Luntiang Pilipinas launches campaign against single-use plastics

The Luntiang Pilipinas party-list has launched a campaign to ban single-use plastics in a bid to prevent marine pollution, in time for Zero Waste Month. 

In a statement, the Luntiang Pilipinas said it is joining other environmental groups for a push for a "zero-waste lifestyle" among Filipinos.

According to the group, they will be holding a series of forums, as well as conducting meetings with community leaders, key stakeholders in the government and private sector. 

They will also tap the traditional media and social media to wage "an effective battle" against plastic waste polluting the land and water resources.

"A zero-waste lifestyle means using products that can be reused and promoting processes that avoid or eliminate the volume and toxicity of waste. It means creating little to no waste. It is veering away from the throwaway culture by reusing, reducing and recycling," Luntiang Pilipinas party-list founder Senator Loren Legarda said.

Legarda authored Senate Bill 1948 or the Single-Use Plastics Regulation and Management Act of 2018, which was filed November 2018. It seeks to phase out single-use plastics in the country by prohibiting importation and use in food establishments, stores, markets, and retailers.

If enacted into law, it will regulate the manufacturing, importation, and use of single-use plastic products; and provide penalties, levies, and incentives for industries, businesses, and consumers.

The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines has already joined the call to end plastic pollution with its #AyokoNgPlastik movement.

EU countries and the European Parliament in December 2018 also agreed to the details of a ban on single-use plastics, including plates, cutlery, and drinking straws.

A GMA News Online multi-media report showed the effect of single-use plastic problem to Filipinos. — Jamil Santos / AT, GMA News