Shun plastics this holiday season–DENR

Environment Secretary Ramon Paje

Environment Secretary Ramon Paje on Thursday appealed to the public to reduce the use of plastic utensils and Styrofoam containers when they celebrate the holidays.

“There is no stopping us in merry-making this holiday season.  Christmas will always be the most awaited event in our Christian life, and food is always one of the most important ingredients that make gatherings enjoyable,” Paje reminded partygoers to think about the impact of their activities to the environment and find ways to reduce their carbon footprint.

“There are definitely a thousand ways that we could do to help mother earth recover from its ailing health—from tree growing and gardening to using recyclable bags to wrap our gifts, to car pooling to save gas,  to not lighting fireworks this coming New Year so as not to add to air pollution,” Paje stressed.

He also urged companies and communities to follow the department’s practice of banning plastic utensils and polystyrene food containers in their events. Caterers are also told to use reusable materials in their food preparations.

Paje said uncollected trash that clog waterways and drainage systems is one of the major causes of floods and disease outbreaks such as dengue, cholera, and skin diseases.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources said Metro Manila produced about 8,400 to 8,600 tons of trash per day.