Government, eco-group push ‘green’ Christmas

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on Tuesday joined calls for a nature-friendly Christmas season.

“We enjoin each Filipino to be responsible enough, especially in disposing their trash, so as not to wreak further havoc to our already degraded environment,” said Environment Secretary Ramon Paje.

For gift-giving, Paje advised the public of reusing Christmas wrappers; using recycled paper and reusable bags or “bayong” to put gifts in; giving live plants as gifts; and patronizing products of companies or organizations known to implement green practices.

Aside from keeping parties clean, Paje also proposed segregation of biodegradable, recyclable and unusable wastes as well as holding activities that would promote environmental causes such as tree-planting.

“The less trash we generate, the less we clog our waterways, and the healthier and cleaner our environment,” he said.

Metro Manila alone dumps between 6,000 to 7,000 tons of garbage everyday.

EcoWaste Coalition, for its part, suggested using regular chinaware, metal cutlery, and glass that can be washed and used over and over again for various Christmas parties.

“Let’s not lose sight of the bigger environmental picture, even in the midst of our holiday activities. A little creativity can go a long way to making this a greener and Earth-friendly Christmas for all of us,” the group said.

Posted in: 'Green Christmas'