The Ministry of Environment is urging supermarkets in Phnom Penh to replace plastic bags with reusable mesh bags in an effort to curb plastic waste and its impact on public health and the environment.
Supermarkets to Introduce Mesh Bags
On Monday, March 3, Ministry Undersecretary of State Meas Chanthyda led a meeting to discuss the initiative, which will initially be implemented in Phnom Penh’s supermarkets. The focus is on replacing single-use plastic bags in the fruit and vegetable sections with durable and eco-friendly mesh alternatives.
The meeting included representatives from major supermarkets such as Lucky Market, Makro Cambodia, Bayon, Thai Huot, and Big C, along with officials from the German Development Cooperation (GIZ). Discussions centered on gathering feedback, fostering collaboration, and ensuring supermarket participation before officially launching the initiative.
Benefits of Mesh Bags
“Mesh bags can be reused multiple times. They are lightweight, transparent, and strong—an ideal alternative to plastic. This initiative is part of the ‘Today, I Will Not Use Plastic’ campaign, which will contribute to environmental sustainability,” the ministry stated.
A GIZ representative presented the advantages of mesh bags, highlighting their practicality and the benefits they offer to supermarkets. The ministry noted that supermarket representatives showed interest in the proposal and will discuss further implementation with their teams.
Phnom Penh’s Plastic Waste Challenge
Phnom Penh generates between 3,000 and 5,000 tonnes of waste daily, with plastic bags accounting for approximately 20% of the total waste.
To address this growing problem, the Ministry of Environment has launched several campaigns:
- “Today, I Will Not Use Plastic” – Introduced in September 2023 to promote plastic alternatives and enhance public awareness.
- “Clean Cambodia, Khmer Can Do” – Launched in May 2024 to further encourage responsible waste management.
- “Plastic-Free National Roads” – Set to begin in early 2025, focusing on reducing plastic waste along highways.
The ministry aims for at least 80% of Phnom Penh residents to commit to reducing their plastic bag usage by the end of 2025.
Minister Calls for Responsible Waste Disposal
At the Mangrove Peace Festival in Koh Kong province last weekend, Minister of Environment Eang Sophalleth called on the public to reduce plastic use to prevent environmental pollution.
He urged attendees to dispose of waste responsibly and consider establishing plastic banks for collection and resale—an initiative that could create additional income for local communities.
Additionally, the ministry is studying the use of solar-powered waste incinerators to manage plastic waste sustainably. Sophalleth also warned against burning plastic in open areas, emphasizing the health and environmental hazards it poses.
With these efforts, Phnom Penh is taking significant steps toward a cleaner and more sustainable future.
