'Green-minded' gatherings
Join these groups to start your eco journey
In 2015, an international group started reporting that the Philippines is a huge contributor of plastic waste that ends up floating in the ocean. This prompted various organizations to call for the banning of single-use plastic products such as plastic straws, cups, or grocery bags.
With this increased awareness on environmental issues, it is just not enough to track progress or call on government to take action behind a computer screen or a smartphone. One must now become part and contribute a single voice to a larger movement calling to protect the environment at all costs.
How do you start to become a full-fledged eco-warrior? Start joining some of these groups. You can become a volunteer and meet like-minded individuals. You will definitely learn a lot of things, have fun and most of all, help save the environment.
The Plastic Solution
This group helps find solutions to the enormous plastic crisis with a goal to eliminate the presence of non-biodegradable waste from the environment through ‘ecobricking,’ where an average-sized PET bottle is stuffed with non-biodegradable waste (plastic wrappers, soft plastic bags, chip packets, shampoo sachets, etc.).
Then, they use these eco-bricks to build projects such as perimeter fencing and bathroom stalls in The Circle Hostel branches, a seedling nursery in an Aeta community, as well as planter boxes and benches in public schools. (www.facebook.com/theplasticsolution)
Haribon Foundation
Haribon Foundation, formed in 1972, has worked to benefit our planet's “ridge to reef.” In Mt. Banahaw alone, the group has planted 17,000 native tree seedlings in over 13 hectares of land.
It has also helped in the management plans of 16 marine protected areas where fishermen and coastal communities depend on fish supply and coral reef habitats to thrive.
Armed with over 2,000 volunteers who attend their tree-planting, school tours, and various activities, they also partner with groups and government agencies to conserve our biodiversity.
Marine Wildlife Watch of the Philippines
The Philippines sits in one of the most strategic locations for marine biodiversity. We are surrounded by bodies of water which are ideal breeding ground for marine life. If we don’t act properly, these biodiversity may suffer irreparable damage. This group protects sea creatures from harm and encourages everyone to be part of it. (www.mwwphilippines.org)
Let's Do It! Philippines
A movement among creative and passionate individuals, and collaboration among different organizations coming as one with the goal to save the planet by cleaning up the Philippines starting with one’s own community. Its “People for a Clean Planet” campaigns for clean, healthy, climate resilient and zero waste communities. The group aims to make five percent of the entire population live a zero-waste lifestyle. (www.letsdoitphilippines.com) Save Philippine Seas
With a mantra “Don't do unto others what you don't want done unto you”, the group calls on people to treat the ocean with respect so that in turn, it can also nurture us. With the vastness of the ocean that surrounds our country, imagine the harm it can inflict on us if we would not take care of it.
The group’s ‘advocaseas’ is to promote community empowerment, environmental education, and shark conservation. It also conducts citizen-led programs to encourage behavioral change for the benefit of the planet. (www.savephilippineseas.org)
Mother Earth Foundation
Imagine the tons of garbage thrown every day, made worse by the lack of proper or effective waste management. Mother Earth Foundation pushes its zero-waste advocacy to local government authorities. It also conducts programs in schools and barangays to promote environmental education and proper waste management. (www.motherearthphil.org)