To celebrate #PlasticFreeJuly, Plastic-Free Pilipinas Collaborators: EcoWaste Coalition, Greenpeace Philippines, Mother Earth Foundation, Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives, Health Care Without Harm together with Break Free from Plastic, Oceana Philippines International, and Megaworld Lifestyle Malls, launched on Monday, a photo exhibit and bazaar featuring art and eco-friendly stores to make plastic-free Pilipinas a reality.
“Plastic Free July is being celebrated to demonstrate to people that a life free from unnecessary plastic and disposable material is still possible and to continue pushing some simple actions that can be done to reduce our personal plastic footprint. This is a reminder that the Philippines without Plastics, is within our reach only if we go zero waste,” said Aileen Lucero, National Coordinator of EcoWaste Coalition.
A Photo exhibit showcasing Plastic Pollution in the Philippines from EcoWaste Coalition, Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives, Greenpeace Philippines, and Oceana Philippines International, highlighted the impacts of single-use disposable plastic in communities and the environment as a major source of pollution in the Philippines.
These disposable plastic products come in various forms such as, but not limited to, sachet packs, bags, cutleries, cups, and PET bottles which are meant to be used only once, before being thrown away.
“The event not only features reusable alternatives to single-use plastics that we can use in our everyday lives, but also provides viable solutions for corporations to reduce their plastic production. A number of micro, small, and medium enterprises are already pioneering reuse and refill models and we firmly believe that bigger companies can follow their lead on plastic free solutions,” said Marian Ledesma, Zero Waste Campaigner, Greenpeace Philippines.
The zero-waste bazaar also featured viable alternatives to single-use plastic from the following merchants – Candles by Ilka, The Bamboo Company, Armari Organics, and Sabon Express. Greenpeace Philippines and Oceana Philippines International will also have booths at the bazaar to heighten public awareness on single-use plastic production problems and showcase eco-friendly enterprises.
“Access to refillable, reusable and sustainable options in our communities is gaining ground and getting easy; aspiring entrepreneurs understand the need and are paving the way for adapting zero waste as a driving force for their businesses,” said Archie Abellar, PH Zero Waste Coordinator of Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives.
“Sustainability remains our main thrust at Megaworld Lifestyle Malls and we are honored to be part of this significant advocacy to preserve and protect Mother Earth. Through our Zero Waste Lifestyle initiative, we have enjoined our employees, retail partners and communities across our properties through a comprehensive waste collection and management program with the goal of minimizing carbon footprint and supporting recycling efforts for the benefit of communities and our partner organizations,” says Graham Coates, Head of Megaworld Lifestyle Malls.
The Photo Exhibit and Zero Waste Bazaar runs from July 18 to 20 at Uptown Mall, Bonifacio Global City.
