TECH4GOOD
Mountains of wrapping paper, oceans of plastic packaging, tons of trash from the New Year’s Eve festivities, and enough discarded Xmas decors to blanket planet Earth – the season of joy historically leaves behind a trail of ecological carnage that would make even Scrooge blush. The Christmas holiday is when consumerism peaks, and lots of discarded stuff end up in landfills.
Before declaring war on Christmas cheer, let us try to untangle this tangled mess and see how to deck the halls with sustainability instead. How about ditching the disposable, embracing the reusable, and turning this holiday season from a dumpster fire of waste into a fantastic green extravaganza?
The holiday season generates a hefty side of trash, significantly, more than regular months, leading to the nickname “season of trash.” While precise figures vary depending on specific years and methodologies, here's a glimpse into the festive season's waste woes.
A study by the National Solid Waste Management Commission (NSWMC) found that Filipinos generate an average of 0.7 kilograms of waste daily. This increases to 1.2 kilograms during the Christmas season. Estimates for Metro Manila alone reach up to 12,600 tons per day! A Philippine environmental group estimates that Filipinos throw away an average of 120 million Christmas lights yearly.
The above figures are not surprising considering the increased consumption, wrapping frenzy, our preference for disposable decorations, and the leftovers that holiday feasts end up with. The season often involves buying and using more stuff than usual, leading to packaging and food waste, and unwanted items that are discarded after the holidays.
Wrapping paper, ribbons, and bows often end up directly in the trash after unwrapping gifts. While some wrapping materials can be recycled, many still need to be, adding to landfill waste. Many Christmas decorations, like artificial trees and plastic ornaments, are used for just one season before being thrown away. This contributes to the “throwaway culture” and its environmental impact. Food waste, particularly from Noche Buena and Media Noche feasts, is a significant contributor. Leftover food from holiday gatherings ends up in the trash if not appropriately managed. Additionally, disposable plates, cups, and cutlery used at parties contribute to the waste problem.
However, it is essential to remember that sustainably celebrating Christmas is possible. One way is opting for experiences over gifts. We can consider giving gifts like concert tickets, cooking classes, or donations to charities in the recipient's name. We can get creative and make gift wrapping more fun by using reusable wrapping cloths, recycled paper, or even newspaper to wrap gifts.
We can also opt for more eco-friendly decorations like homemade ornaments. If we have to use artificial decorations, we can choose ones made from recycled materials or, if we have the means, invest in high-quality decors that will last for years. Food waste can be minimized if we plan our holiday meals carefully. We can buy only what we need and get creative with leftovers to avoid spoiling them.
This throw-away mentality is not something we only see during the holiday season. The indiscriminate disposal of waste may be a global issue, but the Philippines ranks high regarding its propensity to throw trash everywhere. The Philippines ranks 12th in the world in terms of plastic waste generation, according to a 2018 report by the World Bank. Littering is illegal in the Philippines, but the laws in place have not been able to have a profound impact on addressing the issue, which, to me, is a behavioral one.
Reducing the amount of trash thrown around indiscriminately requires a multi-pronged approach addressing both individual and systemic factors. Can technology help address the issue?
Yes, in several ways. In some countries, artificial intelligence, sensors, and automation are used to sort recyclables. Others have installed waste-to-energy power plants to burn waste instead of fossil fuels, generating household electricity. In addition, several innovative solutions are being developed to fight plastic pollution, such as biodegradable plastics and plastic-eating enzymes.
However, it is essential to note that technology alone cannot solve the problem of trash. We can all do our part by practicing sustainable living, such as using what we already have, donating things we do not need, and properly disposing of items that cannot be repurposed. More importantly, we should be role models to our young ones.By incorporating these habits into our daily routines and making waste disposal a positive and engaging experience, we can help children develop a lifelong habit of caring for the environment.
Tackling the problem of indiscriminate waste requires a collaborative effort from individuals, communities, and the government.The holiday season is about celebrating with loved ones and spreading joy and goodwill, not trash. ([email protected])
(The author is an executive member of the National Innovation Council, lead convenor of the Alliance for Technology Innovators for the Nation (ATIN), vice president of the Analytics and AI Association of the Philippines, and vice president, UP System Information Technology Foundation.)