By Breaking Belize News Staff (HP): A coalition of 37 local and national Belizean organizations and businesses has delivered a formal letter to the Government, calling for a phased national ban on single-use plastic water pouches, commonly known as “shilling wata.”
The letter, submitted to the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Solid Waste Management and the Department of the Environment, urges the Government to establish a transparent three-year transition plan. The goal is to eliminate the production, importation, distribution, and sale of single-use water pouches, while supporting a shift toward more sustainable alternatives.
According to the organizations, water pouches have become one of the most visible and persistent forms of plastic pollution in the country. They are routinely found on streets, school grounds, in drains and waterways, along beaches, and even in marine ecosystems. Because the pouches are made from low-density plastic that is not recyclable through existing systems, they often escape waste collection and contribute to long-term environmental contamination.
“Single-use water pouches have become a symbol of Belize’s growing plastic waste challenge,” said Alejandra Pedraza L., a local agricultural consultant. “They are inexpensive to purchase, but their environmental costs are borne by communities, taxpayers, and future generations.”
The coalition’s proposal outlines a step-by-step approach. It would begin with restrictions on government procurement and the use of water pouches at government-sponsored events, followed by a ban in schools, and culminating in a nationwide prohibition within three years.
The organizations also stressed that affordable alternatives already exist. Refillable water systems, water refill stations, and reusable containers, they say, offer a cost-effective and environmentally responsible way to provide cool, fresh drinking water while cutting plastic waste.
“Improving access to refillable drinking water systems is one of the most affordable solutions available,” said Paulita Bennett-Martin of Sea of Life. “Rather than continuing to generate millions of disposable plastic pouches each year, Belize can invest in systems that provide safe, cool drinking water while reducing litter and protecting our rivers, reefs, and communities.”
The coalition pointed out that many countries have successfully banned similar single-use plastic products, and believes Belize has an opportunity to show regional leadership by focusing on one specific issue. The organizations expressed appreciation for the Ministry’s ongoing work on waste management and plastic pollution, and indicated their willingness to support public education, stakeholder engagement, and implementation as the country moves toward more sustainable drinking water solutions.
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By Breaking Belize News Staff (HP): A coalition of 37 local and national Belizean organizations and businesses has delivered a formal letter to the Government, calling for a phased national ban on single-use plastic water pouches, commonly known as “shilling wata.” The letter, submitted to the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Solid Waste
The post Belize urged to phase out “shilling wata” over plastic pollution appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.