Organisers of the ROC Market in Suva have have begun their initiative of eliminating the use of styrofoam and plastic.

Hundreds of people flocked to Loftus Street to check out what stall owners at the ROC Market had on sale.

ROC Market organiser, Ellana Kalounisiga, said everyone in society had a role to play.

“We were looking at the amount of rubbish that we generate with styrofoam and single use plastic,” she said.

“I made a decision that the ROC Market would become the first market in Fiji to work towards being plastic and styrofoam free.

“This is to support the environment changes that are happening in Fiji and we are the biggest street market so we need to lead the way and be the first one.

“It has been difficult for some of the vendors because there are not a lot of options in Fiji, but there are people starting to import eco-friendly packaging.

“So the first one or two will always be very hard but every time there is change it is difficult to move but people will get used to it.

“We are hoping to be leading the way for all markets in Fiji. Not just markets but any community events where there is food and goods being sold because there are alternatives and we all have to do our parts to save the planet.”

Vendor Fareesha Hakim said it was a good initiative by the ROC Market organisers.

“It is a good thing, but it is too expensive for us. This is the first time this initiative has been introduced to us and I am glad that organisers did,” Ms Hakim said.

“Despite being expensive it is all for a good cause and I hope this continues because at the end of the day we will benefit.”

The ROC market is held on the third Sunday of every month.

Edited by Percy Kean

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