The National Nutrition Council MIMAROPA Region supports the celebration of the Zero Waste Month. As mandated by the Proclamation No. 760 signed by Former President Benigno S. Aquino III on 5 May 2014, January is declared as its celebratory month. Pursuant to the policy, heads of the departments, agencies and the expedients of the national government including government-owned corporation, government-controlled corporations, local government units, and other sectors are embolden to engage in programs, projects or activities under zero waste movement.
This year’s theme “Bouncing Back from the Pandemic to a Greener and Healthier Environment” highlights the practice of zero waste lifestyle of all individuals amidst pandemic. When COVID-19 happened, trash piled up specifically with medical wastes such as personal protective equipment (PPE) like surgical masks and gloves, alcohol bottles, medical supplies and laboratory wastes.
Our current situation might be challenging but it should not hinder us from practicing a zero waste lifestyle. Here are some tips and tricks you can simply do in every setting:
At home:
- Segregate biodegradable from non-biodegradable wastes
- Conduct meal planning to minimize food waste
- Turn your food waste into a fertilizer or as an ingredient of an extraordinary dish
- Declutter and donate your unused home decorations, appliances or clothes
When staying outdoors:
- When doing groceries, use eco bag as your shopping or grocery bag
- When dining out, bring your own utensils, water bottles and metal straws if possible
- Support local businesses which advocate zero waste management
- Avoid impulsive buying, purchase necessary items only
When home quarantined or at a healthcare facility:
- Use foot-operated trash bins labelled with COVID-19 and suitable color coding
- Disinfect inner and outer surface of the bins with 1% sodium hypochlorite
- Separate wastes with and without contamination of COVID-19
- Cut out used masks and other PPEs to avoid reuse and resold
An anonymous once said “Small changes can eventually add up to a huge result”. Together, let us work hand-in-hand to bring back the greener and healthier environment amidst pandemic. Be the change; transform all the discarded materials into resourceful ones! (NKSLoyola)
Sources:
https://www.dailysabah.com/expat-corner/2019/01/08/8-great-ways-to-practice-zero-waste
https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/searo/wsh-och-searo/malini-final-who-searo-shortest-hcwm-covid-sustainable.pdf?sfvrsn=3fcbc7c3_2
