In an interview with Birinchi Radio, Aizhan Chynybaeva, president of the Eco Demi Foundation and ambassador of World Cleanliness Day, spoke about the issues related to plastic bags, their disposal, and measures to limit their use in the Issyk-Kul region.
She emphasized that while restrictions on the use of plastic bags are necessary, their implementation in practice poses significant challenges. In her opinion, the real problem is not the bags themselves, but their disposal. Chynybaeva explained that some bulk products, such as rice, sugar, or salt, are difficult to package in paper bags, making the search for alternative solutions labor-intensive.
Chynybaeva also highlighted that the measures introduced are aimed at changing consumer habits. “The country's leadership is striving to change people's mentality. Previously, plastic bags were given out in all stores without restrictions, even for small purchases, such as chewing gum. Now, customers are asked if they need a bag and if they are willing to pay for it. This, in turn, contributes to a reduction in their consumption,” she noted.
According to her, such measures help to raise awareness of the harm caused by the uncontrolled use of plastic bags. Chynybaeva also mentioned that microplastics are already being found in the human body. She observed that plastic bags are no longer as widely used in stores in the Issyk-Kul region.
The president of the Eco Demi Foundation also reported that by the end of this year, two factories are planned to be built in the Issyk-Kul region, where plastic bags will be disposed of, preventing their accumulation in landfills. In her opinion, this is an important step in addressing the environmental problem associated with the use of bags.
Additionally, she reminded about the launch of one of the best waste recycling plants in Bishkek, built using Chinese technology. Chynybaeva noted that it would be ideal to organize separate collection of plastic bags and other waste; however, current conditions do not allow for this to be implemented quickly.
She also clarified that previously there were 88 official landfills in the region where residents of Issyk-Kul could dispose of waste without any fines. Now their number has been reduced to 10. This means that waste will no longer accumulate for years but will be collected in designated places and sent to two locations on the northern and southern shores of the lake, where waste incineration plants will be built.
“These measures will help significantly reduce the amount of waste and even assist in electricity production. I hope for their effectiveness. We have no other choice. If we look at the operations of workshops in Issyk-Kul, washing plastic bags requires a lot of water, so burning them for electricity seems more rational,” concluded Chynybaeva.
