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ACCORDING to the environmental group Greenpeace, the Philippines is the third worst polluter of plastic in our oceans.
It is such a shame that we are treating our oceans as if our lives do not depend on it. Our ocean is home to millions of species of marine plants and animals. It is also the main source of livelihood of our fisherfolk communities whom we rely for fresh bounty of seafood.
According to Greenpeace, the Philippines contributed 1.88 million tons of āmismanaged plastic wasteā each year, with China and Indonesia polluting the most.
So what should we do?
We have the Ecological Solid Waste Management (ESWM) Act. National and local authorities should enforce it. This law intends to mainstream effective waste management practices ā such as segregation of garbage at source, segregated transportation, processing, treatment, and proper disposal of solid waste ā into our daily consciousness. Through these measures, we correct misconceptions and wrong practices and educate our people on how to properly protect and take care of the environment.
But while all local government units are mandated to have a solid waste management plan, the private sector and citizens must also undertake such initiatives. We are all called for to pursue efforts that would support this cause. Our private companies, especially, could look into greener alternatives to retail plastic packaging, as well as other environmental sustainability projects. From segregation and recycling in workplaces to conducting coastal clean-ups, we all can do more.
It is only appropriate that we protect the very environment which we have relied so heavily on for food, water, shelter, and other basic needs. Aside from the strict enforcement of the law, greater participation in ecological solid waste management is the key.
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