The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has intensified public education in Atebubu to prepare traders, food vendors and consumers for the ban on styrofoam products, which takes effect on January 1, 2027.
The EPA Atebubu Area Office conducted a sensitisation exercise on October 30 at the Atebubu Lorry Park and major market centres, targeting market women, food vendors, retailers of styrofoam products and the general public.
The exercise, led by the Area Head, Kwadwo Opoku-Mensah, focused on the environmental and public health concerns associated with styrofoam products and the need for businesses and consumers to adopt alternative packaging materials before the ban takes effect.
The EPA highlighted the persistence of styrofoam waste in the environment, its contribution to blocked gutters and drainage channels, and the potential for discarded materials to collect stagnant water and create mosquito breeding grounds.
The officers also discussed concerns about environmental pollution, possible chemical exposure and the effects of discarded styrofoam materials on agricultural productivity.
During the engagement, a farmer raised concerns about styrofoam waste accumulating on farmlands, saying the materials resurface during ploughing and reportedly interfere with seed germination and crop establishment.
As part of the campaign, the EPA distributed branded aprons to selected retailers and food vendors and introduced alternatives such as reusable food containers, paper-based packaging, biodegradable packs made from sugarcane fibre and suitable plant-based materials, including leaves.
The sensitisation exercise also received support from some traders, with retailers indicating their willingness to transition to alternative packaging businesses. Some reportedly described their existing stock as their last purchases of styrofoam products.
The EPA Atebubu Area Office said it would continue public education through radio programmes, information centres, festivals, stakeholder meetings and other community engagement activities to encourage compliance ahead of the January 2027 deadline.
The Authority has urged businesses, consumers and other stakeholders to support the transition away from styrofoam products and embrace environmentally sustainable packaging alternatives.
