THE Davao City Council is currently in the process of two ordinances that will be truly beneficial to the environment.
One of these ordinances is to prohibit the release of sky lanterns and balloons to the sky. This is being proposed by Councilor Maria Belen Acosta.
"When balloons deflate, they indiscriminately drop anywhere and everywhere, and they cannot be recovered and properly disposed,” Acosta said. Sky lanterns on the other hand pose a harmful risk of igniting a fire when they land on trees, bushes or even houses.
Committee on environment chair Councilor Diosdado Mahipus said the committee is currently drafting an ordinance that will prevent the use of the single-use plastics in the city. However, they are still conducting further studies on this.
Both ordinances clearly have the goal to lessen the wastes being scattered by us.
Despite constant reminders from environmental groups and eco-warriors we still fail to properly manage and responsibly dispose of our wastes. This, even if we have an existing waste management ordinance.
While these laws are good for the environment, effort on instilling discipline among the citizens is also a must. How will these laws do it? Impose fines? Do regular information and education campaigns? Whatever that may be, the citizens abiding the laws are crucial in meeting the goals of the laws.
It may take a while before every single Dabawenyo will be responsible and smart on waste management and disposal. It will take time before anyone here will have a nearly zero-waste lifestyle.
However, these laws may begin that movement on Dabawenyos having a much more greener lifestyle.