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

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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.

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

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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