A Healthy Environment is a Human Right in Mexico
Mayor Víctor Báez Ceja recently announced that Pátzcuaro will be the first city in the state of Michoacán to prohibit the use of plastic bags, straws, Styrofoam, and single-use plastic bags and products that are not biodegradable.
The Mexican Constitution recognizes the legal right of human beings to have a healthy environment. Thus, this new city regulation follow this goal. The Mayor said that the new regulation aims to reduce the generations of solid wastes; to raise awareness among citizens about the damage that occurs; and, to inform the public about the care and conservation of the environment.
The implementation of this new regulation with be on a staggered timetable to minimize any negative impact on the businesses and the economy of the individuals that have activities in the plastic industry. By March 31 of this year, the city calls for a 40 percent reduction in the use of plastic containers and all the polymers derived from petroleum. By June 30, the regulation call for the reduction of these products by 70 percent; and by September 30, it should reach 100 percent.
Translated from:
Pátzcuaro Noticias, February 26, 2019.
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