EcoWaste, Miss Earth Foundation appeal for trash-free Undas

MANILA, Philippines — Environmental watchdog EcoWaste Coalition and the Miss Earth Foundation yesterday called for litter-free observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.

With the theme, “Kalinisan sa huling hantungan, igalang ang kalikasan,” Miss Earth candidates from the Philippines, Argentina, El Salvador, Liberia, Namibia, Nepal, the Netherlands, Northern Marianas, Slovenia and the United States walked around the Manila North Cemetery yesterday, reminding the public to observe cleanliness on Nov. 1 and 2.

“As we gather in cemeteries to honor the dead, let us also remember our collective duty to protect the environment. Littering and improper waste disposal not only mar the sanctity of these sacred spaces, but also contribute to environmental degradation,” EcoWaste national coordinator Aileen Lucero said.

EcoWaste volunteers gave cemetery visitors suggestions on how to reduce trash and pollution during Undas, such as opting for reusable bags, food containers and water tumblers instead of single-use plastics.

The group also urged the public not to smoke or use vapes in the cemeteries.

“We join EcoWaste in calling for zero littering in cemeteries and in advocating for eco-friendly practices during Undas. We can make this time-honored tradition more beautiful by showing respect to the dead and the living, and by taking responsibility for our environment,” Miss Philippines Erath Ihram Mel Alfeche said.

“We invite everyone to embrace zero waste Undas for the sake of the common good,” she added.

The Manila government’s Department of Public Services and the Manila North Cemetery administration as well as the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority are supporting the campaign.

Up to 229 metric tons or 86 truckloads of garbage were collected from Oct. 28 to Nov. 1, 2023 at the Manila North and South Cemeteries, according to the city’s public information office.

Meanwhile, EcoWaste also warned the public against Halloween costumes, decoration and toys that have not undergone safety assessment by the Food and Drug Administration.

Of the 50 Halloween costumes and toys obtained from retail stores in Divisoria, Paco and Quiapo, all in Manila, and Cubao, Quezon City, 24 items had no labels and 26 had incomplete labeling information such as license to operate number and manufacturers or distributors’ markings.

The group said creepy insect plastic toys were found to contain cadmium, a toxic metal known to cause birth defects and cancer, in the range of 105 parts per million to 1,156 ppm, way above the European Union’s limit of 100 ppm for all plastic types.