EcoWaste Coalition, Miss Earth Push for Zero-Waste Undas

Filipino pro-environment activists and beauty title holders from 10 countries have joined hands to encourage the people to prevent and reduce the generation of garbage in public and private cemeteries.

As part of its campaign for a Zero Waste Undas 2024 with the theme “Kalinisan sa huling hantungan, Igalang ang kalikasan,” members and partners of the EcoWaste Coalition gathered at the Manila North Cemetery to call for a trash-free observance of the upcoming Undas.

Joining them were Miss Earth beauty queens from the Philippines, Argentina, El Salvador, Liberia, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, Northern Marianas, Slovenia, and the USA.

Inspired by the viral dance craze “Maybe This Time,” “Salamin, Salamin,” and “Pantropiko,” the participants danced their way to express their earnest hope for a litter-free and eco-friendly gathering of people in the cemeteries to pay respects to the dead.  A volunteer dressed up as a “Zombasura” (a blended word from “zombie” and “basura” to describe cemetery litterbugs) also made an appearance to nudge the public not to imitate his wasteful habits.

The group also gave practical suggestions on how to lessen cemetery trash and pollution during Undas such as by opting for reusable bags, food containers and cutlery, and water tumblers instead of single-use plastics, segregating discards at source or bringing them home and ensuring that no litter is left behind, as well as not smoking or vaping.

“As we gather in cemeteries to honor our departed loved ones, let us also remember our collective duty to protect the environment. Littering and improper waste disposal not only mar the sanctity of these sacred spaces but also contribute to environmental degradation,” said Aileen Lucero, National Coordinator of the EcoWaste Coalition

The group’s timely call for waste prevention and reduction in cemeteries across Metro Manila and the whole country drew support from Miss Earth Foundation represented by Miss Philippines Earth Ihra Mel Alfeche and her contingent.

“We join the EcoWaste Coalition in calling for zero littering in cemeteries and in advocating for eco-friendly practices during Undas. We can make this time-honored tradition more beautiful by showing respect to the dead and the living, and by taking responsibility for our environment,” said Ihram Mel Alfeche, Miss Philippines Earth. “We invite everyone to embrace Zero Waste Undas for the sake of the common good.”

Also present to convey their support for a Zero Waste Undas were the representatives from the Office of the Mayor, the Department of Public Services and the Manila North Cemetery Administration, as well as the Metro Manila Development Authority.

Last Undas, some 229 metric tons or 86 truckloads of garbage were collected from October 28 to November 1, 2023 in Manila North and South Cemeteries, according to the Manila Public Information Office.

To guide the public in their observance of Undas, the EcoWaste Coalition has compiled a list of “Cemetiquette” guidelines:

1. Stay safe and healthy: Stay hydrated, avoid sugary drinks, and practice good hygiene all the time.
2. Clean responsibly: Clean up the tombs of your departed ones without burning or dumping trash by the sidewalk or on other people’s graves.
3. Use lead-safe paints: When repainting tombs, use lead-safe paints and refrain from dry sanding or scraping surfaces that might be covered in lead paint to avoid spreading lead dust.
4. Pack wisely: Bring your own food and drinks in reusable containers. Bring only what you need to avoid wastage, and don’t leave leftovers behind.
5. Reduce plastic waste: Avoid single-use items such as disposable plastic bags, water bottles, food containers, cutlery, etc.
6. Keep it clean: Don’t litter and put your discards into the proper bins. If bins are unavailable, bring your discards home for sorting, recycling and composting.
7. Offer natural flowers: Offer locally-grown flowers without plastic-wrapping, which will sooner or later end up as trash.
8. Use clean-burning candles: Choose clean-burning candles and do not let the plastic receptacles or holders burn. Don’t light candles with lead-cored wicks to avoid toxic lead emissions.
9. Be respectful: Refrain from urinating in public places or on graves. Relieve yourself only in the proper place where one should.
10. Smoke not: Don’t smoke or vape in the cemetery. Show consideration for the children, the elderly, pregnant women and others around you who may be saddled with respiratory and heart ailments.

“Together, we can prevent and reduce trash not only in cemeteries, but everywhere,” the EcoWaste Coalition said.