Environmentalists lament revelry trash in MM

MANILA, Philippines - An environmental organization yesterday lamented the mountains of garbage that were left on Metro Manila streets after the New Year’s Eve revelry.

The EcoWaste Coalition decried the improper disposal of revelry trash in various streets and sidewalks that kept garbage collectors busy all day yesterday.

“On the first day of the New Year, we see these all too familiar sight of street dumps and smell the stink of mixed garbage,” said Aileen Lucero, EcoWaste Coalition national coordinator.

She said tons of garbage from fireworks and food packages abandoned on the streets greeted the public early in the morning.

“Disappointingly, this is the mess by which we usher in the New Year. And it’s the messiness that is polluting even faraway communities where such garbage is disposed of in dumps or landfills,” Lucero said.

The group’s Basura Patrollers reported that the streets that were turned into dumps included J.P. Rizal Avenue, Makati; Sangandaan Market, Malabon; Martinez street, Mandaluyong; Francisco street in San Andres and the whole stretch of Quirino Avenue, Manila; and E. Rodriguez Avenue, Damayang Lagi and Kaliraya street and EDSA in Quezon City.

Tons of garbage were also left at various spots in Rizal Park in Manila.

Firecracker wrappers, food leftovers, Styrofoam containers, soiled packaging materials, and plastic bags were among the stuff thrown away by residents, the Basura Patrollers reported.

Since this is the period when many people make resolutions for the New Year, the EcoWaste Coalition urged Filipinos to pledge to reduce waste this 2014.

“We invite everyone, from the filthy rich to the dirt poor, to make less waste this New Year by reducing what we throw away and reusing, repairing and recycling even more,” Lucero added.

She said that by aiming for a zero waste lifestyle, the people save precious resources and reduce environmental pollution.

“We surely can have a garbage and toxics-free society by embracing a more eco-friendly way of life,” Lucero said.

According to data posted on the website of the National Solid Waste Management Commission, the daily waste generation in Metro Manila is expected to increase from 8,754 tons in 2013 to 8,907 tons daily in 2014.