LGUs told to impose ban on plastics

An environmental watchdog called on Muntinlupa City residents to support the ban on plastic bags and other plastic disposables even as businessmen warn of massive layoffs once the policy takes effect on Tuesday.

Roy Alvarez, president of the EcoWaste Coalition, said City Ordinance 10-109 offers hope in the fight against white pollution, referring to the litter caused by continued use and disposal of plastic materials.

“By insisting to enforce the ban, Muntinlupa will become an environmental leader among local government units (LGUs) with this bold measure to reduce plastic litter and promote ecological values,” he said.

For her part, Sonia Mendoza of the EcoWaste Coalition’s Task Force on Plastics said that the ordinance “has the potential of triggering a domino effect among LGUs (local government units) who are similarly struggling to find sustainable solutions to persistent garbage and flooding woes.”

Aside from Muntinlupa, similar bans were already implemented in Los Baños, Laguna; Sta. Barbara, Iloilo; and Carmona, Cavite.

Under the ordinance, business establishments are prohibited from using, offering or selling plastic bags as primary or secondary packing materials for dry goods, as well as for wet goods such as fish, meat and poultry.

The ordinance further bans polystyrene containers, commonly known as “Styro,” for foodstuffs, drinks and other goods.

By Virgil Lopez