The Beginning of the Zero Waste Experience
by Monica Reloj

              How could we make Zero Waste possible? With all the trash that people produce, it would seem like an impossible idea right? Well, for the past four weeks, my classmates and I learned a lot about segregation, which I believe is one of the key points that could lead to zero waste.

             Zero Waste is not what most people think it is. It does not necessarily mean that we won't have any trash; it means that the trash we produce everyday will not end up as plain old waste, but as products that could be used further. So you ask, why do I believe that segregation is one of its key points? When we practice segregation, I believe that we become more aware of how we can re-use the things that we throw away. In one of the power points we had to review, I saw how items such as biodegradable waste, paper, and even food wrappers or sachets could still be used.

          In those four weeks, we learned how to reach that Zero Waste goal in San Fernando, Pampanga, where my classmates and I all lived under one roof. Of course we all had to practice proper segregation at home, which I admit, took some time to get used to. Not only did we have to practice proper segregation, but we also had to avoid using plastic as much as we could. At first, it was pretty difficult because frankly, what store didn't use plastic. But if there is a will, there is a way. Our practicum in Pampanga basically involved us helping the staff of MEF Pampanga, tita Armen, ate Jhen, ate Maie, and ate Maricon, to teach the people of San Fernando how to practice proper segregation. We would all go to different barangays or subdivisions, and inform them on how to properly segregate their trash. It would start with the IEC, or Information and Education Campaign, then the Dry-Run, wherein we would accompany a collector and go house to house, checking if the residents' trash would be properly segregated or not, then came Monitoring, where we the staff would observe a barangay (and in our case, a purok), to check if they were complying with the rules. We would also visit MRFs (Materials Recovery Facility)  of different brangays and subdivisions to see if they were complying with the correct guidelines.

              Our first time to work in the field was in Dolores, where we had to do the IEC. We went from house to house, giving out flyers that had the basic information needed to inform people on how to properly segregate their trash. There was also a list of viloations, such as burning trash (which is practiced a lot here) and its corresponding fines on the flyers. Luckily, no one really got mad or questioned us when we were giving these away, some of them even immediately agreed that they should practice what was written on the fliers.  After the IECs of the first week, my classmates and I finally got to experince the dry-run, which i was actually pretty excited to do. Most of us had our first dry-run in Northville. It was also a lot of fun when a couple of us drove the tri-bike (a bike with a huge cart in front, which was used to collect the segregated trash). A lot of the people even seemed surprised to see that we were the ones collecting their trash. Unfortunately, I observed that many of them did not practice proper segregation. 

               For the most part of these four weeks, we mostly did IECs and dry-runs. After the first week, that was when I finally got to experience meeting some stubborn people. I think that many of these people preferred to stick to their old ways because it was very convenient for them. They would keep on saying that they did not have space, or that they were so used to their practices that they would rather not change. There was even a time when one of the residents started getting into an argument with me, thankfully, one of the garbage collectors helped me out. 

                  On our third week, that's when everything we learned was put to the test; We were sent to Barangay San Pedro. When we all got to San Pedro, I was quite surprised. It was unlike any of the other barangays that we went to. There was no proper and regular collection, many of the people burned their trash, and there was garbage on the streets, in the canals, and even in the empty lots. I remember that we would just mostly do dry-runs, however, we noticed that no matter how much we went on dry-runs, nobody really seemed to follow what we would tell them. This was actually one of the first times where I saw one of my classmates try very hard to convince one of the residents, who just kept on disagreeing with what she said. 

During our work in San Pedro, a classmate and I were also asked to do an IEC in Fortuneville II Phase 5. Unlike San Pedro, which was a huge Barangay, Fortuneville was just a small subdivision. Little did I know that a week later, we would also be doing a dry-run there. The dry-run we did there was actually the best so far. Most of the people followed everything that was written on the flyers. On the same day, we went back to San Pedro to do the Monitoring. While monitoring, I observed that there were a lot of problems with how these people handled their trash. My classmate and I decided to talk to one of the residents, who said that the main problem was irregular collection. After San Pedro, we even got to experience an impromptu training in Villa Barosa II, which was a clean subdivision that was even beginning to establish its own MRF.

As we started to reach the last few days of our practicum, I started to think that I would miss the job, even though it was exhausting, mainly because of the weather. Even though the job was pretty difficult, the little experiences that we had made it even more worth while.I'd like to think that we were able to help San Fernando make their way to their Zero Waste goal. However, I do hope that San Fernando would only be the first of many cities that would make the Philippines a Zero Waste nation.

A Volunteer's Story

By: Charity Joyce Santos

Four weeks. Eight volunteers. A number of barangays. One advocacy: Zero Waste. As part of the volunteerism for Mother Earth Foundation, we were able to immerse in a community work that involves interacting with people (lots and lots) and collaborating with LGUs. Concisely, we were to impart in barangays and subdivisions in San Fernando, Pampanga a Zero Waste lifestyle. “What does that mean?” you may ask. Technically, it just means the literal sense of it but not the idea that we won’t be producing any garbage. That would be impossible! But that in the garbage we produce, there would be right treatment for each particular type of discards. Tagalog translation: walang nasasayang.



Wasted wastes

 

 

So how were we able to push through this advocacy in SF (San Fernando)? It’s just like eating a large chocolate cake, if you want to enjoy it, you can’t just gorge it, rather, take a piece and savor it. Sooner or later you’ll realize, you have consumed it all. The key for making Zero Waste implementation possible: start simple and work your way up. We began by doing information and education campaigns per barangay- house-to-house; knocking on their doors just like how Anna does inviting Elsa to build a snowman.  There is great pleasure in sharing knowledge to  people especially when it concerns where we live: this Earth. We do not want people to make excuses why they have problems managing their trash just because they do not know. We want to eliminate the factor that that they are not informed. It must come to their consciousness about Zero Waste and deliberately be involved in it.

L: Coordinating with the collector in one of subdivisions in SF
R: Erica (MEF volunteer) talking with kids about proper waste segregation

  

Fieldwork is no joke. It involves the heart of service and belief on good change. And the enemies we have faced while we were on the field are- heat, yes, summer has brought the sun seem closer; physical limitations, walking probably more than the prescription of 10,000 steps a day; and people’s indifference. The last one probably is the paramount. They say, from what I heard, that the opposite of love is not hate but rather, indifference. It is when they choose to ignore, when they opt not to listen. Our main challenge is to get people be really involved in the community. Some people justify that their lifestyle does not much affect the neighborhood. In that case, throwing or dumping garbage afar would make their area clean. Some believe that when they burn the garbage far from residential area would not affect them. False. Some don’t mind at all having dumpsites in their community. Some don’t know, some don’t care. Everything we do affects someone somehow, somewhere, sometime. It is indeed pleasing  that when we tell people the proper way of segregation as a step to Zero Waste lifestyle they ask further questions to clear things or when they seem to be encouraged with the idea of it.  It uplifts the physical exhaustion when people we encounter say simple “Thank you for the info!”  because it could mean they appreciate good change and are eager to learn. We can make Zero Waste possible if we first accept the need to change. Through the many doors we have knocked and gates we  tapped, we met many households who block us out with excuses. “I don’t have enough containers to segregate.”, “They (collectors) mix it all up anyway” or, “I’ll just burn them” which is by the way, against the laws. Change of lifestyle can be challenging, but if we really try to discipline ourselves, we can have cleaner homes, cleaner communities, and cleaner Earth.

En route to our respective community

 

 

 

San Fernando is really an impressive city. We have encountered a number of households in different barangays who already segregate their garbage. And we as well have visited various MRF (Materials Recovery Facility) which are functional and very efficient.

MRF in Pilar Village (They have their own garden!)

MRF in Maimpis

 

A political will is very vital. The LGUs should also see the need and the significance of Zero Waste. That is why they should not settle for a system that tolerates the community members with garbage mismanagement. A good leadership can as well be manifested by how constituents in a respective baranggay are organized with its waste. Zero Waste would be made achievable headed by a good leader by educating its people regarding ecological laws and supplying them with facilities.

Volunteers coordinating with different LGUs

 

 

Our internship had enabled us practice our being social scientists. We indeed had used the community as our laboratory waiting for extravagant results. Thank you for Mother Earth Foundation for letting us being part of a great advocacy and letting us experience how it is like to do something for the love of Mother Earth. Much gratitude as well to the waste workers and collectors who have the guts to do what others cannot. We salute you. Sometimes they know better about saving Mother Earth and have more empathy. I do hope that with every sweat every volunteer and everyone pushing through Zero Waste advocacy has put into this work will sooner or later bear its fruit. I’d like to take confidence that our labor is not in vain. We are not just saving Mother Earth but ourselves as well.
 

Waste workers/collectors who worked and taught us

 

 

Us volunteers and MEF Pampanga staff

 

 

 

Aiming for Zero Waste

By Alyssa Janelle Tabajonda

For many Filipinos, from the moment we wake up, we already produce garbage - when we use shampoo sachets when taking a bath, or crack eggs for breakfast.

Initially, I thought it was hardly possible not to produce waste every day but, my experience as a volunteer in the Mother Earth Foundation has convinced me and helped me believe that ZERO WASTE is truly POSSIBLE.

It is important to understand the concept of zero waste first. People who easily conclude that it is hard and impossible usually equate zero waste with zero garbage; however, it does not necessarily mean having no garbage at all.

So, what does "Zero Waste" really mean? I think the simplest way to explain it is: NOTHING goes to WASTE.

My experience with Mother Earth helped me, as an individual, realize how I can further reduce the waste I generate.

It has become my habit to USE ECO-BAGS when buying groceries. For the wet products, we could bring our own containers that could be reused many times instead of using plastic bags. Also, if you are only buying a few items, you may also use your own bag.

                                           (My classmate putting our groceries inside her bag.)

I have learned to say NO to STRAWS and STYROFOAM as well. These are some types of waste that we better choose to avoid.

                   (Photo from: http://uncle-herbs.blogspot.com/2010/02/say-no-to-polystyrene.html)

If there is one trait that I would encourage others to develop, it would be to HATE PLASTICS.

                            (Photo from: http://bodyunburdened.com/break-up-with-plastic-day-3/)

We were able to attend a public hearing on the proposed ordinance regulating the use of plastic bags in San Fernando. This has already been implemented in other cities in the Philippines, however, it was my first time to attend a public hearing on this issue. Indeed, it is possible to reduce if not completely eliminate plastics. There are many alternative materials such as reusable bags and containers that are less harmful to the environment and should therefore be encouraged.

                                                            (Public hearing at Heroes Hall)

To understand Zero Waste, it is also essential to become aware of the classification of waste or learn PROPER WASTE SEGREGATION. This way, we will know how to reduce the different kinds of waste we produce, and learn how to properly dispose or possibly make use of other trash.

One of the new things I have learned is that residuals or wastes such as shampoo sachets or junk food wrappers can be mixed with cement for construction of roads or sidewalks. Some barangays in San Fernando have actually done this. It is one way of showing that zero waste is possible.

Through Mother Earth, I was not only able to change myself. I was also given the opportunity to INFLUENCE OTHERS.

For the past four weeks, we worked as Information and Education Officers and distributed fliers regarding proper waste segregation from house to house in the different barangays in San Fernando, Pampanga.

                                        (Information and Education Campaign in Brgy. Dolores)

We have also accompanied garbage collectors for a dry-run to see whether the households have followed. I personally inspected the garbage of each house to see if they already know how to properly segregate. It was such an incomparable experience to collect trash from house to house. It was something new and challenging for me especially under the summer heat. Nevertheless, I learned a lot and I feel fulfilled because I know I was able to help and contribute through my own little ways.

                                                       (Dry-run at Vista Rica Subdivision)

I observed how each house made an effort to participate and contribute to the success of this project.

                                                  (One of the households in Holy Angel I)

Of course, there were a number of hard-headed households but it just shows that achieving Zero Waste is up to us.

ALL our EFFORTS MATTER. Whether you live in a big house in a big village or in a tiny apartment in a barangay, each household's cooperation is important.

We must have THE WILL TO CHANGE our ways and do the right thing to reach the goal of zero waste.

In San Fernando, Zero Waste is almost a reality. I personally observed the progress of the project in the different parts of the city though the opportunity given to me by the Mother Earth Foundation. All that's needed is the full cooperation of all barangay's, subdivisions, schools, and other establishments regarding proper waste segregation and their own initiative to reduce their wastes. Also, the implementation of the ordinance for regulation of plastic bags is a big step towards reducing plastic wastes particularly.

I hope that the progress and near-success of the city of San Fernando on Zero Waste will inspire other places in the country to be more aware and active when it comes to caring for our environment. In the long run, we will realize that this for our own good and for the benefit of our future children as well.

Say YES TO ZERO WASTE!

Zero Waste? Feasible! but IT IS STILL UP TO YOU.

by: Chelsea Jillian M. Abeleda

Look around you. Do you like what you’re seeing? As the saying goes, “We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children. But as I see it we are leaving nothing to them but a horrible place; and possibly if we continue to do nothing to mitigate the environment condition, a worse place to inhabit.

Commonly seen in the urban areas are tall buildings standing side by side. Some attribute to these structures as the basis of our nation’s development but should we only rely on it? Shouldn’t we have to consider other aspects as well? While these buildings are being built a lot of trees are also being cut, trees that play many roles in our everyday lives. 

It is also saddening to see the waters that were once clear are now stinking and full of garbage, garbage that was caused by no other than us, us people who have the minds to think of things that could make the situation worse or better. If we were more responsible for our actions what great surroundings could there possibly be at present.

Instances above are only a few of the reasons for our environment’s present situation. Instead of looking for the causes and its effects the better thing to do is find solutions. As netizens, people would initially say that they could do nothing about the big scale dilemma but it is a wrong thinking because if we are the cause we could also be the solution. We may contribute in small amounts but if we combine all of it together we could create a bigger picture.

We can help in saving our habitat by simply lessening gradually our wasted consumption. Zero waste management, is it possible? Of course it is feasible but I believe that the answer would really depend to an individual’s discipline. As I go around the barangays of Malabon I encounter people with different principles, ideas and beliefs. I once encountered a man while doing a survey who admitted his opposition to common responses that other people give and said that everyone thinks and is different.

Zero Waste Management if thought about is easy but would surely be hard if put into practice. But nothing is always perfect from the start. We have to practice and get used to the process. Besides, we are the ones and the future generations who will benefit from this action. By doing this, we spend no money. We even save because we aim to avoid wasting utilities that could be used by others and also we lessen the trash we create.

Yes to Zero Waste

By: Hannah Grace C. Catiis

Our Responsibility

“Zero Waste is a goal that is ethical, economical, efficient and visionary. It aims to guide people in changing their lifestyles and practices to emulate sustainable natural cycles, where all discarded materials are designed to become resources for others to use.

Zero Waste means designing and managing products and processes to systematically avoid and eliminate the volume and toxicity of waste and materials, conserve and recover all resources, and not burn or bury them.”

(Adapted from the Zero Waste Definition of the Zero Waste International Alliance)

Zero Waste. When I first learned about it, I initially thought that the project is idealistic. How could people possibly conserve their wastes and throw nothing? I think that not everyone is willing to spend time just to deal with their garbage; segregating them, putting them in the right treatment facilities, etc. Then I realize that Zero Waste is not actually about the garbage that we produce, but about the attitude of the people towards it. If everyone will see garbage as “waste”, then there must be no hope in reducing it. Otherwise if the advocacy of treating our trash the way that is ideal and lawful succeeds, there will be no more “waste” to be thrown.

The act is not simple, of course. The cooperation of all is needed as the “segregation at source” is where the Zero Waste will start. Moreover, most of the processing of garbage so it would not turned into waste are done at home. The most simple would be composting the biodegradables. In San Fernando, most of the households I’ve visited are actually doing it. They bury their biodegradables at the backyard or in the pots then later on they plant on it. As we know, composts are very good organic fertilizers. It is also the most common among Fernandinossince it is cheap and beneficial. Biodegradables do not only refer to food scrapings and leftover meals, it also means the leaves and the branches of the trees or shrubs in our backyard. You may as well bury it instead of burning it.Burning the leaves which is customary for us, Filipinos, is actually against the law. Republic Act 9003 (Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000) and the Clean Air Act prohibit siga and one may be penalised of up to a thousand pesos. Whew, who would want to pay a thousand for burning leaves? Aside from that siga is bad for the health because it produces particulate matters that can irritate our lungs when inhaled plus it does not kill mosquitoes contrary to what most of know. It only shoo away the insects for as long as there is smoke, and they will eventually come again after the siga was gone. Furthermore, when we burn our garbage, we do not actually solved the problem because the garbage did not vanished- it only transformed from solid to gas which makes it even harder to clean.

 

(Photo from: http://www.smartranger.net/index.cfm?&menuid=17)

Next to composting, the Fernandinos were also much aware of segregating the trashes that can be sold such as bottles, tin cans and papers (or kalakal). This garbage will be sold again to the factories for recycling by the collector or waste worker of whom the household gave or sold the mentioned trashes. In this way, they were able to get rid of their bottles and cans at the same time helping their collectors earn some money. In most cases I’ve encountered, the home owners really wait for the collector to gather the kalakal rather than bringing it by themselves to the junk shops. This led to establishing good rapport and trust between the collectors and the residents. 

                                     (Photo from: http://chinkyfilipina.wordpress.com/ )

In Barangay Juliana we have noticed that the tiles they used in making the walkway were made of mixed cement and shredded plastics. Plastics of all kinds including the widely used sando bags and residual garbage sachets and tetra packs do not decay. The label “biodegradable” on the plastics that we see nowadays is actually a false advertisement because there is no plastic in the Philippine soil that is biodegradable. Rather, the “biodegradable plastic” is more appropriately termed “oxo-degradable” which means that in time, this plastic would disintegrate into small pieces but definitely they wouldn’t decay. For this reason, we must minimize our use of plastics, sachets and tetra packs for the treatment for these kinds of trashes is only for temporary. The tiles in Juliana is just one of the ways we can recycle plastics. Weaving industry has also their own method in dealing with tetra packs and sachets- they make it into bags which are not only sturdy but also fashionable. If we continuously think of other creative means, it would be a really great help for the environment and for ourselves as well.

             (Photo from http://pinasfasyon.blogspot.com/2010/06/when-fashion-has-heart.html)

  (Photo from http://www.environmentphilippines.com/2011/12/green-living-environment-philippines.html)

 Ironically, the long-term solution plastic is the easiest way to get rid of it- do not use plastic. Be responsible enough to carry ecobags or bayongs when going to the market and bring reusable plastic containers for the meat and fish products. While in Pampanga, every time we were having grocery at the supermarket, people did comment that it is nicer to look at the meat products placed inside the containers. You’ll be surprised to find out that you can buy anything from the store without using a single plastic.

                                             (Photo from: orangesenorita.blogspot.com)

How about diapers, napkins and tissues? You must separate them from other garbage and hand it to the collectors when they visit you. There are other facilities for its treatment. At home, we may as well bury the diapers and napkins because 90% of these is biodegradable. After a month, you shall dig it and gather the plastics that were left.

These measures are all can be done at home, by us. The government sure has also means to eliminate waste. But considering the tons of garbage from all over the country, our simple acts and self-discipline are very much needed and required (yeah it is written on the law). Since we are the ones who produce garbage, we are also the ones responsible for them, for in the end no one else but we will suffer the consequences of our negligence.

Zero Waste? Yes, Possible. 

                                       (Pampanga interns with Mother Earth Foundation staffs)

A Zero Waste Summer With Mother Earth

By: Bianca Alcantara

When I first heard the term “Zero Waste,” I immediately thought of a garbage free planet which was why I initially thought that it was impossible. Picturing a world without trash seemed very idealistic for me. Each day, we all generate enormous amounts of trash for disposal. It was only upon hearing the lecture of Mother Earth that I was introduced to the true definition of zero waste. “Zero waste can be achieved through designing discarded materials into resources that others can further use. It aims to eliminate the volume and toxicity of waste and materials.” Upon hearing this definition, I immediately changed my mind and was convinced that zero waste is indeed possible.

Throughout my internship I have come up with a to do list as to how zero waste can be put into reality. First is to throw away the use of plastic from my system. As much as possible, limit the use of plastic for plastics do not decompose. Throughout my stay in Mother Earth, I grew fond of using eco bags which can come very handy when it comes to shopping for grocery items and more. These eco bags can be reused countless times unlike plastics that usually only accumulate inside our houses after use.

During our internship, we were able to witness a public hearing regarding the ordinance regulating the use of plastic bags in the city of San Fernando. We were able to gain knowledge about the subject matter and also voice out our opinions. It is good to know that the local government of San Fernando is taking legal actions in order to preserve and protect the environment.

(Public Hearing on Regulating Plastic Bags in the city of San Fernando held on April 29, 2014)  

                                                         (Speakers at the Public Hearing)

                                  (Carlo, MEF intern, asking a question at the Public Hearing)

          (At the venue of the Public Hearing on Regulating Plastic Bags in the City of San Fernando)

The next step on my list is to learn how to properly segregate. Our job as interns included being an information and education officer, a community organizer and a monitoring officer. Through these tasks we were exposed as to how communities manage their wastes. By being an information and education officer, we talked to numerous households in every community regarding proper waste segregation while being accompanied by a health and sanitation officer from the community. Most households were very receptive towards proper segregation but there were still times when we would hear their negative sentiments regarding the system of waste disposal in their community. Their common sentiments include the irregular collection of wastes by the collectors and illegal dumping of wastes around their area. We did our best to transcend these sentiments to the community officials in order for them to further improve their waste management system. Through this task, the community officials and the citizens became involved in the policy process and its implementation.

                         (Being an Information and Educational Officer at Dolores)

(Attending a Homeowner’s Meeting Regarding Waste Management at Villa Barosa, San Fernando) 

(With the Kagawad and Homeowner’s Association at Rockville, San Fernando, Pampanga)

After informing the community regarding proper waste segregation, a dry run is set by the community officer in order to assess whether the citizens follow rules on segregation imposed by their community. This is the next step on my list towards zero waste. We all checked whether or not households segregate their waste while waste workers collected trash from the entire community. This is a very physically exhausting task for not all citizens have discipline when it comes to following rules. When the citizens fail to properly segregate, we would once again remind them to segregate their trash in order for it to be properly disposed. In this manner, the waste workers, the community officials and the citizens are all part of the policy process.

                                 (Conducting a Dry Run at Rockville, San Fernando, Pampanga)

                             (Preparing for a Dry Run at San Agustin, San Fernando, Pampanga)

After information dissemination and dry run in every community, monitoring their Materials Recovery Facility or MRF is an essential step towards promulgating zero waste in the community. We were exposed as to how trash is disposed from each household until it reaches its corresponding treatment. An MRF is needed in every community in order for their wastes to be properly handled and disposed. As a monitoring officer, we observed and assessed the MRFs of communities in San Fernando. We listed the problems found in every MRF and suggested solutions as to how those problems could be addressed. Common problems found in the waste management system of communities in San Fernando would be the presence of mini dump sites, burning of wastes and lack of collectors and carts.  

        (Materials Recovery Facility at Barangay Maimpis, San Fernando, Pampanga)

                          (Model MRF at Pilar Village, San Fernando, Pampanga)

Mother Earth has made me realize that working towards a zero waste Philippines is a duty of the entire community – its public officials and most importantly, its citizens. I was able to witness the process of how policy is put into action in a community. Efficient management and consistency in the policy process are vital in implementing and reinforcing laws such as RA 9003 Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 in every community. The government must be firm and authoritative enough when it comes to implementing laws for citizens to follow. An efficient system of implementing rules will fuel a cooperative and well informed community. The last step in my list towards zero waste is to remember that everyone has a role in working towards a zero waste environment.  We all have an obligation to protect and preserve our environment for it serves as a home to all. We must all lead by example to others. A zero waste lifestyle may seem impossible but with consistent action and care towards our habitat, we can turn wastes into hope for a  better and sustainable environment. 

San Fernando is on its way to being a Zero Waste city. I hope that in time, the entire Philippines could follow the footsteps of San Fernando as a pioneer of Zero Waste in the country.

(UP Manila Interns and Mother Earth Foundation Employees at San Fernando, Pampanga)

                                             (With my mentor Ate Maie)