Solon cites ways to help save the Earth

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SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union – A female lawmaker cited simple and doable ways to protect the environment as the nation joined the observance of the Earth Day on Saturday.

Senator Loren Legarda said there are many simple actions that anyone can simply do every day to save the planet.

“These practices can easily be part of our lifestyle,” she said.

She said people should eat more local, plant-based food, noting that food that comes from distant places utilizes more energy for transportation and preservation, therefore resulting in more carbon emissions.

“I plant vegetables in my garden so I am able to eat them fresh. We should encourage families to plant vegetables in their backyards or community vacant lots, or to cultivate pinakbet gardens to provide food on the table and address malnourishment,” said Legarda, who is chairperson of the Senate Committee on Climate Change.

She also said traditional energy and water conservation measures remain relevant — use low-wattage appliances; turn off and unplug electronics when not in use; turn off lights when leaving a room; open curtains for natural lighting; gather and store rainwater for daily chores; turn off faucets properly; repair leaking pipes and running toilets immediately; and other similar practices.

Energy- and cost-efficient transport modes like walking, biking, taking public transport, and carpooling, should be considered whenever possible, Legarda added.

Legarda supports a multi-modal transport system, wherein people can choose different modes of transportation depending on their needs — walking or biking for short distances, and safe, reliable, inexpensive and convenient public transportation system for long distance trips.

She also said that in building, designing or refurbishing our homes, recycled and indigenous building materials should be used instead of buying new and expensive ones.

She likewise stressed the importance of practicing ecological solid waste management, starting with segregation at source.

Every household should have separate trash cans for biodegradable and food waste, recyclables or residual waste, and special or hazardous waste, including busted lamps, radio, and cellphone batteries; while paper that can be recycled should be placed inside a box or in a paper bag.

She also urged shoppers to bring containers when going to the market or the grocery to avoid using plastic bags. Reusable containers can be used in purchasing fish, meat, and other poultry products; while bayong and reusable cloth bags can be used for other items.