EcoWaste Coalition Ramps Up Call to Commit to Proven Ecological Waste Management this 2024
The EcoWaste Coalition raised the alarm about the eyesore and stinking trash on the streets, sidewalks, parks, and market areas following the rambunctious countdown to 2024 and the customary media noche.
“We are one with our fellow Filipinos in welcoming 2024 with excitement. However, what makes this wonderful celebration ugly is the annual tradition of throwaway culture accompanying it— as can be seen from the overflowing bins to the garbage piles dotting the streets” Aileen Lucero, National Coordinator, Ecowaste Coalition.
“As we welcome the new year, it is already expected that our streets will be laden with trash and different pollutants such as remains from hazardous residuals from firecrackers and spoiled food. This is a bad way of welcoming the year because pollution attracts different pests that are culprits of disease that may transmit to humans'' Lucero added.
Data from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) shows that the country generates 61, 000 metric tons of solid waste daily which almost doubles during the Christmas and New Year seasons. Information from the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) shows Quezon City as number 1 in garbage production in the metropolis generating 3,610 tons per day, followed by Manila City and Caloocan City at 1,175 and 913 tons per day, respectively. Marikina City ranked 6th at 460 tons per day after Paranaque City (635 tons per day) and Makati City (474 tons per day). Metro Manila, according to MMDA, produces 9,872 tons of garbage every day.
Unfortunately, DENR said only 33 percent of the 61,000 MT are disposed of in landfills and dumps. At least 35 percent are leaked into the open environment and oceans, which damages marine life and poses risks to human health.
“Many of our streets, especially in populated areas, are filled with post-revelry garbage on the first days of January, which, incidentally, is observed as ‘Zero Waste Month.’ In some places, it may take a few days for haulers to clear streets of minidumps.” Jove Benosa, Campaigner, Ecowaste Coalition.
“The mixed garbage piled up in our communities is a stark reminder to step up efforts from households and local authorities to counter the throw-away culture with a sustainable lifestyle. As stewards of the environment, let us usher in the New Year with the well-being of Mother Earth in mind. ” Benosa added.
As “Zero Waste Month” is commemorated this January, the EcoWaste Coalition ramps up its appeal to all waste generators to commit to proven waste prevention and reduction practices as embodied in Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act. The EcoWaste Coalition urged the public to follow the following tips:
Compost holiday food waste such as fruit and vegetable peelings, eggshells, and other organics into nutrient-rich fertilizer or soil additives.
Keep compostables separated from non-biodegradable and recyclable discards.
Avoid food from spoiling by sharing excess food with the poor, disaster survivors, and individuals servicing your neighborhood.
Save Christmas cards, gift labels, wrappers, bows and ribbons, boxes, and red packets for the next gift-giving, or store them for school art and craft projects and other uses.
Reuse empty glass jars as containers for candies and homemade jams and preserves.
Give used bottles, cans, corrugated boxes, and other recyclables to itinerant waste pickers.
R.A. 9003 requires "the formulation and adoption of the best environmental practices in ecological waste management excluding incineration," such as waste separation at source, reuse, recycling, and composting.
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Ruzzel Morales Senior Communications Officer Sr. Communications Officer 78-A Masigla Extension, Barangay Central, 1100 Quezon City, Philippines Phone: +639178364725 E-Mail: info@ecowastecoalition.org Website: http://ecowastecoalition.blogspot.com
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