"The Evolution of Ramping Up the Fight against Plastic Waste: A Joint Effort in the Philippines

The Evolution of Ramping Up the Fight against Plastic Waste: A Joint Effort in the PhilippinesAs we enter a new year, two significant movements in the Philippines have joined forces to combat plastic pollution. The National Plastic Action Partnership (NPAP) Philippines and the Philippine Chapter of the Asia Reuse Consortium are working together to reduce plastic waste and promote sustainable consumption and production.The Challenge Ahead: A Staggering Amount of Plastic WasteAccording to Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga, the Philippines generates a staggering 2.7 million metric tons of plastic waste annually, with leakage amounting to 500,000 tons each year. Moreover, plastic waste accounts for 12 to 24 percent of the daily 61,000 metric tons of general waste produced.Aligning with a Circular Economy: A Framework for ChangeThe NPAP's plan is anchored in existing laws, including the Extended Producers' Responsibility (EPR) Act and the Philippine Action Plan for Sustainable Consumption and Production. By embracing circularity, the partnership aims to transform waste into resources, reduce environmental pressures, and enhance economic and social well-being.Strategies for Change: A Multi-Pronged ApproachThe NPAP Steering Board has outlined several strategies to address plastic pollution, including: Utilizing digital tools to monitor the collection and flow of plastic waste Increasing education on waste segregation and the EPR Law Providing training to local government unit officials Offering tax incentives, subsidies, and other financial support to companies that actively engage in EPR programs and/or create waste management infrastructure Developing a local market for recycled plastic products Tapping international and local partners to increase investment in recycling recovery facilitiesBuilding Partnerships: A Diverse Group of StakeholdersThe NPAP's Steering Board is composed of representatives from the government, private sector, civil society, and international organizations. This diverse group aims to provide a mechanism for incentives and release guidelines by June 2025.Reusing and Refilling: A Path Towards SustainabilityMeanwhile, the Philippine Reuse Consortium emphasizes collaboration among policymakers, businesses, and communities to institutionalize reuse and refill systems. Research suggests that reuse systems have the potential to cut plastic pollution by 30 percent and lower greenhouse gas emissions from packaging production by up to 80 percent by 2040.Scaling Local Initiatives: A Five-Year RoadmapThe consortium's five-year roadmap aims to mainstream reuse by addressing critical gaps in policies and mechanisms supporting local initiatives, ensuring the inclusion of waste workers, and pushing big businesses to integrate reuse systems into their operations.A Call to Collaborate: Working Together for a Sustainable FutureAs both movements work towards a common goal of reducing plastic pollution, it is essential for different sectors to come together to create enabling environments for these solutions and zero-waste systems to thrive. A meeting of the stakeholders about their long-term roadmaps just might be possible in the future.Conclusion: The Fight Against Plastic Waste Requires CollaborationIn conclusion, the fight against plastic waste is an ongoing battle that requires collaboration and innovative solutions. As we move forward, it is crucial that we continue to work together to reduce plastic pollution and promote sustainable consumption and production.Keywords: Plastic waste, National Plastic Action Partnership (NPAP) Philippines, Philippine Chapter of the Asia Reuse Consortium, circular economy, Extended Producers' Responsibility (EPR) Act, Philippine Action Plan for Sustainable Consumption and Production.

Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

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