Let us segregate our waste!

It is a depressing and upsetting truth that the planet we are living in is dying, views vary as to the speed of such; but one thing is sure – we are the ones at fault. Do we allow this thing to happen? Can we not envision the future of our children and of our children’s children? Should we not worry at all? Should we not take responsibility? I firmly say that we should. Countries across the world have been making Herculean efforts to combat our Earth’s decay. But to achieve this, each of us must do his/her part. There are a lot of things that we could do; one of them is to properly segregate our wastes.

The Ecological Solid Waste Management (SWM) Act of 2000 (RA9003) in the Philippines has acertained the government’s campaign for solid waste management. Ordinances supporting this act have also been implemented in the different local government units of Cebu. Would we allow all these laws be only on paper? Laws, when not put into action, will later be buried in indifference.

Where then is the problem now? Is there a need to be concerned with our wastes? Why can we not attain the very goal of segregating solid wastes? I know that the answers lie within every one of us. I believe we should not be indifferent regarding this unsettling issue. We must work now before it is too late. There is a need to take care of our wastes. There is a need to be concerned.

The implementers must be strict in the “no segregation, no collection” policy. In order to achieve this goal, trash bins must also be placed in conspicuous areas. There should be proper designations such as biodegradable, non-biodegradable, recyclable and residual.  In addition, the public must be educated with the effects of improper solid waste disposal. May it be put in mind that waste management plays a great role in preventing the ill effects of global warming. Moreover, campaigns on solid waste management in schools, universities and in public and private offices must be continued. Let us always bear in mind that we only have few sanitary landfills. Finally, the 3Rs of solid waste management must be practiced. In reducing, reusing, and recycling our wastes, we will be able to realize our goal. In a way, these will contribute not only to lengthen the life span of our landfills but also to reduce diseases caused by  wastes.

Segregating our wastes is not that hard to do. I believe that if one could manage heavy duties, then there is no reason why he/she cannot manage this simple task.

I believe that you already know that the effects of improper solid waste management could even put the Earth to death.

Would you still be indifferent with this issue?

Is it not ironic that we are living in this dying world?

The reply is yours.