A campaign against plastic bags was held in the TRNC to mark World Environment Day

As part of events held to mark World Environment Day, observed on June 5, staff of the Department of Environmental Protection under the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, Youth and Environment carried out a large-scale awareness campaign during which they handed out reusable cloth bags and informational brochures free of charge to citizens in order to draw attention to the negative impact of plastic bags on the ecosystem and raise public awareness. Plastic waste, which has become one of the main consequences of rapid industrialization, continues to pose a serious threat to wildlife, as ordinary nylon bags cause enormous harm at every stage — from production to disposal.

Experts emphasize that when polyethylene bags are burned, they release dangerous gases that lead to atmospheric pollution, while plastic discarded in nature does not decompose for many years, poisoning land and water resources. In addition, plastic waste left in forested areas absorbs sunlight, causing a local rise in temperature and significantly increasing the risk of fires. The situation is worsened by the fact that it takes about 400 years for a bag made from a petroleum derivative — polyethylene — to completely break down in the marine environment, and this period reaches 800 years on land, and throughout this time the harmful substances released destroy the ecological balance.

The organizers of the campaign from the Department of Environmental Protection noted that this initiative is part of long-term efforts to build an environmental culture on the island. The authorities are calling on the public to actively отказаться from single-use plastic, adopt sustainable everyday habits and use reusable eco-bags, which is crucial for protecting the environment.