As the campaign period kicks off, environmental watchdog EcoWaste Coalition on Monday, Feb. 10, urged candidates to reduce the excessive generation of waste and to integrate environmental protection into their platforms, strategies, and activities.

The official campaign period for senatorial and party-list candidates starts on Tuesday, Feb. 11, while the campaign for local candidates begins on March 28.

During a press briefing at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) headquarters in Intramuros, Manila, Jove Benosa, a member of EcoWaste, emphasized that the desire to be elected should not come at the cost of environmental degradation.

“We agree with Comelec that running for an elective post is not a license to degrade and ruin the environment. On the contrary, it carries a huge responsibility to care for and protect our fragile environment,” he said.

EcoWaste reiterated the importance of using reusable or recyclable campaign materials that can be safely and easily reused or recycled, emphasizing the need for ecological waste management throughout the campaign to prevent littering, dumping, or burning of materials.

As such, the environmental watchdog called on candidates to avoid nailing campaign materials on trees, refrain from using confetti, balloons, and banderitas, maximize the use of digital platforms, make campaign meetings and sorties tobacco- and vape-free, limit the production of sample ballots, and conduct post-campaign cleanups, regardless of election results.

Comelec Resolution No. 11111, which outlines the Guidelines on the Use of Environmentally Sustainable Election Propaganda, mandates that only election propaganda in the form of posters or standing displays (standees) made of cloth, paper, cardboard, or other recyclable materials shall be permitted.

Also, Comelec, in accordance with Resolution No. 11086, prohibits the use of single-use plastics under applicable laws, rules, and relevant issuances. It also bans the use of fireworks for election-related campaign meetings or celebratory gatherings, as well as the use of styrofoam and other non-biodegradable materials and hazardous substances in election campaigns, services, or events.

Beyond these restrictions, EcoWaste stated that the Comelec encourages the use of sustainable campaign materials, including reusable food and beverage containers, energy-efficient lighting and sound systems during rallies, biodegradable or reusable banners, electric or hybrid-electric vehicles for motorcades, LED billboards or other digital platforms for advertisements, and alternative materials such as natural fabrics, recycled paper, and compostable plastics.

“We urge all candidates and their supporters to heed Comelec’s guidelines to make the midterm elections as environmentally friendly as possible,” the environmental watchdog said.

“By choosing recyclable and reusable non-toxic campaign materials, reducing the consumption of single-use plastics, and ecologically managing campaign discards, we can collectively reduce pollution and ensure a cleaner, healthier environment for all.”