The Zero Waste Fair mounted recently was a success, and organizers led by the city government and private partners are looking into institutionalizing the waste reduction activities to help the city achieve its goal of achieving reduced if not zero waste generation.
Mayor Benjamin Magalong and Councilor Betty Lourdes Tabanda, chair and vice chair of the City Solid Waste Management Board (CSWMB), respectively, said the program is part of the Clean and Orderly Baguio campaign of the city to instill behavior change among the residents and tourists.
“There is much to learn on how each member of the society can help lessen the generation of waste and methane or greenhouse gas to mitigate the effects of climate change,” the mayor said.
Tabanda, who chairs the city council committee on health and sanitation, ecology, and environmental protection and authored Resolution 31, s. 2023, which authorized the conduct of the fair, said legislations are also lined up for this project.
She said one of the activities that will be institutionalized is the household item collection and barter in the different barangay districts, which is a practical way to reduce household wastes as it does not only help families de-clutter and discard the things that they no longer need but also find items that they need from the discards of others instead of buying new ones.
Tabanda said the CSWMB will also work out the organization of the junkshop operators and recyclers group into a cooperative to help enhance their livelihood and their involvement in the achievement of the goals of Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.
The fair was held Jan. 26 and 27 at the Malcolm Square in celebration of the Zero Waste Month and the 23rd signing anniversary of RA 9003.
“It focused on encouraging the community to be continuously mindful about proper waste segregation and disposal and emphasizing that waste avoidance is the solution not only to the garbage issue but as a response to resource depletion and the climate crisis,” Tabanda said.
The event was spearheaded by the city in partnership with the Environmental Management Bureau-Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Cordillera, the Eco-Waste Coalition, the Global Alliance for Incineration Alternatives, and Zero Waste Baguio, Inc. – Aileen P. Refuerzo
April 20, 2024
