Metro Manila’s estimated 12 million plus population is producing more garbage every year. This year, it is again expected to exceed its thrash annual output.
The National Capital Region produced over 66,000 cubic meters of waste in the first half of 2019 alone, exceeding its year ago level of 58,112.31 cubic meters of waste, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
Hence, Environment Secretary Roy A. Cimatu again called on the public to practice proper solid-waste management through the so-called 3Rs, or reduce, reuse and recycle, especially during the Christmas season.
In a news statement, Cimatu said the holiday season produces the biggest volume of garbage in the country, especially in Metro Manila. The baseline target for the year, he noted, had already been surpassed as early as June.
“Because of this, we really need to cut back on our consumption and waste and get back to basics to make life easier and to help the environment in the process,” he added.
In this season of giving, Cimatu recommended the use of eco-friendly wrapping papers and gift bags, such as those made from bamboo, rattan, abaca and buri leaves, as these can be reused.
“The best way to reduce wrapping waste is to wrap a gift in something that’s part of the gift like a reusable tote bag,” Cimatu pointed out.
Since many gifts end up lost, broken or forgotten, Cimatu suggested giving the gift of memory or experience like going to nature parks, or visiting an orphanage, or home for the elderly or hospice.
“Well thought presents, such as those that a family member actually needs or has always wanted are also more meaningful and don’t go to waste,” he also pointed out.
In hosting gatherings and parties, Cimatu advised people to use washable dinnerware and cutlery instead of paper plates and plastic cups, spoons and forks.
To avoid food wastage, Cimatu urged the public not to buy extra, cook just enough for everyone and make sure to have more vegetables than meat.
Cimatu noted that meat products have larger carbon footprints per calorie than grains, or vegetable products.
He said studies have shown that animal agriculture puts a heavy strain on the Earth’s finite resources, such as land, water and energy, thus causing deforestation, biodiversity loss, and water and air pollution.
The Philippines, with its estimated population of over 100 million, produces around 40,000 tons of garbage every day or 14.6 million tons of garbage annually. Metro Manila produces slightly less than a quarter of that figure with around 9,000 tons every day.
The Philippines has been implementing Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act for more than 20 years.
Image credits: Nonie Reyes