In the midst of National Zero Waste Month, celebrated every January since 2014 under Proclamation No. 760, the Philippines is intensifying its campaign against single-use plastics. The initiative, which encourages government bodies and the public to adopt sustainable practices, comes as the country faces criticism for being among the world’s top ocean polluters, largely due to its heavy reliance on disposable plastics.
This year’s focus is on urging Filipinos to shift away from single-use plastics and embrace reusable options. Senator Loren Legarda emphasized the need for a change, stating, “It’s crucial that we move away from this damaging habit by using our creativity and resourcefulness to find and promote reusable solutions for daily use.” She called on government agencies to spearhead efforts in innovating ways to repurpose everyday items and minimize waste.
Legarda also spoke about the broader vision of steering the nation towards a circular economy, where resources are continuously reused and recycled, aiming to achieve this transformation by 2030. This approach is seen as a vital step towards sustainable waste management and reducing the environmental impact of plastics.