The Department of Environment insists on continuing the prohibition imposed on the use of plastic water bottles in its offices, although the plan has faced the objection of groups who call it worthless and a theatrical gesture.
Since mid-January, the use of plastic bottles has been prohibited by the head of DOE, Isa Kalantari, ISNA reported.
According to Kaveh Madani, DOE's deputy for training and research who proposed the idea, the purpose of the plan is to increase sensitivity about plastic waste production and foster a sense of responsibility about the issue.
"Even if certain people curse me for the plan, I still consider it as positive and feel happy for initiating it," he said. The official stressed the importance of planning and investment in all stages of a process.
"As much as it is essential to focus on recycling, we need to plan to optimize consumption as the top of this chain," he said.
Madani assured that the ban is now in place and in case of violation, inspectors and security guards must report to the headquarters.
"Only a few offices were not instructed but others were not only implementing the plan, but also corresponding with other organizations to invite them to cooperate," he said.
The official emphasized that the scheme should not remain a symbolic move, predicting that it will go beyond DOE and would be expanded to other state organizations.
"Even private institutes might be willing to join the trend," he said, hoping that it will be implemented nationwide.
Madani, however, pointed out that it should prove to be successful within DOE before it is disseminated across the country.
"We at DOE insisted that we should first start the plan among ourselves to assess our capability. We need several weeks to build up trust in our own work before spreading it," he said, noting that he has already started unofficial negotiations with several groups.
The ban on the use of plastic bottles is being implemented within a small community and with much prudence in Iran while some countries are taking more severe steps to cut down on plastic. The UK is a leading country in this regard with its Prime Minister Theresa May setting out an ambition to eliminate all avoidable plastic waste within 25 years. Her proposed policies include plastics-free aisles in supermarkets and a tax on takeaway containers.
The staff at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs are also working on the details of a ban on plastic straws in restaurants across England, which is expected to be officially announced in the next few months.
