disposing the styrofoams, burning them or something, Or maybe they can do some home DIY decoration with them or ship them out of Lagos to sell. In real sense? This might get ugly.

Would we be back to the era of buying food in nylon?

I cannot imagine an era with nylon in white rice. Although those were the good old days, the world is just too modern for that drama. Maybe, just maybe, Lagos restaurants are about to get innovative with pack and refuel package is about to get pricey. (Eissh)

Are you game for taking your plate to restaurants? Lol!!

This would just be so funny, what would it be? I have a joke to make. Lagos bachelors would have no problems, their houses are filled with take out plates.

Are you team “we will adjust” to this styrofoam ban?

I mean, that’s the usual in Lagos, we will adjust or let’s see how it goes.

Tell me your thoughts in the comments, I really would love to know your opinion. Until we meet again to catch up on some local news, take out time to catch up with reviews.

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