Philippine Scene#14 - Massive Ban of Plastics and Styrofoam in Metro Manila

Due to the recent aftermath of monsoon surge that spewed out tons of garbage of plastics and Styrofoam on the shore of Manila Bay, officials of major cities in Metro Manila agreed to implement the banning of such materials in the market.

Instead, a bio-degradable version of packing materials is now the best alternative when going to the public market or huge commercial centers.

Plastics and Styrofoam are recyclable materials but due to the careless attitude of many people in the metro, it accumulated on the ditches of canals and irrigations in the major thoroughfares of the city causing massive flashfloods during rainy season.

Aside from this, plastics and Styrofoam that contains hydro florou carbon (HFC) is major contributor for the depletion of the Earth’s protective layer called Ozone (O3).

More and more local government units are now approving resolutions and ordinances that will promote the protection of our environment and ultimately conserve the natural resources of our planet.

If not for the monsoon surge that happened on the month of August this 2012, residents of Metro Manila will never realize that the main culprit of massive flooding each year is the garbage of plastics (including Styrofoam) that often clog the irrigation canal at the main thoroughfares of the city.

Although the industry of plastic products are downsizing their production up to 50%, companies will be obliged to follow the approved ordinances that the cities of the metro are implementing now.

Many contract workers at plastic production companies are affected by this development in the city, but considering the damages that were inflicted by its massive use, politicians and concerned groups and private citizens are now aware of such threats during wet season.

All Filipino citizens are encouraged to think of a way on how to contribute for the recycling of plastics and Styrofoam that will eradicate the problems happening in the Philippines.

Ideas that are proven to be effective are the following:

1. Non-biodegradable materials, just like plastic bottle and wrappers can be used as pillow fillers and decorative materials.
2. Plastic garbage can still produce re-usable fuel. Local oil refinery companies are doing it already.

National legislation is needed in order to fully implement the recycling production of plastic garbage.

Public awareness should be given importance among local government units (LGUs) in order to fully facilitate the implementation of this program.

Public discipline should also be observed in order to overcome this problem