Fiji has made significant strides in reducing plastic waste, achieving an impressive 97% decrease in plastic bag consumption since the implementation of a plastic bag levy in 2017. However, this environmental success has come at a considerable financial cost.
The levy, originally set at 10 cents per plastic bag, saw various increases over the years—ramping up to 50 cents by January 2020. Despite the sharp decline in plastic bag usage, with numbers plummeting from 14 million bags in 2017 to just 400,000 by 2023, the revenue generated from the levy has sharply fallen by 85%, leading to an estimated loss of $19 million. Data from the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) indicates that revenue peaked at $7.3 million in 2019 but dropped to just $202,495 by 2023.
FRCS CEO Udit Singh highlighted that while the reduction in plastic bag usage marks a notable environmental achievement, it also points to the significant financial ramifications of the initiative. Legislative changes and increasing the levy were key strategies in discouraging plastic usage, culminating in the repeal of the Environment and Climate Adaptation Levy (ECAL) Act in August 2022.
Despite the challenges in revenue, the focus on sustainable practices is strong in Fiji. Singh emphasized the country’s commitment to diminishing reliance on single-use plastics and promoting eco-friendly alternatives.
In summary, Fiji’s journey toward sustainability demonstrates a long-term vision for environmental protection, notwithstanding the immediate economic impact. This commitment illustrates that positive change can initiate from policies aimed at protecting the planet, inspiring hope for a cleaner future.
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