The Dominican Republic joined efforts to rethink the development of a fairer and more sustainable economy for producers that promotes the protection of the Caribbean seas, through the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, the Central American Commission on Environment and Development of the Integration System Central American (CCAD) and the Association of Industries of the Dominican Republic (AIRD)
In a meeting held on March 24 under the name “It’s Time to REPink” issues about the extended responsibility of the producer (REP), a scheme within the Comprehensive Solid Waste Management (GIRS), whose main objective is the reduction of waste, as well as the reduction of the consumption of natural and economic resources and the eco-design of products, with the aim of reducing the impact of industry and the economy on natural ecosystems.
The activity was attended by more than 100 participants in face-to-face mode and about 300 from virtuality, according to a statement.
In addition to exposing and promoting the good experiences of public institutions and the private sector on topics such as REP, ecodesign, innovative business models in recycling, redesign and reuse of plastic, the meeting aimed to encourage companies to make the transition towards circularity, which seeks to raise awareness of the importance of efficient resource management and the elimination and/or use of plastic alternatives, such as paper, biodegradable or compostable, that reduce the impact on nature, human health and also benefit Business.
The industrial sector represents an important pillar in the Dominican economy, so it is necessary to strengthen the current production structures towards a more participatory dialogue based on collective solutions.
The circular economy adds benefits and invites us to position ourselves as part of the solutions, given this debt that must go from the origin of the product to the grave with its proper final disposal.
The eco-design of products with recycled material is essential to prevent environmental impacts and reduce the consumption of resources associated with the product life cycle, paving the way towards more sustainable and responsible production and consumption.
In the Dominican Republic they generate about 88, 000 tons of plastic waste per yearof which only about 22,000 are managed, leaving the rest polluting the environment, the seas and rivers.
The activity was carried out as part of the Caribe Circular project, financed by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the European Union, and PROMAR, financed by the German Ministry of the Environment, both of which promote the circular economy and the prevention of plastic waste.