Irina Levkovich on consumer rights protection and the fight against plastic pollution in the Vitebsk region
Plastic pollution is a global problem that requires coordinated international solutions. This topic, which is a continuation of last year's "Rational Consumer", is one of the sustainable development goals adopted by UN member states. Today, it is very important worldwide to raise people's awareness and encourage them to abandon the daily use of plastic materials for any purpose, and to promote environmentally friendly solutions when purchasing goods. It is expected that the campaign will also play an important role in uniting the efforts of consumers, governments, and manufacturers of plastic products in overcoming the global crisis of planetary pollution. By the way, half of all plastic produced annually is single-use items, – noted Irina Petrovna.
– What measures are being taken in our country to primarily reduce the use of single-use plastic items?
– The Head of State has set the task to ensure the reduction of polymer packaging use by replacing it with environmentally friendly alternatives, including glass and paper. The first stage was the ban from January of this year on the sale and use of disposable plastic tableware in public catering establishments: forks, spoons, plates, cups, bottles, lunch boxes, and others. This list was developed based on a market analysis of tableware made from environmentally friendly and recyclable materials and was approved by a resolution of the Ministry of Antimonopoly Regulation and Trade of the Republic of Belarus. Packaging for semi-finished products and confectionery is an exception. Containers, trays, plates, and cups made of paper and cardboard, wooden coffee stirrers, and paper straws were previously used in many fast-food cafes and restaurants. Now, the obligation to use environmentally friendly disposable tableware is enshrined in law.
– Consumer protection is a state matter. And it includes many aspects. How is this work carried out in our region?
– These issues are within the competence of the authorized representatives for consumer protection of the regional, city, and district executive committees. They provide advisory assistance to improve consumer literacy, ensure the placement of relevant information on stands and official websites, etc. In addition, authorized representatives for consumer protection review citizens' appeals, conduct monitoring of compliance with legislation, and assist in drafting lawsuits to court.
Last year, the departments and divisions of the regional executive committee, city and district executive committees considered 579 appeals from citizens on consumer protection issues, almost half of which concerned the trade and public catering sector, and 121 concerned consumer services. As a result, orders were issued to eliminate legislative violations, and administrative offense reports were drawn up. Out-of-court compensation for material damage amounted to 18.8 thousand rubles.
The main document regulating legal relations in the field of consumer protection is the Law of the Republic of Belarus "On Consumer Protection", and these issues are also regulated by the Civil Code and other documents adopted to develop the Law. Belarus has signed an agreement on coordinated policy in the CIS countries in this area. An Advisory Council for Consumer Protection of the Commonwealth Member States has been established. The main tasks of the council are to promote the development and deepening of cooperation, the formation of an effective policy in the field of consumer protection and equal conditions for citizens in the CIS member states.
– In Belarus, as in the rest of the world, March 15 is Consumer Day. What events does it include?
– Traditionally, as part of Consumer Day, local executive committees hold "hotlines" with the involvement of specialists from various services. In large retail outlets, consultation points are organized to inform citizens about their rights and ways to protect them, and practical assistance is provided in resolving conflict situations.
According to the report by Pew Charitable Trusts & SYSTEMIQ "Breaking the Plastic Wave", released in August 2020, by 2040, there will be three times more plastic in the world's oceans if drastic measures are not taken today in national policies, innovations, and changes in consumer behavior. About 100,000 marine mammals and turtles and a million seabirds die each year from marine pollution by plastic, of which about 8 million tons enter the world's oceans annually.