Sustainable Development is a must for Sustainable Future

Iloilo City- Have you ever wondered what the world would be without the plastics in our oceans or in our forests? It will be a wonderful sight to see!

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 6 is reminding the public to adopt waste-free habits and alternative environment-friendly practices as we enter the year with the Zero Waste Month Campaign with the theme: “Integrating Sustainability and Circularity into the Informal Waste Sector.”

“As we celebrate this Zero Waste Month this January 2025, let us prioritize doing the best for our environment. There is no Planet B nor another Earth. Thus, it is imperative that we take care of this precious planet,” said DENR 6 Regional Executive Director Raul L. Lorilla.

“If we want a sustainable future, let us work hard to keep the environment clean so we can look forward to a Zero Waste Future,” he added.

Furthermore, the DENR 6 also emphasized that education, Local Government Units (LGUs) interventions, and consumers’ behavior which, geared towards active engagement in waste practices are needed to address solid waste management problems. Whereas, a stronger implementation of RA 9512 or the Environmental Awareness and Education Act of 2008 would deepen the understanding and behavioral change among the academe. Local governments can promote awareness campaigns, encouraging residents to adopt waste-reducing habits and implement waste-free practices like “No Single Use Plastics in Market Day” or eliminate plastic utensils in establishments.

Consumers also play a pivotal role in realizing a zero-waste future. As awareness grows, individuals will demand more sustainable products and practices – making it a gradual trend, and eventually will continue to gain traction, with people prioritizing quality over quantity. This shift in consumer behavior will encourage brands to adopt eco-friendly practices, leading to a more sustainable marketplace.

“By embracing circular economies with 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle), leveraging technology, engaging communities, implementing supportive policies, and fostering conscious consumerism, we can pave the way for a cleaner planet. The journey toward zero waste is tough but is worth taking, worth achieving,” RED Lorilla emphasized.

With the growing awareness on environmental issues, technological advancements, and shifts in consumer behavior, the waste-free future might be attainable.

Let us now start the circular economy and change the previous consumer habit of “Take and Dispose” to “Recycle, Repurpose, Upcycle”. /DENR 6

—