EcoWaste Coalition Decries Use of Plastic Banderitas

The environmental watchdog group EcoWaste Coalition has criticized the continued use of single-use plastic materials, such as “labo” (super thin plastic without handles), as fiesta banderitas.

As communities like Pandacan and Tondo in Manila prepare to celebrate the feast of Santo Niño this weekend, the group has once again called attention to the wastefulness of plastic banderitas.

A recent visual investigation by the group revealed that streets in Tondo and Pandacan are adorned with single-use plastic buntings, including new plastic “labo,” which is among the most problematic plastic types due to its limited reuse and recycling potential.

“Buntings made of plastic ‘labo’ and other single-use plastics go straight to garbage disposal sites after the festivities,” said Ochie Tolentino, Zero Waste Campaigner for EcoWaste Coalition. “We question the continued use of disposable banderitas in faith-inspired festivities, which only add to the perennial garbage woes facing our communities.”

The group urged community leaders to abandon the use of single-use plastic banderitas, which they argued contradict ongoing local and global efforts to combat plastic pollution.

A Call to End Plastic Pollution

EcoWaste Coalition emphasized that disposable plastic decorations are inconsistent with efforts to address the escalating plastic pollution crisis, which has led to negotiations for a legally binding global treaty on plastics. These negotiations are set to resume in 2025.

The group also highlighted that the use of plastic “labo” and other disposable materials is incompatible with a resolution adopted by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) during its 128th Plenary Assembly in July 2024. The resolution identified supporting efforts to eradicate plastic pollution as one of six ecological actions to be pursued.

In 2019, the CBCP released a pastoral letter on ecology titled “An Urgent Call for Ecological Conversion, Hope in the Face of Climate Emergency.” This letter reaffirmed the church’s commitment to the principles of Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si, which calls for the care of the environment and humanity.

The letter also included a 13-point ecological action plan, which urged communities to “live simply, minimize consumption, and actively promote ecological awareness and action.” This included reducing the use of single-use plastics and other wasteful materials.

“In response to the call for ecological conversion, we appeal to our churches and communities to do away with single-use plastic fiesta banderitas and other wasteful disposables,” the EcoWaste Coalition said. “We should make the protection of the environment and people central to our faith-rooted celebrations.”

Appeal to Politicians

The group also called on political aspirants for the upcoming midterm elections not to exploit the feast of Santo Niño for campaign purposes. They stressed that the popular feast should remain a celebration of faith and community, free from political motives.

EcoWaste Coalition continues to advocate for sustainable practices and urges communities to prioritize ecological responsibility in their celebrations. The group hopes its message will inspire collective action to reduce plastic pollution and protect the environment.