LET US make our cemeteries trash-free. As we remember our deceased loved ones today, let us show how we value and care for Mother Nature as her good stewards. It is, after all, our shared responsibility to ensure that our environment, which includes us all, is protected against practices that pollute and degrade it.
In line with Republic Act 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, which espouses waste prevention and reduction and prohibits polluting acts like littering, open dumping and open burning, and in accordance with other environmental and health laws and regulations, the EcoWaste Coalition urged the public to heed its 10-point cemetery etiquette.
Be mindful of COVID-19 health and safety protocols when you visit the cemetery. Mask up, keep a safe distance, clean your hands, practice good hygiene when coughing or sneezing, and avoid spitting.
Clean up the tombs of your departed ones in an eco-friendly manner without burning or dumping trash by the sidewalk or on other people’s graves. When repainting tombs, use lead-safe paints and refrain from dry sanding or scraping surfaces that might be covered in lead paint to avoid spreading lead dust.
Instead of disposable plastic bags, bring bayong, tote bags or other reusable carry bags for your stuff. Refuse plastic bags and wrappers from vendors.
Offer locally grown cut flowers (or potted plants and flowers) to the dead. Shun plastic flowers, as well as plastic wrappers.
Choose clean-burning candles and do not let the plastic receptacles or holders burn. Don’t light candles with lead-cored wicks to avoid toxic lead emissions.
Bring home-cooked meals in reusable carriers and containers, and don’t forget your water jug or tumbler to avoid purchasing water in plastic bottles. Just bring what you need to avoid wastage, and don’t leave leftovers behind.
Always keep the surroundings tidy and litter-free by not leaving used face masks, cigarette butts, candy wrappers, food packaging, and food waste behind. Put discards into their proper bins when available, or bring them home for proper sorting, reusing, recycling, composting or disposal.
Do not urinate in public places, particularly on people’s graves. It’s disrespectful and unhygienic. Refrain from smoking or vaping in the cemetery, which will only add to the particles and vapors released by burning candles.
These are doable, simple, concrete ways of showing respect for the dead – and the environment. Try them.
