By Chito Chavez The Quezon City government on Thursday opened its “Bring Your Own Bote (Bottle) (BYOB) Store’’ in an undying effort to address the city’s plastic pollution woes. Through its Small Business and Cooperatives Development Promotions Office (SBCDPO), the BYOB was launched at a zero-waste facility where local residents can bring their own reusable bottles and refill them with condiments such as vinegar, soy sauce, and cooking oil. The BYOB store, made out of eco-bricks, was also launched in partnership with NutriAsia Inc. and QC Environment Protection and Waste Management Department. “This initiative is part of the city’s strong commitment to environmental sustainability. We are glad that NutriAsia chose us to be the first local government unit to engage with in this eco-friendly initiative,” Mayor Joy Belmonte said. Belmonte recently approved Ordinance No. 2876 which prohibits the use and distribution of single-use plastics and other disposable materials. She noted the city’s restaurants and hotels are mandated to fully comply with the said Ordinance by July 2020. The BYOB store is located inside the Quezon City Hall compound and is open to refill bottles from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mondays to Fridays. “We launched our first BYOB store within our premises because the compound is visited by thousands of Quezon City citizens and visitors daily, including the thousands of employees working in the city hall. We are positive that this will increase their environmental consciousness,” SBCDPO head Mona Celine Yap shared. Yap said consumers can bring their reusable, clean and food-safe containers at the BYOB store and have it refilled with condiments from 200 grams up to two kilograms at an affordable price. Other NutriAsia products in eco-friendly packaging are also available. The BYOB Store also has a plastic collection drop box for discarded plastic bottles, containers, sachets, snack packs, plastic utensils and other plastic materials.