BAN Toxics, a toxic and wastes watchdog, urged Filipino consumers to abandon single-use plastic bags in favor of reusable and eco-friendly alternatives.
The organization made the call during the observance of International Plastic Bag Free Day on Sunday, July 3, in Quezon City.
The International Plastic Bag Free Day was designed to raise public awareness on plastic pollution and its effect on the ecosystem and biodiversity, especially to marine wildlife.
It was established as a global initiative with the aim of banning single-use plastic bags globally and encouraging everyone to switch to environmentally friendly alternatives to promote environmental conservation.
At the Frisco Market in Quezon City, volunteer mothers and “BAN Toxics Patrollers” showcased different reusable and eco-friendly bags made of natural materials, such as bamboo, rattan, pandan, coconut and palm leaves, and cloth to encourage the public to switch to reusable alternatives.
The global plastic production surged from two million tons in the 1950s to more than 438 million tons in 2017, a trend that is expected to continue, said BAN Toxics in a statement.
The group said that plastic pollution has become one of the Philippines’ “greatest waste problems.”
In 2015, the country produced 2.7 million tons of plastic waste, ranking the country as the third largest plastic waste producer in the world.
A 2018 study on waste management practices revealed that despite the Philippines’ high garbage collection rates, the country still has problems with proper wastes disposal.
BAN Toxics has been calling on the Philippine government to prioritize the plastic crisis.
In his inauguration speech on June 30, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said that he intends to address the plastic problem in the Philippines during his term.
“While we welcome President Marcos Jr.’s acknowledgement of the plastic crisis faced by the country, BAN Toxics hopes to see a concrete action plan tackling the plastic pollution issue followed by its strict implementation and monitoring,” said Mehei dela Torre, Plastics Campaigner of BAN Toxics.
