Metro Manila has it all: overwhelming volume of garbage, smog, biologically dead rivers and creeks, too crowded roads, smoke belching, defective zoning laws, overflowing and(un)sanitary landfills, poor city planning, and an overwhelming population. It probably has the worst environmental issues our country could ever have.. and I am amongst those sitting right in the middle of it. If there is one thing we can start with- in our very own backyards, its dealing with our garbage. Here's how:
1. Segregate our wastes so we know which to re-use, recycle and compost. You will realize that if you can do this, you will be able reduce your daily waste volume to only 5%of the original -which are mostly mixed wastes;
2. Avoid the use of plastic bags, and other non-biodegradable stuff;
3. If you cannot avoid plastic, always look at the bottom of the plastic container so you'll know which ones are recyclable in the Philippines. There's a number inside the triangular chasing arrows and if its 1(PET) or 2(HDPE), then recycling facilities exist. 3 onwards such as PVC, styrene and LDPE should be entirely avoided;
4. Glass is always better than plastic or metal;
5. At fastfoods, if you dont need the plastic utensils, or the ketchup, do return them;
6. Reuse your paper at the office. You can save a lot of trees by doing that;
7. Always remember that waste is a resource until you mix them together..such as by soiling a good paper with food. so segregate properly;
8. Buy only what you need;
It is also good to remember this environmental principle: EVERYTHING WE THROW WILL COME BACK TO US IN ONE FORM OR ANOTHER.
Lets all do our part in saving the world.
My cause: Philippine Environmental Concerns
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