A demonstration by Ecowaste Coalition calling for a ‘Nationwide Plastic Ban’ (UNTV News)
MANILA, Philippines — Plastic comprises the largest part of wastes being collected in the country.
According to a 2014 study conducted by the Ecowaste Coalition, in Manila Bay alone 62 % of the 1,594 liters of waste collected was plastic.
Topping the list are plastic bags followed by plastic wrappers. This is why Ecowaste is pushing for a nationwide plastic ban as efforts by some local government units are not enough.
Aileen Lucero of Ecowaste Coalition said, “That is not sufficient. That is why we are pushing for the implementation of a national plastic ban. Unlike the current situation that an LGU implements a plastic ban while the other LGU doesn’t. Our waterways are connected and doesn’t end in a certain logal government.”
Earlier this Monday, Ecowaste Coalition staged a protest at the Plaza Miranda in relation to their call to resolve the plastic waste problem in the country.
The group emphasized that because plastic is non biodegradable and being carelessly disposed by many, it goes to and blocks the waterways which causes floods.
When plastic disintegrates, the tiny particles are being eaten by fishes thereby posing a threat to humans who might eat the fish that has consumed plastic particles.
Lucero added, “Fishes die because of it. If a plastic disintegrate, this turns into micro plastics and it can be carcenogenic. Meaning, it may cause cancer.”
Ecowaste apeals to the public to refrain from mindlessly throwing plastic waste anywhere and instead make a habit of reusing reducing and recycling.
Ecowaste also appeals to companies to use alternatives instead of utilizing plastic in their packaging.
“If we don’t end this, we will be overwhelmed from plastic waste. In a study, a person accumulates 0.82 kilograms of waste. If we multiply that to just a million Filipinos that will be numerous already,” Ecowaste Coalition representative explained. (Victor Cosare / UNTV News)