A good friend from Danjugan Island, located within the jurisdiction of Cauayan, recently furnished a copy of a press release relative to a project seeking to create a clean and plastic-free environment. Non-Governmental Organizations that advocate the eradication of plastics are commendable and by publicizing press releases of great importance to the public, this column is my little way of helping disseminate pertinent information.
Contrary to what other say (often without factual basis), the use of plastics is a major issue.
People still disregard existing law, along with authorities negligent in implementing the said policies.
In addition, experts in environment protection continue to declare plastics, in whatever form and size, are harmful to our environment.
Last week, “Fishbolan,” a mobile museum designed to resemble a fishball cart, was unveiled at the Negros Museum. The exhibit, which was created last June following a design thinking workshop, seeks to raise awareness on how marine plastic pollution impacts food security, public health, and overall livelihood. It is an experiential learning tool that utilizes a multi-sensory and interactive approach in teaching not only the extent and affects of plastics but, more importantly, the necessity of responsible sold waste management.
Sensible practices like waste segregation will help facilitate a zero-waste (or “wala usik”) lifestyle.
The exhibit also promotes reducing single-use plastics and offers support for local programs and policies implementing proper solid waste management.
“Fishbolan” will be touring different barangays across Negros, kicking off in Barangay Bulata in Cauayan last Friday, September 21, as part of National Cleanup Day. The tour hopes to serve as a social experiment on how communities respond to the message.
The project was organized by SWEEP (Sea Waste Education to Eradicate Plastic), a project by the Philippine Reef and Rainforest Conservation Foundation Inc.; in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development, the Municipal Waste Recycling Program, and the Negros Occidental Provincial Environment Management Office./WDJ