EcoWaste Coalition Campaigns for Chemical Safety and Zero Waste in Schools

As the enrolment for the School Year 2022-2023 kicked off last Monday, a waste and pollution watchdog group announced its plan for a month-long campaign to promote chemical safety and zero waste in schools.

Through a variety of back-to-school public information and outreach, the EcoWaste Coalition hopes to contribute to the ongoing efforts led by the Department of Education (DepEd) to build a healthy school environment that will protect students and other members of the school community from chemical and waste contaminants.

Among the activities being planned by the group include:

1. Market investigation on school supplies and accessories laden with hazardous chemicals and dissemination of results;
2. Propagation of practical tips toward an eco-friendly conduct of the National Schools Maintenance Week, or the annual Brigada Eskwela;
3. Promotion and monitoring of compliance to the mandatory use of lead-safe paints in Brigada Eskwela and in all painting and repainting works in preparatory, elementary and secondary schools as per DepEd’s Department Order No. 4, series of 2017;
4. Information drive on the safe management of busted mercury-containing fluorescent lamps, and the promotion of mercury-free and more energy efficient LED lights; and
5. Promotion of climate-friendly and toxic-free practices in ecological solid waste management in schools in line with Republic Act 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act and Republic Act 9512, or the National Environmental Awareness and Education Act.

“During the month-long campaign, we’ll be espousing practical suggestions and tips to help safeguard our young learners from some environmental risks in the school setting,” said Aileen Lucero, National Coordinator, EcoWaste Coalition.