Lagos night vendors defy styrofoam ban, say alternatives too pricey

Despite the ban on styrofoam containers for food packaging by the Lagos State Government, some night food vendors continue to use single-use plastics, as revealed by PUNCH Healthwise. The investigation showed vendors in areas like Ikeja, Oshodi, Surulere, and Mushin still using styrofoam containers for popular street foods despite the ban.

The ban came in January due to environmental concerns caused by non-biodegradable styrofoam and other single-use plastics. Despite enforcement efforts by the government, some vendors cited the high cost of alternatives and customer preference as reasons for continuing to use styrofoam.

Environmental advocates expressed concerns over the impact on sustainability and called for more sustainable alternatives like reusable containers. The government aims to step up advocacy to enlighten residents of the ban and ensure compliance.

Efforts are needed to educate the public on the dangers of single-use plastics and styrofoam, advocating for more environmentally friendly alternatives.