EcoWaste Urges Waste-Free, Green Holy Week Practices

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As Filipinos across the nation began commemorating Holy Week, the environmental watchdog EcoWaste Coalition called on the faithful to observe traditional religious practices in ways that safeguard the planet from waste and pollution.

Coinciding with the Month of the Planet Earth as declared under Presidential Proclamation No. 1482, the group appealed to Catholics and other Christian denominations to mark Holy Week with environmental responsibility and spiritual mindfulness.

“Amid the triple planetary crisis facing humanity — biodiversity loss, climate change, and pollution — we call on the faithful to show their concern for the environment as the suffering, death and resurrection of Lord Jesus Christ is recounted through time-honored religious events, rituals, and practices this Holy Week,” EcoWaste Coalition said in a statement.

The group urged an “ecological observance” of the sacred week, beginning with Palm Sunday, when churchgoers traditionally bring palaspas (woven palm fronds) to recall Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem.

“Conducting our faith-inspired activities in an ecological manner will give Mother Earth a breather from wastes and pollutants afflicting her on a daily basis,” the group noted.

“As stewards of God’s creations, let us respect and protect the Earth, our common home, and all life on it,” the group added.

With this year’s observance taking place amid the midterm election campaign season, EcoWaste reminded national and local candidates that political campaigning is prohibited by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.

It also urged candidates to avoid posting campaign materials on trees, power poles, and light posts, particularly along pilgrimage routes, and discouraged the use of “Happy Easter” banners that contribute to campaign-related waste.

To guide the public, EcoWaste released a list of 12 practical tips to promote a more meaningful, eco-conscious Holy Week:

1. Avoid littering, waste burning, and dumping, especially at pilgrimage and prayer sites.
2. Reuse materials for Pabasa ng Pasyon huts and use lead-safe paints when decorating.
3. Serve food for traditional Caridad in reusable containers instead of single-use plastics.
4. Walk, bike, or use public transport during Visita Iglesia to reduce emissions.
5. Ensure a litter-free and smoke-free Alay-Lakad to Antipolo on Maundy Thursday.
6. Pick up litter during Via Crucis (Way of the Cross) processions.
7. Use mercury-free LED lights and native flora to decorate the karosa on Good Friday.
8. Skip fireworks during the Salubong on Easter Sunday and opt for bell ringing or hand clapping.
9. Make Easter games for children simple, joyful, and waste-free.
10. Donate pre-loved items to Caritas Manila’s Segunda Mana or to charitable groups.
11. Choose a “staycation” or quiet retreat to spend quality time with loved ones.
12. When traveling, follow the principle: “Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints, kill nothing but time.”

“Do not throw or leave your discards on the road, churchyard, park, or the beach,” the group reminded. “If there are no segregation bins available, carry your discards with you for sorting, composting or recycling at home.”

Founded in 2000, EcoWaste Coalition is a non-profit network of community, church, health, and environmental groups advocating for a zero-waste, toxics-free society.

The group has consistently lobbied for waste prevention and environmental accountability during major public events and religious gatherings in the Philippines.

As millions of Filipinos prepare for religious activities, out-of-town vacations, or family gatherings this Holy Week, EcoWaste’s message remains clear: practicing faith and protecting the planet should go hand in hand.