DENR reminds public to dispose of trash properly

By Rhodina Villanueva (The Philippine Star) Updated December 23, 2010 

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) yesterday reminded the public to dispose trash properly during the holiday season, when gift-giving and partying result in a much greater amount of garbage.

“This is the season when tons of garbage are produced after all the parties and gift-giving. We enjoin each Filipino to be responsible, especially in disposing their trash,” Environment Secretary Ramon Paje said.

He recommends using recycled paper or bayong (basket) to wrap gifts. For parties, he advised using recyclable implements and segregating waste.

“The less trash we generate, the less we clog our waterways, and the healthier and cleaner our environment,” he said.

Environmental group EcoWaste Coalition also encouraged consumers to recycle gifts and refrain from throwing away too much stuff to cut down the volume of trash accumulated over the holidays.

“While some traditions are definitely worth keeping, the generation of ‘holitrash’ certainly shouldn’t be one of them,” said EcoWaste president Roy Alvarez.

“Instead of trashing Mother Earth even more this Christmas, let’s give her the appreciation and respect that she deserves. It’s time for us to start a new tradition, namely that of being more protective and mindful of our environment,” he said.