Group pushes zero waste campaign on pope’s Phl visit

CEBU, Philippines - The Ecowaste Coalition, a waste and pollution watchdog, said that the upcoming visit to the Philippines of Pope Francis in January 2015 is a perfect occasion to roll out a well-timed campaign for a “Zero Waste Pilipinas.”

The coalition believes that the visit of the acclaimed “green pope” provides a good opportunity to rally the entire nation “to counter the culture of waste and disposable” to prevent and reduce trash and keep the surroundings litter-free.

“The pope’s visit is an opportune time to roll out a campaign that will show our people’s unity and determination to switch to a Zero Waste Pilipinas where waste prevention and reduction is the norm of life. As January is Zero Waste Month, it’s only fitting that the pope’s itinerary be waste-free,” Aileen Lucero, Coalition coordinator said in a statement.

Lucero said that Pope Francis is known for his simplicity, his preference for public transportation, and his affection and respect for those who recycle.

“We truly hope that the visit of Pope Francis to our land will be a zero waste celebration of faith and life,” Lucero said, adding that instead of rolling out the red carpet, the pope should perhaps be welcomed with something austere, green and waste-free in keeping up with his lifestyle and philosophy.

During the celebration of the World Environment Day on June 5, 2013, Pope Francis urged everyone “to make a serious commitment to respect and protect creation, to be attentive to every person, to counter the culture of waste and disposable, to promote a culture of solidarity and of encounter.”

Lucero said that it will be very sad and ironic if the activities of Pope Francis, particularly the huge outdoor assemblies, will leave tons of garbage behind as the country observes the Zero Waste Month.

She recalled that we should avoid a repeat of the enormous garbage at the closing Mass of the 1995 World Youth Day in Manila, presided over by then Pope John Paul II and which drew over five million attendees.

Proclamation 760 issued by President Benigno Aquino III calls for the observance of “Zero Waste Month” every January.

 “Zero Waste,” according to the proclamation, “ is a goal that is ethical, economical, efficient and visionary to guide people in changing their lifestyles and practices to emulate sustainable natural cycles, where all discarded materials are designed to become resources for others to use.”  (FREEMAN)