Cemeteries are not dumps, public advised

Cemeteries are not dumpsites.

This was the reminder an alliance of environmentalists gave to the public yesterday to help prevent the accumulation of garbage in the resting places of their dear departed as the nation gears up for the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day next week.

The Ecological Waste Coalition (EcoWaste) noted that waste generation increases during public holidays, which puts public health and the environment at risk.

"Every first of November, Filipinos from all walks of life troop to the cemeteries to remember their departed ones, offering prayers, flowers, candles and even food," said Eileen Sison, chairperson of EcoWaste Coalition.

"(But) this is a great day of remembrance, not a day to litter the resting place of our departed ones. We can surely observe this day in a simple but meaningful way that will not yield waste," she added.

According to Sison, cemeteries become virtual dumpsites for mixed waste in the blink of an eye due to irresponsible consumption and thoughtless disposal by the public. 

Food leftovers, plastic bags and wrappers, styrofoam containers, soiled paper and cigarette butts, among other things, are expected to be abandoned by the public along narrow alleys in the cemeteries during the public holidays.

"(And) there is hardly any functioning system for managing biodegradable and non-biodegradable discards in our extremely congested cemeteries," she said.

In a bid to lessen waste and pollution at the cemeteries and the surrounding communities, the Eco Waste Coalition asked the public to consider bringing their waste home, putting biodegradable and non-biodegradable materials into proper bins for recycling and composting, instead of dumping or burning the garbage in the cemetery.

The EcoWaste Coalition, a network of groups active on waste and pollution issues, also suggested that the public avoid using styrofoam or plastic disposables for food and drinks and instead use banana leaves or reusable containers, pitchers and cups; to light just enough candles to minimize air pollution; and to refrain from bringing artificial flowers and flower arrangements to cemeteries.