Polythene politics

By Dilrukshi Handunnetti

Election fever has hit us again. While the masses continue to act like disinterested spectators to a drama they would rather not watch, election hype still thrives.

The theatre of action (or warfare) has simply shifted to the Wayamba Province with violence and breaches of the law on the rise. Travel across Puttalam and Kurunegala, and one could see the area swathed in blue, green and occasionally red. Welcome to the world of polythene buntings, streamers, wall decor and banners- and damn the consequences.

During a brief visit to Anamaduwa, we saw a sea of blue. In other areas - all festooned with gay decor, the predominant colour was blue with faces of those suddenly catapulted to national prominence grinning from walls.

Right in the middle of Anamaduwa town stands the clock tower with a politician's smiling face adorning it. Closer to it, polythene in all shades of blue with the painted picture of the politician's wife is visible- all part of the Wayamba theatrics.

Miles away, zealous greens have their office premises and the streets are covered with green streams that sway in the breeze. All very alluring and inspiring to the voting public.

As campaign fever increased, so did the number of vehicles used by candidates and supporters, all draped in their particular colours. To be fair, the red touches were minimum. You would be lucky to see at least parts of these campaigning vehicles. Windscreens and shutters were almost invisible, masked by polythene or cloth. And yes, as one candidate announced, polythene was cheap unlike cloth, hence its widespread use during election time. In any case, who wants to be environment friendly when the issue is gaining power to serve us- the voters?

Why is polythene such a popular material, especially during electioneering? True enough, polythene is relatively cheap, and decorations are necessary in the whole drama of electioneering. While the UNP has not adopted an anti-polythene stance, its candidates have been instructed to have minimum decor- for such things do not bring votes.

What is obvious is that both main parties have decorated streets, private and public premises, party offices, vehicles and the like using polythene. As one PA MP who requested anonymity said- it is a necessary evil, if only to pep up the scene and get the slumbering voters activated!

According to him, polythene decorations were the most popular mode of indicating the venue of public meetings, and being cheaper, polythene was sought after. And if decor and a few hand bills were considered election law violations, it was best that no elections were held, quipped he.

But the tragic truth is that most people are aware, thanks to an intense campaign by environmentalists, that polythene is hazardous and does not decay. It affects the environment and we might have to learn to live with the consequences in the immediate future. This means, we are going to have more trouble with our garbage and refuse.

During the votes of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry last December, Minister Nandimitra Ekanayake called for the ban on polythene decorations and an effective reduction of its use before that. The Minister also made a passionate appeal to the public and wrote personally to environmentalists and concerned parties to promote his thinking.

But Wariyapola in the Wayamba province, the electorate which is currently under his purview, is a sea of blue polythene. With more elections in the offing, one dreads to think the 'polythene consequences' of future polls.

According to Surath Ranawaka of the "Dumbara Surakinno", despite the awareness campaigns, people still use polythene and plastic in excess. This, perhaps was owing to the durability of the product and it being easily accessible, he noted.

Mrs. Rupavathi Jayasena (46) a housewife from Wariyapola said the public was unaware of the disadvantages of using polythene.

" If there are better and affordable substitutes, people would probably go for them. Everytime we shop, we are given 'sili sili' bags or elegant plastic or polythene shopping bags. If boutiques and shops were more careful, invariably the buyers will also choose other options," she said.

According to a spokesman from the Election Commissioner's Department, banners, posters and the like all contravened the election laws in the country.But such decor has also been part of our political culture and tolerated by the public as long as there was no interference in public life.

It was legally required that permission be sought from the respective local authority prior to putting up banners and posters supportive of a political campaign. Otherwise, they could be removed. In such notices, it was legally required to indicate the receipt number in a corner- as proof of receiving such permission. As our representatives go at each others' throats at each election, perhaps the best examples could come from the legislators themselves by making a public appeal to reduce using polythene based products.

People don't know of recycling

Environmentalist/ lawyer Jagath Gunawardene suggests the reuse of any polythene product, and the promotion of more eco- friendly products such as cloth, paper-bags etc; at affordable prices. He also calls for a national programme of collecting and recycling polythene. Perhaps, then, we could hope for a polythenefree society.

Environmental activist Dr. Ajantha Perera says polythene can be recycled locally. "Contrary to popular belief, polythene can be recycled and Sri Lanka even has the necessary technology to do it locally. It is just that people are still unaware of the existence of a recycling industry."

"Polythenes are not prone to bio-degradation, so will not break down and be absorbed. Eventually, polythene will remain in the soil and render any rich soil infertile. The repercussions are many. Roots cannot go through polythene, and it effectively blocks water seeping in, so plant life would be adversely affected.

"People should be educated on what to collect and where to sell it, and there has to be a government back up programme for this- because this would become an enormous environmental issue unless steps are taken immediately."

She suggests the recognition of recycling of plastics as a national policy. In addition, collection should be done in an organized manner, and be promoted as it helps improve the economy of the collectors.

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