Locals aspire for responsible plastic use

ORMOC CITY Councilor Lalaine Marcos has been carrying a recyclable bag every time she goes to the market for about 10 years now.

“I noted a lot of people bringing recyclables or limiting their purchases to what a paper bag can carry. There are also recyclables for sale from P30 to P50, while the big ones are P70. When I go for my monthly groceries, I ask it to be boxed,” she added.

Ormoc is just one of the cities in Eastern Visayas that implemented a “No Plastic Day” ordinance to reduce the generation of plastic waste material and to save the environment.

To prove that Ormoc is serious on its green advocacy, Ormoc is discouraging its residents from using plastic bags for two days, on Wednesday and Saturday.

“I noted some also have theirs boxed. For very small purchases like medicines, I ask for paper bags or just stuff it in my bag,” said Marcos.

She also assured that in establishments she patronized, the “No Plastic Day” ordinance is being observed.

In Maasin City, Mayor Nacional Mercado said they already have the same ordinance to ensure the conservation and preservation of the environment.

But he said the ordinance is yet to be published.

Tacloban City Vice Mayor Jerry Yaokasin said the city continues its awareness campaign on responsible use of plastics.

He also cited a store in the city that is selling shampoos, soy sauce, cooking oil and other liquids, but customers have to bring their refillable containers.

He also looked forward to having a partnership with any organization that seeks to promote environmental protection in the city.

Tacloban City Councilor Aimee Grafil said their plan is not only to implement a no plastic day but “a total ban after six months upon passage of the ordinance.”

Grafil said she is going to file the ordinance this September 2019.

Meanwhile, Philippine food company NutriAsia has initiated “Bring Your Own Bottle” (BYOB) pop-up stores in its campaign to reduce plastic consumption and promote environmental sustainability.

The company encourages visitors to bring their own clean plastic or glass bottles to the pop-up store to get a refill of condiments, sauces and cooking oils at discounted prices.

Since its opening at the Mind Museum in Global Bonifacio City in Taguig, Manila last August 1, the BYOB booth has been frequented by working moms, young professionals and residents of the area.

At the refilling station, product items are also sold at five to 15 percent cheaper than their suggested retail prices.

The store also gives 40 percent discount to buyers of locally blended juice drinks, the company said.

The company also partnered with the Environmental Management Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for a series of refilling activities across central Luzon.

The customers can bring at least two empty bottles for refill, while others just drop by their store to donate plastic containers.

They can get a minimum of 200 grams of their desired products and a maximum of two liters.

“Iyong mga ganitong event, okay siya. Mas mura na, same quality pa ng mabibili mo sa mga supermarkets. At good siya sa environment,” said Jerome Manangkil, who expressed his appreciation and support for NutriAsia’s initiative.

“Actually, second time ko na rito. Mas affordable at makatutulong ka pang mabawasan ‘yung mga plastic na basura,” added John Allan Adriatico, another customer at BYOB.

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