Styrofoam ban: Local food vendors defy Govt, decry high economic costs

By Praise Oguntan

Local food vendors in Lagos, despite the styrofoam ban by the government, have continued to use it, due to the high economic cost of alternatives.

Recall that in January, Lagosians were caught off guard by the announcement of a ban on Styrofoam boxes and single-use plastics.

The ban, announced by the state Commissioner for Environment, Tokunbo Wahab was with ‘with immediate effect.’

The directive, aimed at curbing environmental degradation caused by Styrofoam, has significant implications for the city’s bustling informal sector, where many rely on these materials for their livelihood.

As concerns mount over the environmental and health hazards associated with Styrofoam, questions arise about the feasibility of transitioning to alternative packaging solutions, particularly among smaller businesses and street vendors.

While larger restaurants and fast-food chains in Lagos (e.g, Chicken Republic, The Place Restaurant, etc.) have begun embracing the transition away from Styrofoam packaging, a closer look reveals that many smaller local eateries and street vendors continue to rely on these materials.

Despite the ban, styrofoam remains prevalent in the food service industry, particularly among vendors catering to the everyday needs of Lagosians.

Local roadside restaurants in Ikeja and Ogba cities continue to rely on styrofoam packaging for a multitude of reasons. Chief among them is the economic factor; in a climate where every naira counts, the affordability of styrofoam presents an attractive option for both vendors and customers alike.

With many Nigerians navigating financial constraints, the lower cost of styrofoam compared to alternative packaging materials such as plastic or biodegradable options significantly influences consumer choices.

Moreover, vendors often offer customers the choice between Styrofoam and plastic packaging, with the former being the preferred option due to its cost-effectiveness. This symbiotic relationship between affordability and consumer preference underscores the complex dynamics at play in the food service industry, where economic considerations intersect with environmental concerns.

“No matter how cheap it is, the reliance on styrofoam packaging in local restaurants in these cities comes with significant environmental and health consequences,” Mama Biliki, a local vendor in Ogba, said reflecting on the economic factors influencing packaging choices.

Styrofoam, notorious for its slow degradation rate and harmful chemical leaching, poses a threat to the delicate ecosystem of Lagos and the well-being of its residents.

The manufacturing process of styrofoam involves the release of hazardous pollutants, contributing to air and water pollution. Additionally, the disposal of styrofoam packs exacerbates waste management challenges, as these non-biodegradable materials persist in landfills for centuries, further burdening already strained waste infrastructure.

As concerns over environmental degradation and public health mount, the need for sustainable alternatives to Styrofoam becomes increasingly urgent.

Chowdeck, a local delivery service, offers a successful example of sustainable packaging practices in action. Partnering with nearby restaurants, Chowdeck packages food in eco-friendly brown paper bags, reducing waste and promoting environmental sustainability.

Despite the government’s efforts to enforce the Styrofoam ban, many continue to flout the regulations, perpetuating the risks associated with its usage.

In light of this, there is a pressing need for robust enforcement mechanisms to hold non-compliant businesses accountable and safeguard public health and the environment.

“Failure to heed the warnings regarding the dangers of Styrofoam poses grave risks to both consumers and the environment,” emphasises environmental activist, Dr. Oladele. “It is imperative for both vendors and consumers to prioritise the adoption of safer and more sustainable packaging alternatives.”

As the custodian of public health and environmental stewardship, the government must take decisive action to address non-compliance with the Styrofoam ban. This includes implementing stricter enforcement measures, such as fines and penalties, for businesses found disobeying the laws.

Additionally, targeted education and awareness campaigns by the government, NGOs, or even climate activists, can empower both vendors and consumers to make informed choices and embrace eco-friendly practices.

By fostering a culture of compliance and sustainability, the government can pave the way for a greener, healthier future for Lagos and its residents.