Victorias CIty bans single-use plastics in gov't offices

Victorias City bans single-use plastics in gov’t offices

/ 04:20 PM May 31, 2024

Victorias City bans single-use plastics in gov't offices

STOCK PHOTO

BACOLOD CITY — Government offices in Victorias City are going plastic-free starting June 3 in compliance with the mayor’s executive order that bans single-use plastics.

Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez, in an interview on May 29, said the ban would start in City Hall before moving to other government buildings and economic enterprises.

Article continues after this advertisement

“And eventually to the greater city area. We just have to start somewhere,” he said.

FEATURED STORIES

Penalties for violators have yet to be announced.

Banned are plastic straws, bags, disposable cutlery, water bottles, styrofoam containers, plastic stirrers, and plastic condiment packets.

Article continues after this advertisement

The use of sustainable alternatives such as reusable metal or bamboo straws, cloth or reusable shopping bags, eco-friendly bamboo cutlery, stainless steel or glass water bottles, biodegradable food containers, wooden stirrers or spoons, and refillable condiment containers are suggested.

Article continues after this advertisement

The Victorias City government’s ordinance is in consonance with its motto: “Say no to single-use plastic, together, we can make a difference and protect our planet.”

Article continues after this advertisement

Negros Occidental Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office Joan Gerangaya said the move of Victorias City is commendable.

“What is important is the ordinance is properly implemented or it will be useless,” he said.

Article continues after this advertisement

Gerangaya said San Carlos City in northern Negros Occidental has successfully banned the use of plastics that are no longer present in its markets.

He hoped more local governments would follow the moves of San Carlos and Victorias, saying plastic is the most harmful invention of man.

“Plastics clog up drainage systems and cause flooding. They are non-biodegradable so they cause both land and water pollution, and endanger the health of humans, animals and marine life as they contain harmful chemicals,” Gerangaya said.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Plastic production, he added, also emits greenhouse gases, which contribute to climate change.

TAGS: single-use plastics, Victorias City

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.