By Chito Chavez
Environmental group EcoWaste Coalition appealed to the public to cut down on their holiday trash (holitrash) and go for “a zero-waste and toxics-free society where communities enjoy a safe and healthy environment.”
(Photo from EcoWaste Coalition)
With the numerous parties expected this Yuletide season, the Quezon City-based group reminded the public of its patriotic duty “to find ways to reduce the volume of holitrash from the festive observance of Christmas and the New Year.”
“We urge everyone to be mindful of what we consume and dispose of during this most joyful time of the year to reduce the negative impact of the festivities on public health and the environment,” said Jove Benosa, Zero Waste Campaigner, EcoWaste Coalition.
“The celebrations need not make the garbage situation worse. By consuming sustainably and by willfully segregating, reusing, recycling, or composting discarded materials, we can be part of the solution, not the problem,” he added.
Benosa said the public should opt “not to wrap Christmas presents” to reduce the amount of packaging materials hauled to dumps or landfills.
“Christmas gift wrappers and accessories like cards and ribbons should be saved, reused, or repurposed instead of throwing such useful resources in the bin,” the EcoWaste Coalition said.
To further cut down on holitrash, the group reminded consumers anew to shun disposable paper and plastic carry bags, make use of reusable bags and containers, avoid over-packaged products, and steer clear of single-use party supplies such as plastic plates and cutlery.
To promote zero food waste, EcoWaste Coalition also urged the public not to over-prepare food, safely refrigerate, freeze, or recycle leftovers, give edible food to the needy, and compost kitchen waste such as fruit and vegetable peelings.
The group also appealed to all sectors to welcome the New Year sans firecrackers and fireworks to prevent toxic fumes, lower noise pollution, and put an end to tragic firework-related injuries, deaths, and fires.
Recognizing that personal action alone is not enough to drastically cut the holitrash, the EcoWaste Coalition pressed citizens to push national and local authorities, including the barangay council, to effectively enforce Republic Act 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act.
The group also pointed to the need for citizens to put pressure on manufacturers to switch to reusable and refillable product delivery systems, and for companies to be responsible for the take-back, recycling, and final disposal of their goods at the end of their functional lives.