The very sad state of our environmental problems unfolded in Metro Manila and nearby provinces just as Earth Week began on April 18 and culminated in the global celebration of Earth Day on April 22.

First, there is the fire that broke out on April 10 at the Navotas Sanitary Landfill. Twelve days later, it continued to emit unhealthy air. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported that haze had become more noticeable over northern Metro Manila, as well as parts of Calabarzon and Central Luzon.

The fire caused severe air pollution, visible as thick haze blanketing parts of the metro, accompanied by the acrid odor of burning plastic and garbage. Government agencies repeatedly advised the public—especially children and the elderly—to wear face masks.

Second, the incident exposed a deeper and more persistent problem: the landfill itself is choking with waste, much of it composed of single-use plastics. The Philippines remains one of the world’s largest contributors to plastic waste, largely due to the widespread use of sachets and other disposable packaging. These low-cost, small-format plastics may be convenient, but they are nearly impossible to recover and recycle at scale.

Metro Manila alone generates more than 10,000 tons of solid waste daily. A significant portion of this is plastic packaging. Studies estimate that about 13 percent of plastic waste leaks into waterways, eventually reaching the ocean, while only around 28 percent of key plastic resins are actually recycled. The rest ends up in landfills like Navotas—or worse, in rivers and seas—where they persist for decades, breaking down into harmful microplastics.

Third, stopping the landfill fire is no simple task. Six days after it started, it had already burned at least 28.6 hectares—an area slightly larger than the Quezon Memorial Circle, according to the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA). Experts explain that such fires are difficult to extinguish because they burn deep within compacted layers of waste. Government response teams have had to cover the smoldering debris with soil while spraying water mist to reduce the haze.

This situation is more than an isolated disaster—it is a stark demonstration of the environmental challenges we face daily.

Earth Week’s theme, “Our Power, Our Planet,” serves as both a reminder and a call to action. It urges global mobilization to defend environmental protections, accelerate the transition to renewable energy, and empower communities to act. It highlights how environmental health is directly tied to public well-being, food security, water safety, and energy sustainability.

Across the globe, Earth Day initiatives have focused on accelerating renewable energy adoption, strengthening environmental safeguards, promoting collective action, and advancing environmental justice. These are not abstract goals—they are urgent necessities.

Still, large-scale change begins with individual responsibility.

Each of us can help reduce the volume of waste that ends up in our landfills. Start by minimizing single-use plastics. Consider eliminating sachet-based products in your household, opting instead for refillable or bulk alternatives. Bring reusable eco-bags wherever you go—not just to the supermarket, but for any unexpected purchase. Avoid plastic wrapping for food when possible, and support businesses that offer sustainable packaging.

At the community level, stronger segregation at source, composting, and support for local materials recovery facilities can significantly reduce the volume of waste sent to landfills. Local governments must also enforce existing environmental laws more strictly while investing in modern waste management systems. At the same time, companies should be held accountable for the lifecycle of their products through extended producer responsibility—ensuring that what they produce does not end up polluting communities and ecosystems.

Equally important is supporting systemic change. Advocate for stronger waste management policies, extended producer responsibility, and innovations in packaging design. The plastic problem in the Philippines is not just about consumer behavior—it is also about how products are designed, produced, and disposed of.

There are also encouraging signs. Rising oil prices and global uncertainties have prompted more people to explore renewable energy options. Solar panels are becoming more common on rooftops, and electric vehicles are gaining popularity as cleaner transport alternatives.

The question now is simple: What can you do?

Earth Week reminds us that while the problems are vast, so too is our collective power. The choices we make every day—what we buy, what we throw away, and what we support—shape the future of our planet.

Our power, ultimately, is in our hands. (Email: [email protected])