Pinoys urged to have ‘eco simple’ Christmas

MANILA, Philippines - An official of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) yesterday encouraged Filipinos to practice an “eco simple” Christmas this year.

CBCP Public Affairs Committee chairman Kalookan Bishop Deogracias Iñiguez and the environmental group EcoWaste Coalition issued the call in time for today’s start of the nine-day Simbang Gabi (dawn masses).

“An ‘eco simple’ observance of Christmas will be sensitive to the heartbreaking sufferings of typhoon-stricken families in the affected areas of Mindanao and the need for environmental stewardship now more than ever,” Iñiguez said.

He said the “simplicity of the manger should inspire us all to be somber and charitable in these difficult times” and the funds that would be saved could be donated to the victims of typhoon “Pablo” and help restore the ecosystems that were damaged.

EcoWaste said the public can be “eco simple” this holiday season by calling off lavish Christmas parties and get-togethers; canceling fireworks displays and abandoning plans to light firecrackers; shopping moderately; reusing or recycling holiday decorations; opting for austere Noche Buena and Media Noche feasts; shelving out-of-town, out-of-country holidays; and shortening the use of Christmas lights.