Coconut and creativity

After learning on how to use banana leaf sheaths or “simat” as plate, another creative way of making plates by the People’s Organization (PO) from Aklan had captured the heart of the public.

An eco-friendly bowl made of coconut shell locally called as “Bao” or “Bagoe” by Aklanons were made and prepared by the Nabaoy Farmers and Forest Developers Association (NAFFDA) during the inspection of the Enhanced National Greening Program (ENGP) site at Brgy. Nabaoy, Malay, Aklan by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Provincial ENR Office (DENR-PENRO) in Aklan.

Touted as the “Tree of Life”, coconut had proven once again its useful benefits from housing materials to oil to food production. It is also a healing palm tree for its coconut water which is a good cure for Urinary Tract Infection. The coconut palm tree has many things to offer to mankind.

The foremost benefit of using biodegradable plates is the positive impact it has on the environment. Using eco-friendly plates and cutleries make composting mire convenient. This also makes post-party cleanup much easier, too.

“This is another laudable effort of our upland POs in Aklan for tapping on their creativity. This will not only help lessen our trash, but also minimize the single-use plastics especially when travelling,” said DENR Regional Executive Director Francisco E. Milla, Jr.

“Those products are plastic free they are 100% safe, and earth-friendly. Because this is a biodegradable one, you don’t need to worry for any toxic materials you might eat and you can enjoy your food more whether it is hot or cold. So, I encourage the public to try using this biodegradable one, and see for yourself its benefit,” he added as he encouraged the public to start using biodegradable utensils.

Ecological Solid Waste Management (ESWM) is one the biggest disciplinary action that can’t be properly exercised by the public, thus, one of DENR Secretary Roy A. Cimatu priority programs for the year is the ESWM. (DENR 6)