Envi groups call for Basel Ban ratification and total ban on waste imports; Blurred lines between “legal” and illegal waste trade turning PH into a dumping ground

The blurred lines between “legal” and illegal waste trade have turned the country into the world’s waste bin, this is the conclusion of a new policy report on waste trade launched today at the Philippine House of Representatives. The report, co-published by Greenpeace Philippines and EcoWaste Coalition, details policy gaps that potentially make illegal waste trade into the country seem legitimate. The groups are calling on the Philippine government to ratify the Basel Ban Amendment[1] and for Congress to pass into law a total ban on waste imports.

“Waste trade has been a perennial challenge in the Philippines,” said Party-List TGP Representative Jose Teves, Jr., “To fully solve this problem, we need to look at not just how current policies may be improved, but we need to take advantage of international policy instruments, such as the Basel Ban Amendment, as well as enact into law a strong waste trade ban.”

The report, titled Waste trade and the Philippines: How local and global policy instruments can stop the tide of foreign waste dumping in the country, is a policy paper that looks at current waste and importation laws to identify gaps and loopholes that allow waste trade to happen. Current thinking on illegal waste trade into the Philippines focuses on lax enforcement of environment and customs laws that make illegal waste trade lucrative, and many reported cases of illegal waste trade are cases of misdeclared cargo. The report shows that, given gaps in policies, actual number of cases of illegal waste trade are likely underreported.

Potential policy loopholes include: allowing “recycling” of imported waste, the current definition of waste in Philippine laws, and provisions that only deal with specific types of hazardous waste and not other types of waste which may also be potentially harmful. Waste trade primarily for “recycling,” and under certain conditions, is legal in the Philippines. However, there is no sufficient and effective monitoring whether the waste would be properly handled once they entered Philippine shores. For example, there have been many documented cases of imported electronic waste, used lead-acid batteries, and plastic scrap (all legal under the law), ending up in backyard recycling facilities, being processed crudely by workers with no personal protective equipment and with no environmental protection measures in illegal facilities, or in registered facilities that lack adequate environmental safeguards or permits.

“Our laws are not strong enough to protect the country from developed countries like Canada, Hong Kong, and South Korea’s potential to abuse the existing loopholes. It is high time for the government to greenlight the ratification so we can have a stronger defense against the potential human security impact of waste importation,” Aileen Lucero, National Coordinator of EcoWaste Coalition said.

“At its core, waste trade is an issue of justice,” said Greenpeace Philippines country director Lea Guerrero. “Trade of waste typically follows the route of least resistance and cheapest cost, and where either occurs, there is almost always an externalized cost in human and environmental impacts. If the Philippines remains wide open to both illegal and “legitimatized” waste trade at a time when many other countries are closing their doors to waste imports, we will become the preferred destination for foreign waste. We need to address these policy gaps immediately.”

“The immediate ratification of the Basel Ban Amendment, and the bold step of banning waste imports in the country sends a strong message to the international community that the Philippines will not be a dumping ground of any waste.” Atty. Gregorio Rafael Bueta, author of the report said. “There are sufficient international and national legal justifications to ratify the Ban Amendment – and this will be an opportunity for the country to align itself with growing international calls to halt waste trade, especially to developing countries.” 

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Notes to editors:

[1] The Basel Ban Amendment prohibits the export of hazardous wastes and “recycling” materials from rich countries belonging to Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), European Union (EU) and Liechtenstein to developing countries. The Philippines has yet to ratify the said amendment to the Basel Convention Ratification is also called for by the international and national legal bases discussed in this report. Taking this bold step will align Philippine policies with global efforts to curb waste and waste trade.

Source: https://www.greenpeace.org/philippines/press/4205/envi-groups-call-for-basel-ban-ratification-and-total-ban-on-waste-imports/

A Different Kind of Fast for Lent - Do It For Climate Change!

Last 6 March, Catholics around the world began the observance of the Lenten Season with Ash Wednesday. During this season, most people usually (or traditionally) give up eating meat, chocolates, or other food considered as "treats". The goal is to experience, at least for a few days during lent, sharing in the simple lifestyle, and suffering of those who have less in life. This is done along with prayers and alms-giving.

During his sermon, a bishop in England called on Catholics to do a different kind of fast -  one for the environment and climate change - instead of giving up sweets and treats. He said people can use less heating (since it's still winter there), take public transport, reduce waste and recycle. He recalled Pope Francis' encyclical, Laudato Si, released in 2015, which decried the consumerist and wasteful lifestyle of people today, to the detriment of Creation, the natural environment and other creatures on Earth.

This is indeed a unique way of fasting and sacrificing for Lent. What better way of giving glory to the Lord than by glorifying and protecting His creation?

Here's a short list of fasting options which I think all of us can easily do everyday, without much sacrifice but with great benefit:

• Ditch that plastic and paper bag - bring your own reusable bag (preferably made of natural materials and not plastic too), it can easily fit your bag or pocket even. Refuse those tiny bags where they put small items which fit your pocket! 
• Skip the straw, plastic cover, and stirrers - when you buy your favorite coffee drink, milk tea, or any beverage, refuse the cover and the straw too, and simply use your God-given body parts. If staying in-store, request for it to be served in a mug (and if they don't have one, demand for it!). Bamboo and metal straws are also available now in the market. Forget those plastic stirrers as well. Usually your drink doesn't need them. If you have to use one, ask for a metal spoon instead. 
• Bring your own set of utensils - single use spoons, forks, and knives - those we use at fast foods and for take-away - also constitute a bulk of the plastic waste out there. Even though these are already biodegradable options out there, its still better to skip these and reduce waste. It wouldn't be too hard to bring a set and tuck it away in your bag. 
• Use a jug or tumbler for water - many people say that water is a basic necessity which should be free, and it shouldn't come from a bottle (this can be the subject of a whole different discussion). Plastic bottles and their caps are another major source of waste. Bring a jug or tumbler along - refill it at the restaurant or coffee shop before you go, or head to the mall's food court for a quick refill. Keep one in the office and in the car, so you'll always have the choice to bring it along. 
• Go for your handkerchief or the dryer to wash your hands - people get into the habit of pulling to many sheets of paper towels to dry their hands. Maybe because its free; maybe because one can find joy in pulling something and magically another one appears in its place. Use your handkerchief, or the hand dryer instead of the paper. If you do have to use one, shake your hands well first to get the excess water off, before you gently pull that one piece of paper out.

The list can go on and on - but will stop here. Feel free to add to this "Lenten fasting list"and share your own little ways of helping the environment. After all, its the small things that each of us does that can have the biggest impact. As one Australian song says - "From small things, little things grow!" 

Have a blessed, and green, Lenten season! 

See: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-manchester-47468761

Collapse of Civilizations Because of Climate Change: Is It Time To Worry?

I recently came across this article from the BBC which looked at whether or not we (the current humans living on earth and our civilization) are on the road to collapse. The author looked at and surveyed ancient civilizations from as early as 3000BC to see what led to their demise. There were a mix of factors (some with unique events which led to their sudden demise like a major defeat in battle, coups, etc. ). But what's striking are the common reasons why civilizations collapse. Of the six factors, three relate to how we are continuously destroying and misusing the natural earth: CLIMATIC CHANGE, ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION, and indirectly INEQUALITY AND OLIGARCHY. Let's briefly have a look at each and see if these are happening now.

No doubt (and I must say THE SCIENCE IS SETTLED) that climate change is happening. We have more severe (and unexpected) weather happening year after year in different parts of the world. Floods, droughts, snow storms, heat waves, cold spells, hurricanes, typhoons, cyclones - you name it and we've all experienced the worst of it. Just a few days ago, weather in London was reported to be at its highest during winters at 20 degrees Celsius. Sure people there had a good time basking in the sun and enjoying the warmer than usual weather - but it got scientists and climate activists worried at whats to come. In the Philippines, weather authorities are asking people to brace themselves for a stronger than usual El Nino year -  which means a drier summer and a wetter rainy season!

Let's now talk about environmental degradation - another no brainer in my opinion. Despite the positive results we are seeing nowadays - more people are now aware and doing the bit that they can to save the environment that's left - it is all still not enough. Forests continue to be cut, species are still becoming extinct by the day (by some estimates), and our rivers, lakes, and oceans have yet to be freed from our plastic and rubbish. Our consumerism and wasteful lifestyle have pushed our natural resources and nature's carrying capacity to alarming levels. Last year, plastic was the enemy. This year, UN Environment is targeting fast fashion - a little-know massive waste producer by shoppers!

Lastly, you have inequality and oligarchy. These I think are the results of both climate change and environmental degradation. As natural resources become more scarce, those who are already impoverished will have more difficulty accessing their basic needs - while the 1% (the oligarchs in society) do everything that they can to ensure they keep their 1% status (but note that not all are like this, and there are philanthropists who are using their wealth to make a difference).

I'm sure all these seem familiar and many are not surprised. So back to my question - is it time to worry? My answer is yes. If you care about what's ahead in a few years time, then yes it is time to worry. If you want a world which can sustain life for your children and grandchildren, and their children, then yes it is time to worry. If you are disturbed at the path which society and civilization is taking now, then it's time to worry. If you are bothered because your own family member, your spouse, child, office mate, or friend simply doesn't care about climate change and the whole host of environmental issues, then it's time to worry.

But my message is this - translate that worry into action, channel your worry to inspire you and those closest to you to act. Use that inner voice telling you to worry to move to a more positive tone. Taking cue from Atty. Tony Oposa, now is not the time to worry, the time for action is now! 

See: 
http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20190218-are-we-on-the-road-to-civilisation-collapse

The Green Thumb Coalition: Are Clean and Green Philippine Elections in 2019 Possible?

Last month environmental groups and frontline organizations from the Philippines launched the Green Thumb Coalition - with the goal of urging candidates to veer away from waste and embrace a green platform. They also want candidates to to commit to advance policies in promoting the environment, sustainable development, and people's welfare. The GTC is composed of over 40 national and local organizations which tackle various environmental and social issues.

The GTC also encouraged candidates to align their platform with solutions to issues concerning dirty and costly energy, waste management, comprehensive land use, mining, climate justice, biodiversity, human rights, and sustainable development, collectively known as the Green Electoral Platform.

Each elections green groups and environmental advocates have called upon candidates and politicians to adopt a green agenda, to openly commit to supporting legislative proposals that benefit nature and the environment. However and sadly, many politicians only pay lip service and their promises remain just that - promises. As the Filipino saying goes - mga pangakong napapako! (promises that hit a nail and burst a tire). Ask them their stand on a critical environmental issue, and most likely you'll get the same motherhood statements you usually hear. Details are missing, and commitment is often lacking.

Then there is the issue of electoral waste - tarpaulins, flyers, souvenirs, pocket calendars, baller IDs, and the the list goes on! Sure elections do drive up the Philippine economy with all the campaign spending and extra work for people as watchers and paid volunteers. But all these happens at the cost of the environment. Worse is the fact that environment and climate change are not really prioritized by the candidates. Who gives nature a voice during elections?

This makes the Green Electoral Platform of GTC all the more important during an election. Candidates should commit to the most pressing environmental issues, so if they get elected the people can hold them accountable for failing to fulfill their promises. It's a given that environmental degradation and climate change are most pressing challenges of our time. It's a crisis, and action is needed, now and urgently. Voters should also demand that candidates have a greener campiagn - go for environmentally friendly and recycled materials, use non-print media more to save on paper, and reduce waste in all aspects of the campaign operation. If voters start demanding, then candidates will start answering.

More later on the what the agenda can include, and some specific issues to watch out for.

For now, let's support the Green Thumb Coalition, and start giving mother nature a voice in our elections.

For more information and sources: 
https://www.facebook.com/notes/green-thumb-coalition/green-advocates-call-for-clean-green-elections/2249392255376077/
https://www.rappler.com/nation/politics/elections/2019/221260-what-candidates-should-avoid-from-tarpaulins-funds-from-mining

An Environmental Convert Story

Here's a story which would hopefully inspire people out there who think that nothing should be done to help our environment (or perhaps are to lazy to actually do anything).

A year ago, I picked up an idea from one of my professors on how to have your own compost pit at home. It's really simple: all you need is a pail, a balde, some soil (depends on how much biodegradable waste you have), and perhaps a small shovel. Put some soil in the, enough to cover the bottom. Then throw in your waste; place them in such a way as to cover the soil. After this, sprinkle some soil over the waste. Repeat the process until the pail is full. At this point, it would be advisable to have a second pail as your next compost pit. Eventually, you will be using the soil (with the decomposted waste) as the soil you will use to cover your new waste.

Now, to the story of the convert. Before, I was the only one at home who put my biodegradable watse into the compost pit. About 2 weeks ago, I convinced my mother, and eventualy my entire household, to place any biodergadable waste into the compost pit. And as it turns out, they were impressed with the results. The amount of grabage we throw has been significantly reduced, and my mother has noticed it. Now, we not only recycle our plastics and papers, we even compost our own waste. The soil that will be produced by the pit can be used to beef up other plants, or can be used as healthy soil for new plants.

Now, I hope this will inspire the lazy and the skeptical to do your part to save the environment.

Vote Earth Hour, March 28, 8:30-9:30 pm!

VOTE EARTH by simply switching off your lights for one hour

and join the world for Earth Hour.

1BILLION Votes are needed!

Saturday, March 28, 8:30-9:30pm.