Republic of Plastic

It is modern-day scourge and has brought so much suffering to the natural world and to living things. Its effects are affecting the present and future generations’ capacity to survive. I am referring to the ubiquitous plastic, specially single-use, which has so dominated our life choices.

They have become  a seemingly indispensable part of our throw-away lifestyle: plastic bottles, cups, cutlery, bags, diapers, combs, containers, feminine products, razors, and the list can go on.

Marine creatures like turtles, whales and dolphins die because they have ingested tons of plastic in the ocean.

Plastics are a big source of pollution – it is estimated that by 2050, there will be more plastics than fish in our oceans.

Festivals and events never fail to disappoint us with the realization of careless and irresponsible behavior on the part of the consuming public who expects government to clean up their mess.

Plastics impact our health. Not much assessment has been done on this. We look at the water and food in plastic bottles as “safe.” But, there could be leaching that happens, which means the transfer or leaking of chemicals from the plastic to the foods or beverages it contain.

 A study pointed out that plastics have “many chemical and hazardous substances such as Bisphenol A (BPA), thalates, antiminitroxide, brominated flame retardants, and poly- fluorinated chemicals etc. which are a serious risk factor for human health and environment.” These include  “problems like irritation in the eye, vision failure, breathing difficulties, respiratory problems, liver dysfunction, cancers, skin diseases, lungs problems, headache, dizziness, birth effect, reproductive, cardiovascular, genotoxic, and gastrointestinal causes for using toxic plastics.”

Plastics are an ecological nightmare as they are not biodegradable and may outlive all of us.

Can we live without them? For many, used to the convenience it offers, it is unthinkable.  But, our ancestors did and some of us have experienced a plastic-free lifestyle in the good old days.  It was simpler, sustainable and less damaging to our natural world. It was normal to buy fish in the market wrapped in leaves, fruits and vegetables in newspapers, with everyone bringing their own baskets. Water fountains abound in schools and offices.

Initiatives towards plastic- and- zero-waste existence are increasing. There are shops offering plastic-free, organic and natural products. Governments are prohibiting single-use plastics such as the EU with its ban on single-use plastic cutlery, cotton buds, straws and stirrers effective 2021.

It is a laudable move for the Cebu City Sanggunian to consider a similar phase out of the use of single use plastics and packaging as proposed by the twin ordinances authored by Sanggunian members Eduardo Rama and Raymond Alvin Garcia, and Eugenio F. Gabuya, Jr.

For the country not to become a Republic of Plastic, it is of compelling necessity for our National Solid Waste Management Commission to  list the Non-Environmentally Acceptable Products and Packaging as it is required to do under RA 9003. It is 17 long years overdue.