This year marks the 22nd year of Republic Act 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management 2000. And through the Proclamation No. 760 in 2014 by late President Benigno Aquino III, which declared January of every year as Zero Waste Month, encourages the Filipino people to change their lifestyle and practices and shift to a more sustainable way of living. However, the adoption of this state policy throughout the country is still poorly implemented.
The Philippines, like many other developing countries, is struggling with containing the amount of garbage produced every year as it is going way beyond the country’s solid waste management capacity. Based on the projected 2020 waste generation, the Philippines has produced a total of 21,4265,676 metric tons of garbage in the year 2020 alone. Also, part of it is an overwhelming 2.7 million tons of plastic waste generated each year wherein an estimated 20 percent of it ends up in the ocean.
This month, to take part in the yearly celebration of Zero Waste Month, we can start to practice some steps that can help in reducing our solid waste problems such as the following:
- Do the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle)
- Learn to segregate your household waste.
- Avoid using plastic straws and cutleries when eating outside. As much as possible, try to bring your own cutlery.
- Bring your own reusable bags when shopping.
Going towards a sustainable system of lifestyle and practices is a collective effort from each citizen, businesses, institution, and the government.
Written by: NO I Sean Frances P. Barredo
References:
The Break Free From Plastic (2021). Environment Groups launch activities for Zero Waste Month.
Retrieved from https://www.breakfreefromplastic.org/2021/01/06/environment-groups-launch-activities-for-zero-waste-month/
Mayuga, J. (2021). The garbage conundrum. Retrieved from
https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/01/10/the-garbage-conundrum/
The World Bank (2021). Market Study for Philippines: Plastics Circularity Opportunities and Barriers.
Retrieved from https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/philippines/publication/market-study-for-philippines-plastics-circularity-opportunities-and-barriers-report-landing-page#:~:text=Like%20many%20rapidly%20developing%20countries,ends%20up%20in%20the%20ocean
