By the Caribbean Journal staff

In a bid to continue to position itself as one of the world’s most green-focused countries, Guyana has announced plans to ban the importation and use of styrofoam.

The ban will take effect on Jan. 1, 2016, according to a government statement.

Guyana’s Department of Natural Resources and the Environment has already begun implementing a serious measures to address waste management and promote biodegradable materials, and the country’s Cabinet has been granted approval for immediate development of a legal framework to implement the ban on the importation and use of polystyrene foam products.

“It is hoped that this initiative will see a significant reduction in the effects of polystyrene foam products on solid waste management in Guyana and its negative impact on the environment, while leading to the further development of new enterprises in the alternatives sector,” the government said. “With the ban, Guyana will become one of few countries in the world to ban the product.”

In Guyana, styrofoam waste makes up about 2-5 percent of the waste stream, primarily used in the food service industry.