Zero waste month celebration slated from January 26 to 29

• Source: http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/zero-waste-month-celebration-slated-january-26-29/
• Tuesday, January 24, 2017

By Jonathan L. Mayuga

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) and the National Solid Waste Management Commission (NSWMC) will lead this year’s celebration of Republic Act 9003, and the Zero Waste Month from January 26 to 29 in Quezon City.

Also known as the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, the law promotes proper solid-waste management and mandates local government units (LGUs) to implement solid-waste management programs that will address the looming garbage crisis.

With the theme “Engaging Response to the Changing Environment”, the DENR-EMB, NSWMC and zero waste advocates will showcase various ways to reduce, reuse and recycle (3Rs) solid wastes during the one-day event.

January of every year is declared as Zero Waste Month.

The DENR-EMB, which serves as the secretariat of the NSWMC has prepared an array of activities, including exhibition, bike run/fun-ride, symposia, stage play and concert next week, starting on Thursday, January 26, at the Quezon Memorial Circle.

The event hosted by the Quezon City government is held in partnership with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, Climate Change Commission, and the departments of the Interior and Local Government, Science and Technology, and the Philippine Information Agency.

Mayor Herbert Bautista, Sen. Cynthia Villar, Environment Secretary Regina Paz L. Lopez are expected to lead the event, with other government officials and non- governmental organization leaders.

Exhibitors include the EMB Central Office, EMB Regional Offices (NCR, Region 3 and Region 4A), the Quezon City government, the NSWMC, Climate Change Commission and Zero Waste and Recycling Movement of the Philippines, among others.

Ely Ildelfonso, executive director of the NSWMC Secretariat, said there are a number of ways to reduce garbage produce by as much as 75 percent through recycling and composting alone.

The official said LGUs will learn a lot from the three-day event to help address their respective localities’ garbage woes.