Eco watchdog lauds LGU’s efforts to reduce plastic wastes

The efforts of the local government units to reduce the plastic pollution in the country drew commendation from a group of environmental activists.

Environment watchdog EcoWaste Coalition has lauded the continuous efforts of local government units to address the problem of plastic waste that often clogged rivers and waterways.

Four other cities have recently joined the roster of other local government units who had already passed Ordinances regulating the use of plastic bags and polystyrene products—Bacolod, Las Pinas, Mandaluyong, Antipolo.

More than 20 municipalities and cities have already existing Ordinances regulating or banning the use of plastic bags in business establishments. These LGU’s are in Batangas City, Burgos, Pangasinan, Carmona, Imus, Biñan, Calamba City, Calauan, Los Baños, Luisiana, Paete, Kalayaan, Sta. Cruz, Muntinlupa City, Odiongan, Romblon, Pasay City, Pasig City, Infanta, Lucban, and Sta. Barbara, Iloilo.

TroyLacsamana, Head of Task Force Plastics of EcoWaste Coalition commended the efforts of local leaders to mitigate the effects of plastic pollution by addressing the issue.

“We are grateful that more and more forward-thinking local government units are reinforcing their solid waste management systems specifically in reducing the volume of plastic waste,” he said.

The group also lauded Senator Miram Defensor Santiago who recently filed Senate Bill 3001 titled “Banning the Use of Plastic Bags, regardless of Composition, in all Retail Establishments”.

Lacsamana said that a bill banning the use of plastic bags will help significantly in reducing plastic wastes and conserving raw materials.

“Both so-called degradable and compostable bags perpetuate throw-away mentality that aggravates resource depletion since they require extraction of virgin materials to manufacture new products,” he said.

Meanwhile, National Coordinator of EcoWaste Coalition, Rei Panaligan pointed out that reduction in waste generation also means a decrease in solid waste management and clean-up expenses of LGUs.

“Ultimately, this also means that the concern on spending hundreds of millions on dirty and pollutive waste disposal technologies such as incinerators and landfills becomes moot. Instead, money saved may be spent to strengthen the waste and other environmental programs of the LGU,” he added.

With more LGUs doing their share in addressing the problem of plastic pollution in the country with support from business establishments and the broader community, the Coalition said it’s now time for the legislators and President Benigno Aquino to enact a nationwide ban on plastic bags.

The group stressed that should the ban be implemented it will be beneficial to our environment, to our health, to our economy and to our climate. (CBCPNews)