EcoWaste Coalition Promotes “Kuryentipid” Tips in face of Power Hike

Quezon City. As consumers brace for higher power rates this month, a waste and pollution watchdog has put out some practical tips that can help homes and offices cut their electricity charges and, at the same time, cool the planet.

“The judicious use of electricity is not only good for the purse, but also for the planet,” said Rei Panaligan, Coordinator of the EcoWaste Coalition, adding that “by saving energy we cut greenhouse gas emissions from the burning of fossil fuels like coal that is propelling climate change.”

The “kuryentipid” tips were contributed by sustainable lifestyle advocates from Ang Nars, Buklod Tao, Concerned Citizens Against Pollution, Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives, Greenpeace Southeast Asia, Krusada sa Kalikasan, Miss Earth Foundation, Mother Earth Foundation, Sagip Sierra Madre Environmental Society, Sining Yapak, WomanHealth and the EcoWaste Coalition’s Secretariat.

The tips range from simply turning off lights, unplugging appliances when not in use, opening the windows, organizing household chores and choosing not to iron clothes.

Environmentalist Rene Pineda stressed the need to “unclutter as much space as possible in order that natural light and ventilation can penetrate and circulate freely.”

“Uso naman ang ‘crumpled look’ kaya huwag ng plantsahin ang damit, pantalon at mga linen sa bahay,” suggested entrepreneur Baby Reyes.

“Huwag gamitin ang washing machine bagkus ay magmanu-mano sa paglalaba,” added Sierra Madre sentinel Bro. Martin Francisco.

Health rights advocate Dr. Leah Primitiva Samaco-Paquiz even went further with a suggestion for a weekly “one hour light off" nationwide to cut on power use.

Here are some commonsensical “kuryentipid” tips to bring your electric bill down, while saving the planet at one fell swoop:

1. Open the curtains and windows and unclutter your home or office to
let the natural light in.

2. Put skylights wherever possible to maximize the daylight.

3. Switch off lights when not needed.

3. Wipe lighting fixtures clean to improve illumination.

4. Don’t leave appliances, computers and gadgets on standby mode - unplug.

5. Open the windows and ventilate the natural way.

6. Use fans and air-conditioners sparingly, ensuring that blades and filters are kept clean.

7. Organize well your chores like cooking, cleaning, washing and ironing clothes and try to do these with lesser frequency.

8. Put leftover food on top of newly-cooked rice to warm it instead of using the stove, toaster or microwave.

9. Keep your washing machine loads at maximum; wash manually if possible.

10. Use just the right amount of detergent to avoid extra rinsing.

11. Hang clothes to dry instead of using the electric dryer.

12. Don’t bother ironing house, school and even office clothes.

13. Plan your refrigerator trips to avoid frequent opening and closing of the fridge.

14. Set fridge temperature at 5°C, and leave enough room around the top and back to let the heat escape.

15. Use the kulambo (mosquito net) instead of electric mosquito repellants.

"Spread the 'kuryentipid' tips and persuade your housemates, officemates and friends to live sustainably," the EcoWaste Coalition urged the public.

Note:
1. Rene Pineda is President of the Concerned Citizens Against Pollution
2. Baby Reyes is Vice-President of Mother Earth Foundation
3. Bro.Martin Francisco is President of the Sagip Sierra Madre Environmental Society
4. Dr. Leah Primitiva Samaco-Paquiz is President of Ang Nars


EcoWaste Coalition
Unit 329, Eagle Court Condominium, Matalino St.
Quezon City, Philippines
+63 2 441-1846
ecowastecoalition@yahoo.com

EcoWaste Coalition Pushes for Chemical Safety amid Rising HIV/AIDS Cases

Quezon City. Amid stern warning from health officials against potential HIV/AIDS “explosion,” a waste and pollution watchdog today pushed for vigorous action to prevent and control harmful chemicals that can further weaken and damage the immune system.

Health Secretary Esperanza Cabral and other officials have expressed concern over the alarming upsurge of HIV/AIDS cases that rose to 835 cases in 2009, the highest within a single year since 1984. The Philippines now has 4,424 reported cases of HIV/AIDS.

Reacting to the increased occurrence of HIV/AIDS in the country, the EcoWaste Coalition stressed the importance of preventing human exposure to toxic substances that are known to damage immunological functions and cause other serious health issues.

“A human body exposed to harmful chemicals will be more helpless against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).” said retired nurse Elsie Brandes-De Veyra of the EcoWaste Coalition.

“Harmful chemicals can have serious health effects, including damaging or killing cells, tissues and organs that protect the body from germs and other disease-causing invaders,” said De Veyra who also sits at the Philippine National AIDS Council and the Philippine Commission on Women.

Exposure to toxic chemicals such as cadmium, lead and mercury through inhalation, ingestion, dermal absorption and other pathways can lead to a weaker immune system and aggravate HIV/AIDS, the EcoWaste Coalition said.

Cadmium, for instance, cuts the production of helper T cells leading to a weak immune system. While lead slows down enzyme activities, and mercury attacks and damages the brain and the nervous system.

“We therefore ask the government to consider chemical safety as an integral part of the country’s HIV/AIDS intervention program and push for measures that will safeguard public health and the environment against toxic substances,” De Veyra said.

The EcoWaste Coaltion is also concerned with human exposure to nasty chemicals that can cause cancer (carcinogens), birth defects (teratogens), developmental defects (developmental/reproductive toxicants), hormonal interferences (endocrine disrupters) and other serious health problems.

Citing information on chemical body burdens from the non-profit US-based Coming Clean Network, the EcoWaste Coalition said that toxic chemicals can be prevented by 1) eliminating the most dangerous persistent chemicals that bioaccumulate, 2) developing alternative production methods that use non-toxic materials, and 3) ensuring that the precautionary approach is applied when it comes to chemicals released into the air, water, and soil.

The EcoWaste Coalition through its Project PROTECT (People Responding and Organizing Against Toxic Chemical Threats) promotes human and ecological health by raising awareness and action against harmful chemicals in processes, products and wastes.

-end-

Website of the Coming Clean Network: http://www.chemicalbodyburden.org/

EcoWaste Coalition Pushes Chemical Safety amid Rising HIV/AIDS Cases

Quezon City. Amid stern warning from health officials against potential HIV/AIDS “explosion,” a waste and pollution watchdog today pushed for vigorous action to prevent and control harmful chemicals that can further weaken and damage the immune system.

Health Secretary Esperanza Cabral and other officials have expressed concern over the alarming upsurge of HIV/AIDS cases that rose to 835 cases in 2009, the highest within a single year since 1984. The Philippines now has 4,424 reported cases of HIV/AIDS.

Reacting to the increased occurrence of HIV/AIDS in the country, the EcoWaste Coalition stressed the importance of preventing human exposure to toxic substances that are known to damage immunological functions and cause other serious health issues.

“A human body exposed to harmful chemicals will be more helpless against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).” said retired nurse Elsie Brandes-De Veyra of the EcoWaste Coalition.

“Harmful chemicals can have serious health effects, including damaging or killing cells, tissues and organs that protect the body from germs and other disease-causing invaders,” said De Veyra who also sits at the Philippine National AIDS Council and the Philippine Commission on Women.

Exposure to toxic chemicals such as, for example, cadmium, lead and mercury through inhalation, ingestion, dermal absorption and other pathways can lead to a weaker immune system and aggravate HIV/AIDS, the EcoWaste Coalition said.

Cadmium, for instance, cuts the production of helper T cells leading to a weak immune system. While lead slows down enzyme activities, and mercury attacks and damages the brain and the nervous system.

“We therefore ask the government to consider chemical safety as an integral part of the country’s HIV/AIDS intervention program and push for measures that will safeguard public health and the environment against toxic substances,” De Veyra said.

The EcoWaste Coaltion is also concerned with human exposure to nasty chemicals that can cause cancer (carcinogens), birth defects (teratogens), developmental defects (developmental /reproductive toxicants), hormonal interferences (endocrine disrupters) and other serious health problems.

Citing information on chemical body burdens from the non-profit US-based Coming Clean Network, the EcoWaste Coalition said that toxic chemicals can be prevented by 1) eliminating the most dangerous persistent chemicals that bioaccumulate, 2) developing alternative production methods that use non-toxic materials, and 3) ensuring that the precautionary approach is applied when it comes to chemicals released into the air, water, and soil.

The EcoWaste Coalition through its Project PROTECT (People Responding and Organizing Against Toxic Chemical Threats) promotes human and ecological health by raising awareness and action against harmful chemicals in processes, products and wastes.

EcoWaste Coalition
Unit 329, Eagle Court Condominium, Matalino St.
Quezon City, Philippines
+63 2 441-1846
ecowastecoalition@yahoo.com

Green Group Backs “Basura-Free” Polls, Asks “Gibo” to Campaign Green

Quezon City. The environmental advocacy group EcoWaste Coalition has thrown its support behind an inter-agency drive to prevent and reduce campaign trash as the official campaign period for national positions and party-list groups commences on February 9.

The EcoWaste Coalition has conveyed its support to the “Basura-Free Elections 2010” to be launched by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in partnership with the Commission on Elections, Department of Interior and Local Government, National Solid Waste Management Commission, and the Philippine Information Agency.

Being a government-led initiative, the EcoWaste Coalition expects no less than former Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro, Jr., the pro-administration presidential bet, to lead and extend all out support to greening the political campaign.

The EcoWaste Coalition in May last year launched a similar advocacy with the support of COMELEC Commissioners Rene V. Sarmiento, Armand Velasco and Leonard Leonida, Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales, Caloocan Bishop Deogracias S. Iñiguez, Jr. and the Miss Earth Foundation.

“We support all initiatives that will encourage those seeking elective offices to plan and manage their campaign in an environmentally-responsible manner,” said Rei Panaligan, Coordinator,
EcoWaste Coalition.

“We hope that well-meaning candidates will abide by the DENR-led drive to cut campaign trash,” he stated.

Adding that “as pro-government standard bearers, we expect Gibo Teodoro and his running mate Edu Manzano and their entire slate and machinery to commit themselves to campaigning clean as enunciated by the DENR, a government agency.”

“The people will be watching how politicos and groups of every political hue will honor or trash Mother Earth,” he emphasized.

The EcoWaste Coalition has put forward some guidelines that can help candidates, political parties and party-list groups campaign in a non-wasteful way.

To get started, the EcoWaste Coalition proposes that all those running for May 2010 polls should assign a person or team in the campaign structure who will be responsible for greening the campaign strategies and activities.

Candidates should refrain from using excessive campaign materials such as leaflets, pamphlets, posters, stickers, decals, cloth and tarpaulin streamers, and other campaign paraphernalia.

As much as possible, propaganda materials should be in post-consumer recycled paper and carry a friendly reminder that says “para sa ating kalusugan at kalikasan, huwag pong ikalat, itambak o sunugin” or its equivalent in local languages.

Candidates should refrain from using campaign materials that are hardly reused or recycled such as confetti, buntings and balloons, which often get burned or discarded in waterways, seas and dumpsites.

Politicos should spare the trees of propaganda materials that can harm and even kill them, and reject graffiti or vandalism to popularize themselves.

For litter-free campaign meetings, sorties and related activities, the EcoWaste Coalition recommends the following:

• Shun throwing confetti, exploding firecrackers or releasing balloons in campaign events.

• Refrain from using Styrofoam, plastic bags and other single-use containers for volunteers’ meals and drinks.

• Set up segregated waste bins for biodegradable and non-biodegradable discards in campaign assemblies.

• Designate “eco-volunteers” to look after the bins and guide the public in the proper separation of their discards.

• Clean up right after the campaign event.

• Hire eco-aides to handle the segregated wastes for recycling and composting.

As per Commission on Elections (COMELEC) resolution 8646, the campaign period for Presidential, Vice-Presidential and Senatorial positions and for party-list groups taking part in the party-list system of representation will commence next Tuesday, 9 February 2010.

Green Group Urges Consumers to Cut on Water Use and Waste

Quezon City. Following Malacanang’s order directing government agencies to implement water conservation measures, the environmental group EcoWaste Coalition today urged all consumers to do their share by cutting water use and waste.

The EcoWaste Coalition released its “Water Tipid Tips” in response to the declining level of water in Angat Dam, which provides 97% of Metro Manila’s raw water supply, due to the El Niño phenomenon.

The “tips” were contributed by environmental leaders and activists belonging to Alaga LAHAT, Buklod Tao, Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives, Global Legal Action on Climate Change, Health Care Without Harm, Krusada sa Kalikasan, Maskara-Green Stage Filipinas, Miriam PEACE, Mother Earth Foundation, Sanib Lakas ng mga Aktibong Lingkod ng Inang Kalikasan, Sagip Sierra Madre Environmental Society, Sining Yapak and the EcoWaste Coalition’s Secretariat.

As a first step, the environmentalists emphasized the need to check and repair at once all leaking faucets, pipes, tanks and toilets to stop wasting water.

They likewise stressed the value of recycling wastewater, or what is also referred to as “graywater” from bathing, laundering, cooking and washing dishes, which can be used to water the plants, wash cars, rags, floors and tiles, clean the garage and to flush the toilet.

They further highlighted the need to harvest rainwater that can be easily done by placing a drum to the end of the alulod (gutter drain spout), but ensuring that the container is fully covered to prevent breeding of dengue mosquitoes.

Conserving water is not only a knee-jerk response to the dry spell, but an essential one to conserve energy and reduce greenhouse gases from the use of fossil fuels used to pump out and deliver water into our homes and neighborhoods, the EcoWaste Coalition stated.

Here are the 20 “Water Tipid Tips” of the EcoWaste Coalition:


1. Every little drip counts. Repair faucet leaks. Replace worn out sapatilya (washers) and fix all leaky pipes, water containers and toilet tanks.

2. Turn the tap off when you brush your teeth, shave, or wash your face and hands. Use a glass of water when brushing your teeth.

3. Take shorter showers and turn off the tap when soaping or shampooing. Use timba (pail) and tabo (dip) when taking a bath and use just enough water.

4. Place a brick, a jug with stones or a bottle filled with water inside the toilet tank to cut on water used in every flush.

5. Avoid flushing the toilet unnecessarily. Put discarded tissues in the bin rather than in the toilet bowl.

6. Collect water dripping from air conditioners; use it to wash your mop, water the plants or flush the toilet.

7. Reuse towels and wear clothes such as pants twice or more before washing.

8. Organize your laundry schedule and wait until you have a full load before you use the washing machine.

9. Use laundry water for cleaning used bottles, cans and other recyclables, blinds, rugs, doormats, and car wheels.

10. Keep a bucket in the bathroom and laundry area for the grey water. Use this water to flush your toilet, clean the laundry area and car port or to dampen dusty road.

11. Use the walis tingting (broomstick), not the water hose, to sweep the driveway or footpath clean.

12. Wash fruits and vegetables in a palanggana (pan) instead of running water from the tap; reuse the water for watering the plants.

13. Do not throw rice wash down the drain; use it for washing dishes or watering plants.

14. Thaw frozen meat in the refrigerator overnight, not on running water.

15. Use fewer cooking and dining utensils and dishes to cut down on the water needed for dishwashing.

16. When boiling water, fill the kettle with just enough for your needs.

17. Never waste water served during meals; drink it up!

18. Don’t let the water run when you wash the dishes by hand, and collect the graywater for other purposes.

19. Water your plants after 5:00 pm when temperature is cooler to minimize evaporation. Water them only when necessary. Spread a layer of mulch around plants and trees to retain water and reduce evaporation.

20. Harvest rainwater through the alulod (gutter) and use the water collected for your essential needs.