By Martha Taumata Faavae
The use of plastic cups and plates are no longer allowed at the Vavau Beach in support of the Government ban.
People like Susitina Fagaote is delighted with the village decision against the use of plastics and the option for ‘mailo’ or plates woven from coconut fronds.
“ Plastic cups and plates have always been a problem for us in the village all the time on the beach because they are dumped everywhere,” Fagaote complained.
She is a member of the village women’s committee who are responsible for keeping the tourist attraction clean.
“There are rubbish bins conveniently placed for everyone to place their rubbish but they never seem to take notice.
“But since the ban on plastic use was announced we have decided to no longer allow them onto our beach.”
Weaved plates or ‘mailo’ are now in use except for plastic cups because the village committee have no substitute for it.
Visitors are, however, being advised that plastics are no longer allowed.
“The plastic ban is good for us to promote our ‘mailo’ plates, it is what we are familiar with in our traditions.
“I’ve been involved in our village committee for more than 10 years and I volunteer my services to help keep our tourist attraction beautiful and natural.”
Fagaote hopes that there will be a time when fresh coconuts will be available readily for visiting guests to drink which is free like their ‘mailo’ plates.