EcoWaste Coalition Urges LGUs, Companies and the General Public to Divert Money for Firecrackers and Fireworks to Post-Disaster Relief and Reconstruction Efforts

Local government units (LGUs), corporations, households and ordinary individuals can help victims of devastating storm surge and flooding in Luzon and the Visayas and the quakes in Mindanao by not igniting firecrackers and fireworks this festive season.

According to the EcoWaste Coalition, a waste and pollution watchdog, the money saved from not buying and bursting firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices can be channeled to government institutions, private foundations, and church, media and civic groups who are working on the ground to assist the disaster victims.

“We appeal to all LGUs, companies and our fellow Filipinos to donate funds earmarked for firecrackers and fireworks to ongoing relief and reconstruction efforts in disaster-stricken communities,” said Thony Dizon, Chemical Safety Campaigner, EcoWaste Coalition.

“The money saved from not detonating dangerous and polluting firecrackers and fireworks can be used to buy Noche Buena or Media Noche food packs, housing materials and farm implements for households affected by the recent flooding, storm surge and earthquake incidents that hit various parts of the country," he said.  

“Such a compassionate gesture will offer a glimmer of hope for families whose lives were touched by these tragic disasters,” he said.

In addition, reduced consumption of firecrackers and fireworks will translate to a cleaner, healthier and safer celebration of the holidays, especially on New Year’s eve, the group asserted.

The EcoWaste Coalition also encouraged public officials not to spend taxpayers’ money for “Merry Christmas and Happy New Year” tarpaulins.  

"These promotional materials, which often contain cadmium, lead and other toxic chemicals, are totally unnecessary and only add to street clutter and plastic waste," the group said.

The group further requested the public to keep holiday parties simple, and to put aside the funds saved for lavish and wasteful parties to help the poor and the needy among us.

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