Plastic beverage bottles top collected wastes at ICC 2024

Iloilo City- The sachet economy we are so fond of is taking its toll on the oceans.

Blame it on the sachet economy or blame it on the lack of discipline? Perhaps, both.

But there is an urgent call for action to address marine pollution or its sustainable use is
compromised.

Across Western Visayas, people come together to the world’s largest volunteer effort on September 21, 2024 dubbed as the International Coastal Cleanup Day pursuant to Proclamation No. 470, s. of 2003.

Top three among the most collected wastes are plastic beverage bottles with 7,001 pcs., followed with 5,715 pcs. of plastic grocery bags, and food wrappers such coffee and chips with 5,277 pcs. Other collected wastes include: other plastic bags (3,724 pcs.); plastic sachet of detergent and shampoo (3,368 pcs.); beverage bottle glass (2,379 pcs.); plastic bottle caps (1,864 pcs.); paper cups and plates (1,568 pcs.); straws/stirrers (1,388 pcs.); and, clothing (1,384 pcs.).

With the theme: “Clean Seas for Blue Economy,” the International Coastal Cleanup 2024 was aimed at strengthening the collaboration with people from all walks of life,especially local folks in the coastal communities to keep the oceans clean and sustainable for economic growth and to also protect their own source of livelihoods.

In Western Visayas, a total of 10,892.97 kilograms of trash were collected during the simultaneous ICC, covering more than thirty-four kilometers across different locations in the region. A total of 160 partner organizations, which include national government agencies, business sector, academe and other private groups also lend a hand during the cleanup.

Filipinos embracing the sachet economy is related to the “tingi culture”, the driving force behind massive single-use plastic production in the country.

The “it’s all we can afford” is the truth of daily living among the many poor families in the country, and whatever they need for the moment is the one thing they choose to buy.

“The growing use of plastics in our daily lives has contributed to this massive waste collection along coastal areas during the ICC 2024, and this shows us the need to continue engaging in proper waste disposal,” said For. Raul L. Lorilla, OIC Regional Executive Director of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources./DENR 6