LET US observe ecological practices that help reduce waste and pollution in cemeteries this All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. This is a concrete way of showing respect for the dead – and the environment.
Year in and year out, visitors leave tons of garbage in cemeteries as if littering is a customary ritual that has to happen as we remember our dearly departed. It is as if litterbugs are having a field day unmindful of the consequences of their action, which is disrespectful to fellow visitors and to the environment as well. Many treat cemeteries as dumpsites for discarded food and food packaging, plastic bottles, soiled papers, and cigarette filters.
As some candidates may take advantage of the occasion to entice voters to support them in the May 2019 polls, we also urge well-meaning politicians not to engage in political propaganda in cemeteries. Instead of distributing leaflets and hanging tarpaulins with their names and faces, deploy or support volunteers who can assist in keeping cemeteries litter-free.
Here are some ecological and ethical practices we can do today: Only lit clean-burning candles and do not let the plastic holders or receptacles to burn. Don’t use candles with lead-cored wicks that can emit dangerous fumes.
Bring fresh local flowers or potted plants as offerings. Refrain from wrapping them in plastic, which only end up as trash.
Carry your own water container to avoid buying bottled water. Bring just enough food and beverage to avoid spoilage or wastage. Use reusable, not disposable, cups, plates, and utensils.
Opt for bayong or other reusable carry bags, and decline plastic bags and wrappers from vendors.
Don’t throw food and beverage packaging, food leftovers, cigarette butts and other discards on the ground. Put your discards into the recycling bins if available, or bring them home for proper sorting, reusing, recycling or composting.
Let us be reminded that Republic Act 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, prohibits the littering, dumping and burning of trash. This should be strictly enforced – within and outside cemeteries.
