BAGUIO CITY—In line with the national government’s drive toward clean and green environment in the country, the implementation of the Plastic and Styrofoam-Free Baguio Ordinance has already been observed gradually by local residents of this city shortly before its May 2018 full implementation.
City Ordinance 35 Series of 2017 strictly bans the use of plastic bags, polystyrene foams for goods including food items. As an alternative, the ordinance recommends the use of paper bags and reusable containers in packaging items. It, likewise, encourages people to bring their own containers and eco-bags whenever they go shopping.
The city government keeps reminding business owners, retailers, traders and vendors in the market including other major business establishments in the city like government institutions and schools to observe the rules and regulations imposed by the ordinance.
However, the public have mix notions regarding the city order. Many are confused as to what is actually allowed or not.
According to a food vendor who refused to be named, the plastic ban is well and good for the environment since this will lessen the increasing waste in the city.
“While we still use plastics bags for the heavier goods, we are now gradually using paper bags for lighter goods,” said Led Mariano, a fruit vendor. “Sometimes, the customers are already the ones bringing their own eco-bags especially those who
purchase a lot.”
Some people, however, are opposing the idea.
“Sometimes, other customers still demand for plastic bags even if our boss keep reminding them that it is already prohibited and that they should bring their own containers or eco-bags instead,” added Imelda Sanchez, a bakery and mini
grocery vendor.
The said ordinance took 10 years in the making after the initial Bayong Ordinance passed in 2007. It was later amended into the present Plastic and Styrofoam-Free Baguio Ordinance.
It can be noted that in the Philippines, various cities and municipalities have already implemented the banning of plastics. Los Baños, Laguna, Bauang in La Union and San Mateo in Isabela were just some of the municipalities who initially implemented plastic ban. Initiated by the Isabela Green Ladies Organization, the town in Isabela pioneered the “Walang Plastikan!” to minimize, if not totally, eradicate the widespread use of plastic bags.
Plastic is a lightweight, versatile and cheap, made of non-biodegradable materials which generally take millions of years to decompose.
The Philippines alone has a very high consumption of plastic bags ranking third among the worst polluters according to a 2017 report by environmental group Greenpeace.