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As Bahrain’s ban on single-use plastic bags is all set to take effect, we should recognise this as more than just an environmental regulation. It is a statement of intent about the kind of country we want to be.
For years, plastic bags have clogged our beaches, choked storm drains and littered the desert. They are a modern problem imposed on an ancient landscape. The sight of a camel mistaking a fluttering bag for food is not just tragic – it is avoidable.
This ban signals that Bahrain is serious about tackling waste at its source. Phasing out the most visible, unnecessary plastic is the right place to start. It pushes businesses and consumers towards reusable alternatives that already exist: cloth totes, paper bags and biodegradable options. The adjustment may feel inconvenient for a week, but habits change quickly when policy is clear.
However, a bag ban alone will not solve our plastic crisis. Bottles, cutlery, food containers and packaging still dominate our landfills and sea. The next phase should target these items, paired with investment in recycling infrastructure and public education. Enforcement must be consistent across all governorates so small shops aren’t penalised while large retailers adapt slowly.
We also need community support. Schools, mosques and social media influencers can normalise bringing your own bag the way we’ve normalised carrying a phone. Municipalities can ensure affordable alternatives are widely available, so the ban doesn’t become a hidden tax on families.
Bahrain’s economy has always thrived on its environment – from pearling to tourism. Protecting our shores and desert is not anti-business; it is pro-Bahrain. The single-use plastic bag ban is a modest but meaningful start. Let’s build on it with urgency and unity.
The sea that gave us our heritage deserves better than to be lined with plastic. This move helps us give it that.
Mohammed Javed
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