The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has organized a "Refill at DC" (Diskwento Caravan) activity to encourage consumers to refill reusable containers with consumer products as part of its "GenS: Generation Sustainable" campaign.
The DTI, through the Consumer Policy and Advocacy Bureau (CPAB), commenced its Kadiwa Diskwento Caravan-Refiling Activity at the DTI Head Office in Makati City last Oct. 5 to promote sustainability in the Philippines.
During the event, consumers were encouraged to bring their reusable containers and refill them with consumer products that are available or for sale such as cleaning materials and personal care items.
The "GenS: Generation Sustainable" campaign aims to encourage consumers to practice the 7Rs of Sustainability – Rethink, Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, Recycle, and Repair – and adopt it as a way of life. This is in support of the United Nations’ 12th Sustainable Development Goal (sustainable consumption and production).
“Sustainability is not merely a choice; it's a vital duty we bear to preserve the Philippines for our children and their children. It's a pledge to safeguard our unique heritage and pass it on to future generations,” DTI Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual said during the campaign kick-off.
Ohio-based environmental newspaper Ecowatch reported that only 9 percent of global plastic production is recycled, 12 percent incinerated, and the rest end up in landfills or the environment.
To help address plastic waste, the DTI acknowledges refilling as one of the solutions by keeping unrecyclable containers in use.
Pascual called on consumers to protect the environment by adopting a sustainable consumption mindset and practicing the 7Rs of Sustainability.
The “Refill at DC” activity will be open to the public from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Oct. 11-13 at Quezon City Hall, Oct. 18-19 at Makati City Hall, and Oct. 25 at San Juan City Hall.
“Let us unite in this mission, embrace sustainability as our way of life, and together, let's leave a lasting legacy of a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable Philippines for all,” Pascual added. (Ma. Joselie C. Garcia)