EcoWaste Coalition Exhorts the Faithful to Give Planet Earth a Rest from Trash and Pollution
13 April 2025, Quezon City. As the Month of the Planet Earth is observed in accordance with Presidential Proclamation No. 1482, the EcoWaste Coalition urged pious Filipinos to mark the Holy Week in a manner that will protect public health and the environment from wastes and pollutants.
The advocacy group for a zero waste and toxics-free society called for an ecological observance of the Holy Week as believers carrying "palaspas" (palm fronds) flocked to churches today, Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion, to commemorate the triumphal entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem.
"Amid the triple planetary crisis facing humanity --- biodiversity loss, climate change and pollution --- we call on the faithful to show their concern for the environment as the suffering, death and resurrection of Lord Jesus Christ is recounted through time-honored religious events, rituals and practices this Holy Week," the EcoWaste Coalition said.
"Conducting our faith-inspired activities in an ecological manner will give Mother Earth a breather from wastes and pollutants afflicting her on a daily basis," the group noted. "As stewards of God's creations, let us respect and protect the Earth, our common home, and all life on it."
Amid the midterm election campaign fever, the group reminded national and local candidates that campaigning is not permitted by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.
The group likewise appealed to candidates not to put their campaign posters on trees, light posts and utility poles, particularly along pilgrimage routes. It also asked politicians to do away with "Happy Easter" banners, which will only add to the burgeoning campaign waste.
For a greener and more compassionate observance of the Holy Week, the EcoWaste Coalition urged the faithful to heed the following reminders:
- Shun acts that contribute to environmental degradation such as littering, dumping and burning of waste, especially in pilgrimage sites.
- Make use of recycled materials for the improvised hut for the "Pabasa ng Pasyon." Use lead-safe paints if needed.
- Offer food for the traditional "Caridad" in reusable containers. Avoid single-use plastic or paper containers for beverage and food.
- Go for emission-free "Visita Iglesia" by walking or biking if possible, or take the public transportation to the seven or 14 churches to be visited.
- Ensure a litter-, smoke- and vape-free penitential “Alay-Lakad” to Antipolo City on Maundy Thursday. Stay hydrated. Bring water in reusable container to avoid buying bottled water.
- For the "Via Crucis" (Way of the Cross), consider picking up litter along the path.
- Use mercury-free LED lamps and local flowers and plants to decorate the "karosa" for the "Santo Entierro" (Holy Interment) procession on Good Friday.
- Refrain from releasing balloons and lighting firecrackers and fireworks during the "Salubong" on Easter Sunday. Ringing the church bells and clapping of hands will be more than enough to celebrate the meeting of the Risen Christ and Mama Mary.
- Keep the Easter fun games and activities for kids meaningful and not wasteful.
- Declutter your home and give pre-loved items to “Segunda Mana,” the donations-in-kind program of Caritas ManilaManila. Give to "Alay Kapwa" or to your favorite charities.
- Opt for “staycation” for a quality bonding time with your family. Be in quiet retreat or reflection with yourself, family members, friends or neighbors.
- For those going for out-of-town excursion or vacation, please be reminded to “take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints, kill nothing but time.”
"Do not throw or leave your discards on the road, churchyard, park, or the beach. If there are no segregation bins available, carry your discards with you for sorting, composting or recycling at home," the EcoWaste Coalition reminded all citizens.
Also, the group encouraged the faithful to try a "meatless" Holy Week, noting that a plant-based diet can help in reducing an individual's carbon footprint.
Reference:
https://lawphil.net/executive/proc/proc2008/proc_1482_2008.html
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