Think before you throw: Cemeteries are not dumps

The Ecological Waste Coalition, a network of groups active on waste and pollution issues, is urging the public to help in preventing and reducing waste as the nation prepares for All Saints'Day / All Souls' Day next week. The Coalition observes that increased waste generation during public holidays only adds to the country's mounting garbage woes, which puts public health and the environment at risk.

Every first of November, Filipinos from all walks of life troop to the cemeteries to remember their departed ones, offering prayers, flowers, candles, and even food. In no time, the cemeteries are transformed into dumps for mixed waste due to irresponsible consumption and thoughtless disposal. The narrow alleys are littered with food leftovers, plastic bags and wrappers, styro containers, soiled paper, cigarette butts etc. There is hardly any functioning system for managing biodegradable and non-biodegradable discards in our extremely congested cemeteries.

Eileen Sison, Chair of the EcoWaste Coalition, said: "This is a great day of remembrance, not a day to litter the resting place of our departed ones. We can surely observe this day in a simple but meaningful way that will not yield waste. So as not to repeat the Payatas tragedy that took the lives of so many people, let us refrain from wasting and ecologically manage our discards without dumping or burning."

In an attempt to lessen waste and pollution at the cemeteries and the surrounding communities, the EcoWaste Coalition is asking the public to heed the following suggestions:

1. Do not litter, dump or burn your discards. Bring your waste home and put your biodegradable and non- biodegradable discards into their proper bins for recycling and composting.

2. Avoid using styrofor or plastic disposables for your food and drinks. Better use banana leaves or reusable containers, pitcher and cups.

3. Light just enough candles to save on energy and minimize pollution. Refrain from using candles that produce excessive soot that can aggravate respiratory illnesses. Steer clear of candles with metal wicks, which may contain harmful chemicals such as lead.

4. Refrain from bringing artificial flowers and floral arrangements with unnecessary decorative ribbon and plastic wrap, which do not decompose and only end up in dumps or clog the drains and rivers. If needed, wrap your flowers in banana leaves or used newspaper or magazine.

5. Offer prayers of gratitude and remembrance to your departed ones. Prayers are said to be the best way of thanking and honoring the people we value and love, and they cause no garbage nor pollution.

The Coalition is also encouraging families to try alternative "fun" activities while at the cemeteries that will inform young and adults about the value of ecologically managing our discards (for example: A game to collect recyclables or an activity that will create decorative or functional crafts from used materials).

Ecowaste Coalition
Unit 320, Eagle Court, 26 Matalino St.,
Quezon City 1101, Philippines
E-Mail: [email protected]