ACCORDING to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the nation produces approximately 2.7 million tons of plastic waste annually, much of which ends up in landfills, dumpsites, rivers, and even our water supply systems. With this year’s Earth Day theme, “Planet vs Plastics”, it’s high time we all understand the gravity of plastic waste and the urgent need for collective action.
Plastic waste is an eyesore and a potent environmental hazard. Its durability, which once made it seem so useful, now threatens our ecosystems and public health. Every day, Filipinos are unwittingly consuming microplastics through fish, water, and even the air we breathe.
The financial implications are staggering as well. The Philippines loses around US$89 million annually due to unrecycled plastics. These are resources that could bolster our economy while protecting our environment. Fortunately, legislative steps are being taken to address this crisis. The Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Act, for instance, shifts the responsibility of waste management from local governments to producers and manufacturers, promoting a reduction in plastic use and encouraging the recycling of plastic packaging.
However, legislative measures alone are not enough. Over 800 large-scale companies have committed to reducing plastic use, but this is just the beginning. The challenge of plastic waste requires a whole-of-society approach. Everyone from government officials to corporations to individual citizens must participate actively in this fight.
Transformation towards a plastics-free world begins at home. Simple actions such as reducing single-use plastics, supporting products with sustainable packaging, and participating in local recycling programs can make a significant difference. Education and awareness are crucial, too. We must understand the lifecycle of the products we consume and the long-term consequences of plastic pollution.
Reducing plastic waste is not just about cleaning up our environment; it’s about preserving our health, safeguarding our water sources, and securing a sustainable future. It is a call we must all heed, for the health of our planet and the well-being of all its inhabitants. Let’s make “Earth Day Every Day” more than just a slogan.
