EcoWaste backs MMDA’s proposal to curb plastic garbage

The EcoWaste Coalition, a waste and pollution watchdog, has expressed its support to the proposal made by the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) urging local government units (LGUs) to impose strong measures to curb plastic pollution.

“We praise Chairman (Francis) Tolentino’s eagerness to ban plastic bags and containers similar to what Muntinlupa and other innovative LGUs have done. Phasing out these problematic materials will significantly address our garbage and climate woes,” said Troy Lacsamana of the EcoWaste Coalition's Task Force Plastics.

MMDA Chairman Tolentino had earlier commended Muntinlupa City for enacting City Ordinance 10-109, the first citywide ban on plastic bags and polystyrene food containers in Metro Manila, which took effect last January 18.

“The MMDA strongly encourages LGUs to adopt similar strong measures such as this to combat the dangerous effects of environmental degradation which leads to massive flooding and climate change,” said Tolentino in a statement published in the agency’s website.

Resolute action to control, if not eradicate, plastic pollution will also benefit LGUs in terms of meeting their waste reduction targets, as well as in trimming down the associated disposal costs.

Prior to Muntinlupa's action, Los Baños in Laguna, Carmona in Cavite, Sta. Barbara in Iloilo, Lucban in Quezon and other LGUs have imposed prohibitions or restrictions on the use of plastic bags in their areas of jurisdiction. Internationally, other countries are also doing away with plastic bags, observed the EcoWaste Coalition.

The Coalition urged LGUs to integrate the banning of plastic disposables in their climate mitigation and adaptation plans.

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