Turn campaign materials into these DIY recycled crafts, says EcoWaste

A day after the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections, environmental watchdog EcoWaste Coalition on Tuesday called on the public to recycle campaign materials instead of dumping or burning them.

“Sorting the campaign materials into paper, cardboard, plastic and other classifications will help in finding new uses for them," said Daniel Alejandre, the group's Zero Waste campaigner.

"Reusing, repurposing or recycling the campaign materials will conserve valuable resources from being wasted, while reducing the volume of discards requiring disposal and its associated costs," Alejandre added.

Alejandre said cardboard posters can be "transformed" into school materials such as book covers, bookmarks, envelopes, folders, name plates, flash cards, and "tell the time" clock. 

Campaign posters made into different types of colorful bags. Photo by EcoWaste Coalition

These posters can also be made into decorative items like picture frames and refrigerator magnets, Alejandre added.

On the other hand, flyers and sample ballots can be turned into drawing or memo pads while plastic tarpaulins can be sewn to make bags, aprons, and organizers.

Alejandre also suggested that tarpaulins can be used as "sunshade" for jeepneys, tricycles, and pedicabs.

Campaign materials turned into baskets, picture frames, wallets, and aprons. Photo by EcoWaste Coalition

"Plastic tarpaulins should only be repurposed for non-food and non-child applications as these often contain toxic additives such as cadmium, which may leach and contaminate the food or expose children to chemical hazards," he said.

The group had advised candidates to use eco-friendly campaign materials and to avoid those that contain hazardous substances such as cadmium-laden tarpaulins for their respective campaigns.

Synchronized nationwide voting took place on May 14 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. — MDM, GMA News