5 Ways to contribute to a
THE Philippines is the third largest manufacturer of plastic wastes out of 126 countries in the world, just behind China and Indonesia, studies showed.
In a data released by Greenpeace, an international organization prioritizing global environmental campaigns, the Philippines alone contributes an alarming rate of 1.77 million tons of mismanaged plastic wastes each year.
A total of 54,260 pieces of plastic waste including single used plastics such as bottle labels, bags, straws and sachets were retrieved last year in a weeklong beach clean up at the Freedom Island in Manila Bay spearheaded by the same organization. What can we do to help alleviate this problem?
Sen. Risa Hontiveros has filed Senate Bill 1866 or the “The Plastic Straw and Stirrer Ban of 2018,” prohibiting food service establishments that serve beverages from using any single-use beverage straw and stirrer made of plastic or any other nonbiodegradable material.
The bill also tells food service establishments such as sari-sari stores occupying fixed spaces to display signs informing customers of their “no plastic straw and stirrer” policy.
As students and young professionals, we can do our share to support this initiative without waiting for it to become a law because cleaning the environment requires more effort.
This year, the #PlasticFreeJuly movement was launched by the Plastic Free July Foundation, an Australian organization dedicated to create a global movement that dramatically reduces plastic use and improves recycling.
The lets us all come together to help reduce and eliminate single-use plastics, from plastic bags and water bottles to straws and plastic cutlery. Here are some of the ways wherein you could contribute to this cause:
Think long-term. Replace your single-use plastic straws with reusable ones. There are tons to choose from in the market — stainless steel, glass and even bamboo! Plus, it makes your drinking experience slightly more exciting.
Always make it a point to bring your own pair of re-usable fork and spoon especially when dining in fast food restaurants. Many restaurants provide a metal pair, but some still provide plastic ones. And besides, a pair of fork and spoon would barely take up space inside your bag.
Refrain from buying bottled water and beverages; instead bring your own drinking container. Don’t hesitate to ask the bartender or the waiter to place your beverages in your drinking container. There are also many water refilling stations in the metro. If you’re worried about it taking too much space in your bag, don’t worry! There are now tons of collapsible cups available in the market. Don’t forget to stash your eco bags in your car or in your bag for when you do your weekly trip to the grocery or quick stop at the convenience store. By simply refusing the use of plastic bags, you can make a world of difference.
And of course, the key is to say “No.”Take a hard pass at using plastic, and let your goal be known. Establish to other people that you refuse to see the next generations be born in a world plagued with plastic. By simply saying “No,” you are already contributing to the cause. But of course, never forget to practice what you preach.
We must constantly be reminded that the road to zero waste goes beyond the use of metal straws and eco bags. It should not be a trend that fades overnight or stops come August; it should be a way of living met with effort, patience and consistency.