An immense pile of filth

CAN THE public celebrate the joyful holiday season with the well-being of Mother Earth in mind, too?

Through the years, we have observed holiday trash soaring during weeks of shopping and partying. But this could be reduced through the willful application of the 3Rs mantra: reduce, reuse, recycle.

The tons of trash generated in this most cheerful time of year would surely end up in street corners or in distant places where garbage gets buried or burned, or, worse, in the oceans. Typically discarded include kitchen and food waste, plastic and paper packaging materials, party supplies and leftovers as well as firecracker and firework residuals.

Any green holiday ideas? Why not make eye-catching decorations out of discards, hold eco-friendly parties and give alternative gifts?

To minimize post-party garbage, shun lavish parties; practice a “no left-over” policy to prevent food wastage; practice ecological party waste management; and opt for reusable party essentials instead of disposable plates, cups, cutlery, and napkin.

As for gift-giving, we pitch for eco-friendly “made in the Philippines” products, as well non-material items that promote good values and sustainable living. Why not give gifts that require no paper or plastic wrapping?  If wrapping is deemed necessary, will you dare use old bandannas or socks? Or magazines, newspapers, boxes and jars, as well as recycled pouch bags. Why not try the versatile bayong instead of the usual Christmas wrappers?

We can and we must reduce, reuse, recycle and waste no more. We urge everyone to be mindful of what they consume and dispose of during the festive season. Recycle pa more to trim down on what you toss into the bins.

We surely can do something to avoid our neighborhoods and other communities from turning into, to borrow a phrase from Laudato Si (Pope Francis’ encyclical on the environment), “an immense pile of filth.”