Toxics watchgroup drafts ‘Pinoy Cemetery Etiquette’ for Nov. 1, 2

An environmental group has drafted in time for the annual commemoration of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day a set of rules for a respectful, eco-friendly and toxic-free visit to the cemetery.

The Eco-Waste Coalition released the other day its “Pinoy Cemetery Etiquette” or “Cemetequette” which are reminders that combine environmental responsibility and common courtesy for Filipinos who want to pay their respects to the dead.

In a statement, the group said that the Cemetequette—which was based on inputs from environmentalists and Caloocan Bishop Deogracias Iñiguez Jr.—basically calls on people going to the cemetery to practice the Golden Rule.

“Our intent is not to preach, but to offer reminders and suggestions that could put to rights some unfitting practices, especially during the observance of ‘Undas,’ which, in all honesty, bring shame on our beautiful and undying culture of remembering the dead,” it added.

Primary among the rules of cemetequette is to “clean, scrub, polish the tombs of departed loved ones in a safe and ecological manner.” In particular, EcoWaste Coalition reminded cemetery visitors to use lead-free paint, refrain from scraping off old paint which may contain the toxic chemical and keep garbage in their own area at a minimum.

At the same time, it reminded the public to avoid burning trash since it “releases loads of microscopic particles called PM or particulate matter and other major pollutants such as dioxins, one of the most toxic poisons known to modern science.”

The group also said that plants and trees must be taken care of and the use of motorized vehicles are to be avoided as much as possible.

“Walk, ride a bicycle or pedicab or take public transportation to [go to] the cemetery. If you are driving a car, coordinate with your family members for maximum carpooling. You do not only save on gas but also help in decongesting cemeteries and nearby communities,” EcoWaste Coalition pointed out.

It likewise urged people not to smoke or distribute brochures, leaflets and other promotional printed materials that would only add clutter in the cemetery. The group also asked cemetery visitors to help reduce trash by packing their food in reusable containers instead of styrofoam.

Cemetequette also covers noise pollution and calls for serenity and peace in a cemetery, EcoWaste said as it advised the public against bringing pets, musical instruments or blaring sound systems. “The cemetery is not an amusement park or a place to show off your new gadgets; use a personal headset so as not to get in the way of other people,” it added.