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PLASTIC PANIC

Feb 15 , 2026.

Around Mercato, where the streets buzz with constant buying and selling, a white van parked near Meirab Hotel doubles as an impromptu display. Atop are green bags branded with the Ethiopian Airlines logo, sold second-hand for 15 Br after a wash and sun drying. The sight, spurred by the sudden plastic bag ban, hints at the policy’s surprise impact, leaving vendors and shoppers alike scrambling to adapt.


PUBLISHED ON Feb 15,2026 [ VOL 26 , NO 1346]

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