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HEEDING THE CALL to combat plastic pollution on World Environment Day (June 5), it is with firm conviction I believe that it is everyone’s concern and responsibility to take action, participate and contribute in a quest for cleaner and more sustainable world for brightier and greener future.
As the whole World highlights the very essence of finding massive and collective innovative solutions in our weakening and endangered world ecosystems, this year World Environment Day 2025 theme is “Ending Plastic Pollution”.
In a related event, this year’s main event will be held in Jeju, Republic of Korea. The day aims to highlight the global crisis of plastic pollution and drive momentum towards solutions like refusing, reducing, reusing, recycling, and rethinking alternative plastic use.
ALARMING ACCUMULATION
One of the most pressing environmental issues in the world today is plastic pollution.
The excessive use of plastic products has led to an alarming accumulation of plastic waste in our oceans, landfills, rivers and other areas.
This alarming accumulation of plastics incidents has resulted in the death of marine animals, pollution of water bodies, and other negative impacts on the environment. There are several solutions, however, that can be implemented to address this issue for future generations.
“Plastic pollution poses a grave threat to our ecosystems, endangering the delicate balance of life on Earth,” said Secretary Robert E.A. Borje, vice chairperson and executive director of the Climate Change Commission.
An enormous ecological impacts of plastic pollution are significant and far-reaching, affecting everything from individual creatures to the overall health of our endangered planet’s ecosystems.
WEAKENING ECOSYSTEM
Accumulated plastic debris poses a significant threat to habitats, natural processes, and biodiversity, endangering numerous species such as seabirds, fish, turtles, dolphins and others. Those animals that become entangled or ingest plastic suffer injuries, starvation, and death, disrupting food chains and weakening ecosystems.
According to UN Development Program, World Bank statistics and data from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) showed that of the estimated 61,000 metric tons of solid waste generated daily in the Philippines, up to 24 percent is plastic, composed mostly of consumer goods packaging, cutlery, and shopping bags.
Approximately 2.7 million tons of plastics are discarded annually in the Philippines.
A total of less than 10 percent of the plastics we discard actually get recycled; the rest gets dumped, incinerated, or mismanaged.
RECYCLING PLASTIC
One of the most effective ways to reduce plastic pollution is by reducing the use of single-use plastics. This can be achieved by encouraging people to use reusable bags, containers, and water bottles. Governments can also impose a tax on single-use plastics to discourage their use and encourage people to adopt more sustainable alternatives
Another solution to plastic pollution is to improve waste management systems. This involves increasing the number of recycling facilities, implementing proper waste disposal methods, and educating people on the importance of waste segregation.
Governments can also invest in the development of new technologies that can help in the recycling of plastic waste.
Plastic bottles, cellophane and other common types of plastic emit methane and ethylene upon exposure to ambient solar radiation, whether in wet or dry environments. These potent greenhouse gases contribute to the steadily rising global temperatures, exacerbating the impacts of climate change.
ECOLOGICAL CHANGE
From grassroots advocates to champions of sustainability, people are stepping forward, initiating change and inspiring others to join the quest for a cleaner, greener future.
Amid this ecological challenge, a glimmer of hope arises – the collective determination and commitment of communities to combat plastic pollution and restore our planet’s health.
Dedicated civil individuals and organizations have taken up the mantle of ecological stewardship, embarking on conservation initiatives and grassroots movements to combat plastic pollution. Their endeavors underscore the transformative power of community engagement in nurturing a culture of ecological responsibility.
In many coastal communities in the Philippines, local fishermen have partnered with non-governmental organizations and private companies to clean up plastic waste from their shores, safeguarding crucial marine habitats and securing the sustainability of their livelihoods.
LOGICAL ALTERNATIVES
Meanwhile, in urban centers such as Metro Manila and Davao City, innovative entrepreneurs are leading the way in recycling and developing biodegradable alternatives to single-use plastics, providing sustainable solutions to the prevalent issue of plastic pollution.
As we strive to transcend the “Ending Global Plastic Pollution” 2025 theme narrative, we must embrace sustainable practices that minimize our reliance on plastic materials while maximizing the preservation of our natural resources, “ Borje emphasized.
“However, the battle against plastic pollution extends far beyond the realm of advocacy; it requires a paradigm shift in our societal norms and consumer behaviors.
The UN Environment Program estimated that each person on the planet ingests around 50,000 microplastics, consisting of tiny plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in diameter, annually, often through our drinking water. Plastic waste emits harmful chemicals into our ecosystems, contaminating water and soil, which can harm wildlife and potentially make their way into the food chain, affecting human health as well.
UN data revealed that annually, 17 million barrels of petroleum are utilized for plastic production, alongside 13 million tons of plastic leaking into the ocean. Plastics are typically produced from raw materials such as petroleum, natural gas, and other chemicals derived from fossil fuels, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions that drive climate change.
EDUCATION CAMPAIGN
Meanwhile, companies can play a significant role in reducing plastic pollution by adopting more sustainable practices. This can be achieved by reducing the amount of plastic used in packaging, using biodegradable materials, and implementing sustainable supply chain practices.
A considerable portion of the planet’s marine species, including whales, dolphins, seals, sea turtles, and porpoises, have consumed plastics. This occurs because plastic debris can resemble seagrass, squid, or other prey, leading marine mammals, including herbivores like dugongs, to mistakenly ingest it.
In a report by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) reported that 81 out of 123 marine mammal species have ingested or become entangled in plastic, resulting in the deaths of 100,000 marine mammals annually.
One of the most effective campaign to help reduce plastic pollution is through education and awareness campaign program. This involves educating people on the negative impacts of plastic pollution on the environment and encouraging them to adopt more sustainable practices. Schools, communities, and governments can organize campaigns and events to raise awareness on this issue.
Plastic waste pollution is a significant environmental issue that requires urgent action. By implementing the solutions outlined above, we can reduce the amount of plastic waste generated and protect our environment for future generations.
BECOME STEWARDS
Plastic debris mars its landscapes from the depths of the oceans to the peaks of the mountains, a widespread pollution that threatens the intricate balance of life on our planet. The Planet Earth now bears the scars of human neglect and abuse of the environmental pollution.
By integrating sustainable practices into our daily lives, we empower ourselves to become stewards of the planet.”
Borje said that while governments play a pivotal role in enacting policies that promote ecological sustainability, “it is the collective responsibility of individuals to embrace these principles in their daily lives.
“From recycling and responsible consumption to the development of biodegradable alternatives, every action, no matter how small, contributes to the collective effort to protect our planet’s future,” he added.
“Together, let us unite to safeguard our lives, livelihoods, and future amid climate change challenges,” Borje urged.
COMMITMENT
As we reflect on Earth’s World Environmental Month’s significance, let us recommit to ecological conservation and climate resilience, forging a path to a healthier planet.
“The fate of our planet is in our hands. Let us rise to the challenge and embark on this journey to a sustainable future, guided by unwavering resolve to preserve it for ourselves and future generations,” Borje concluded.