CCC pushes for zero waste
THE Climate Change Commission (CCC) pushed for zero waste and low-carbon solutions as it co-organized the two-day ORGANICS FAIR AND THE 3R (REfiLL, REUSE, REPAIR) Revolution Program.
CCC Commissioner Rachel Anne Herrera presented the connection between solid waste and climate change, and the government’s response to the issues.
“There’s a clear imperative now more than ever for a zero-emissions society and world, which can only be achieved if we start and sustain zero waste practices and systems,” she said. “It’s a daunting task that requires greater cooperation from all sectors, especially from businesses and companies, and also entails changes to our behavior and mindset on consumption.”
The Organics Fair included the conduct of the International Zero Waste Cities Conference which was attended by global government agencies, civil society organizations, waste management experts and community leaders.
Its topics ranged from organics waste management to the adverse impacts of plastics on climate, health and human rights, enabling sharing of knowledge and technologies on impactful solutions to the plastic waste crisis and climate change.
Herrera reiterated the CCC’s support of the adoption of “more sustainable consumption patterns ... and innovative policies and solutions to address environmental challenges.”
Support agriculture
Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga and Senate President Pro Tempore Lorna Regina “Loren” Legarda underscored the need to strictly enforce the recently enacted Extended Producer Responsibility Act.
Legarda called on the public to veer away from the throwaway culture and instead “support consumer-supported agriculture systems where institutional buyers help small farmers and support good, clean and fair food.”
The fair recognized pioneering local governments with exemplary zero waste practices including the municipalities of Lazi, Larena, Maria, Enrique Villanueva, Siquijor and San Juan in Siquijor; Santo Tomas in Batangas; Kasibu, Villaverde, Alfonso Castañeda, Bayombong, Bagabag, Bambang, Diadi, Dupax del Norte, Solano and Santa Fe in Nueva Vizcaya; Basista in Pangasinan; the cities of Batangas, Malabon, Mandaluyong, San Juan, Santiago in Isabela and San Fernando in Pampanga; and the provinces of Siquijor, Nueva Vizcaya and Quirino.
The DENR Environmental Management
Bureau and National Capital Region, Mother Earth Foundation and the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives co-organized the event.