The local government of Quezon City unveiled “The Wave of Change,” a 12-foot art installation made from plastic straws, on Wednesday, April 17.
The city government banned single-use plastic bags such as cutlery and containers used in hotels, restaurants, and fast-food chains for dine-in customers.
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte said that the art installation represents the city’s dedication to addressing plastic pollution in the city.
“The Wave of Change represents our steadfast dedication to combating plastic pollution and to achieve climate-resiliency and carbon-neutrality by 2050. It is a visual reminder of the urgent need for collective action against environmental degradation,” she said.
According to the city’s public information office, the art installation was designed to resemble the two waves that are crashing towards each other, [creating] a captivating visual experience for visitors.
The color starts with dark that represents the current state of high carbon emissions and environmental pollution. It then changes into light colors symbolizing the city’s progress towards a plastic-free city.
Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability Department (CCESD) head Andrea Villaroman expressed hope that the exhibit will inspire the people to join the initiative for a more sustainable future.
“Art has the power to ignite change. We hope that this exhibit will inspire everyone, not just QCitizens, to act urgently towards a greener future,” Villaroman said.
The city government said the art installation can be viewed by the public at the lobby of the High Rise Building in Quezon City Hall compound during the office hours.
Meanwhile, the Quezon City government organizes various programs such as “Retashow: QC’s catwalk to sustainability.”
It is an upcycling competition and fashion show using pre-loved textiles, featuring the works of aspiring and professional designers based in the city.
In addition, the city also opened “Kilos QC Store ng Bayan” where all pre-loved items such as clothes and shoes that can be donated, purchased, or swapped with other goods to extend their use life and delay their entry into the waste stream. It will be held at the city hall lagoon.
Moreover, the city government initiated projects to combat plastic pollution, including “Trash to Cashback” which encourages residents to exchange recyclables and single-use plastics for environmental points that can be used to buy groceries and pay utility bills.
On the other hand, the “Vote to Tote” is an upcycled campaign tarpaulins that turns into fashionable bags, providing livelihood opportunities to community sewers and persons deprived of liberty (PDLs).
The city government also established the “Kuha sa Tingi,” a refill station for household items like dishwashing liquid, fabric conditioner, multi-purpose cleaner and liquid detergent in sari-sari stores, to reduce the use of sachets in communities.