A few days before Senator Risa Hontiveros filed Senate Bill No. 1866, which bans the use of plastic straws, stirrers, and other non-biodegradable materials in restaurants, Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña released a memorandum, which reiterates the measure but only limited to the offices of their city hall.
Last July 3, Osmeña ordered all government offices and employees to stop utilizing single-use plastics and styrofoam effective Aug. 1. “Plastics coupled with poor waste management and littering in the streets, creeks, and riverbanks have clogged drainages and canals which, in turn, substantially contribute to flooding. Flood waters bring about a myriad of health risks and pose a threat to the safety and well-being of residents,” he says.
He suggested that they use paper or plant-based wrappers instead, or that customers provide their own reusable plastic containers themselves. Government officials are also encouraged to bring their own plates, utensils, mugs or drinking glasses, and reusable food containers.
According to the 2017 report on plastic pollution by Greenpeace, the Philippines is the third biggest contributor to ocean plastic waste.
While this is only one of the many steps being continually taken to reduce plastic waste, it’s a good sign for both local and national government units which has been showing support to the movement through implementing measures throughout their respective areas of jurisdiction.
Does your local municipality or city have a similar ordinance? Let us know.
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Featured image courtesy of Greenpeace Philippines
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Writer: DANEE TORRES
