DENR: Cut use of plastic utensils

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has urged the public to refrain from using plastic utensils and styrofoam food containers to reduce the volume of garbage collected during the holidays.

The regulated use of styrofoam was first implemented in the DENR head office in line with the department’s “Green Multiplier” program.

DENR Assistant Secretary Corazon Davis has issued a memorandum banning the use of styrofoam food containers in DENR offices. Security guards were ordered not to allow caterers to deliver food in styrofoam containers.

Employees unions and cooperatives were asked to instruct the owners of food stalls in the Livelihood/Food Center to use brown paper bags or banana leaves instead of thin plastic bags to hold food.

The DENR union, K-4, has provided its members with re-usable plastic food containers to use when buying food from stalls located in office premises.

Environment Secretary Ramon Paje urged DENR employees nationwide to set an example to the public by using re-usable utensils and food containers, especially during the holidays. 

He also urged the public to use recycled materials for wrapping gifts and avoid lighting fireworks to lessen air pollution.