Ecobricks movement gaining ground in PH

HE use of Ecobricks is gaining ground in the Philippines with a handful of green advocates believing it could help the country reduce plastic pollution, especially in water bodies.

“In the beginning, it was more like for fun because we loved the oceans. But it was from there that we realized we had to do more for the environment. Then we also had to help people

[living near the seas and oceans] because they were part of the ecosystem or environment,” said Raf Dionisio, a social entrepreneur, co- founder of different social advocacies, and volunteer for Gawad Kalinga Enchanted Farm in Bulacan, in Filipino.

He is one of the people behind the Ecobricks movement in the Philippines, where recycled plastic bottles are utilized for construction.

Camille Rodriguez, former vice president for project management at the Ateneo Environmental Science Society (AESS), said partnering with an organization that has a green advocacy made her become an environmentalist by heart and by practice. She eventually offered the Ecobrick solution to her networks. “I’ve overseen and managed all of the organization’s [AESS]

school year. At the start of the SY [ school year], I introduced the

executive board members, then to the rest of the org [organization] by incorporating it with the org’s projects,” she said.

According to her, the Ecobrick movement also caught the attention of the Ateneo community through social media. Since the organization

for Ecobricks around the Philippines, AESS has been receiving dozens of Ecobrinks every week and inquiries about the advocacy.

“The best part about driving the Ecobrick movement is hearing the positive feedback from various individuals, expressing their interest and joy that such project exists. According to them, the best part about Ecobricks is that it is easy to do, have become a habit, and goes to a good cause,” Camille said.

However, getting people to be aware of their littering habits was still a challenge. “I go to beaches and people still prefer buying mineral water as opposed to bringing their own tumbler, or throw their cigarette butts everywhere instead of in the proper receptacles! It still irks me a lot,” she added.

For Dionisio, people should realize that protecting the environment can result in the sustainability of a business.

“Tourism thrives in the environment, so we have to protect our people, protect our environment, and it makes our business sustainable,” he added.