The Marshall Islands Conservation Society (MICS) recognises that as human beings, we cannot enjoy our rights to food, water, health, and housing in a degrading environment.

Thanks to support from the Pacific Community’s (SPC) Pacific People Advancing Change (PPAC) micro grant for Advocacy Coalition, we are proud to announce the continuation of the “Einwot Juon” Campaign in 2021. The project begins implementation this month and will continue through June 2022.

As part of its ongoing efforts to reduce the use of single-use plastic items in the Republic Marshall Islands (RMI), the Majuro and Ebeye Coalitions embarked on a rigorous campaign earlier this year to seek support from the communities in Majuro and Ebeye to sign a petition supporting the ‘Einwot Juon’ Campaign. 

With over 1000 signatures collected, the Coalition, working closely with the Office of the President and the RMI Environmental Protection Authority, awaits the introduction of the amended legislation on Styrofoam and Plastic Products (styrofoam plates, cups, plastic shopping bags and now, utensils) in the Nitijela. 

“While policies will be developed at the local level to address those who may need to use these utensils at the hospital or restaurant, the first step is to get the Nitijela to approve the amendments,” says Broderick Menke, a member of the Majuro Coalition.

With increased traction of the “Einwot Juon” campaign, our traditional leaders have requested the Coalition to include children’s single-use disposal diapers in prohibition efforts. MICS will pilot this on two outer island atoll communities where there are no adequate waste processing facilities.  These two sites will be Likiep and Wotho where MICS has been actively engaged with for the development of Integrated Resource Management Plans under the Ridge to Reef Project. 

“Ba Einwot Juon” to disposable items and use reusable products and metal forks and spoons instead. You can support businesses that provide these alternative products and let them know you appreciate their concern for our environment. You can also pledge your support for a plastic-free RMI. You can find more updates and activities on the Einwot Juon Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/einwotjuon). Join our movement and “Ba Einwot Juon!”

This story was published at SPC on 13 September 2021, reposted via PACNEWS.