Solving the plastic problem

Two progressive and admirable cities in Israel have declared war on the intolerable plastic pollution along their beaches by announcing the adoption of strict regulatory measures.

JERUSALEM, Israel — Last week, I wrote about Egypt and its period of energy transition, comparing it to our own ongoing energy transition in the Philippines. Now, as I am writing this from Israel, I will also reflect on efforts being made here as compared to similar initiatives I have experienced back in the Philippines. I can truly say that I am learning quite a lot from my time abroad.

It is always fresh and exciting to look at how other countries and cities innovate and develop their own ways of protecting the environment and fighting pollution.

Case in point: I learned here in Israel that two cities, namely Herzliya and Eilat, are set on tackling the issue of plastic. In a determined move to curb and lessen pollution, these two Israeli cities have banned single-use plastics (SUP) from beaches. In fact, it was mentioned in the news bit that I read here that the plastic plate and utensils are seen by the citizens in these two cities as symbols of environmental destruction and pollution. Yes, these items have their use in our society, but looking at how major the plastic problem in Israel is right now, I hope that our country will never reach the point where the plastic problem is already so glaring.

Israel’s consumption of disposable plastic continues to rise, and they are already producing about a million tons of plastic waste each year. It was noted that waste along Israel’s Mediterranean shores is among the highest in the region. And the effects of this are disastrous: microplastic particles floating offshore tend to intoxicate and poison the marine life in the area, and poor waste management results in overflowing landfills, which in turn contaminate surrounding ecosystems. Monitoring Israel during my time here, I have already seen some improvement. But sadly, it is clear that there is still much work to be done.

But where there is a will, there is a way: two progressive and admirable cities in Israel have declared war on the intolerable plastic pollution along their beaches by announcing the adoption of strict regulatory measures. In the case of Herzliya, it is absolutely crucial that they act on the plastic problem because it is a major tourist destination. Known for its beautiful beaches, the plastic problem will not only negatively affect the environment of the city, but it will also disenchant tourists if the issue escalates to an unmanageable point.

In the case of Eilat, the city is known around the world for its diverse marine life, gorgeous corals, and has made a name for itself as a premiere diving destination. So, in this case, the real concern is the marine environment. The plastic problem will destroy the corals, and possibly suffocate and kill the marine life. This will in turn wreak havoc on the entire marine ecosystem of the area if the problem gets out of hand. And as expected, this will also put the city’s tourism in peril, since divers will lose interest in such damaged underwater sites. Thus, the efforts that these two cities have put into banning SUP are common sense. You have to protect that which makes you thrive. Israel simply must take care of its environment because too many factors are at risk.

Now that I have reflected on this global scale regarding the SUP problem, it makes me ponder on how we as individuals can make small changes to our lifestyles in order to make a huge difference to the environment. Sometimes, it starts with fixing habits, then it develops into a culture, which one can bring over to family, friends, and even to entire companies. Therefore, I was impressed by my second home, Meralco, as it took a unified stance against plastic.

Like Israel, my company made a brave stand, and joined in the war against plastic and pollution. It is not an easy war to win. And it will most probably take a long time to completely solve the plastic problem of the Philippines, or even just of Metro Manila. But if we all do our part, then slowly we will get closer to that ultimate goal of a more sustainable, cleaner and greener society.

Similar to the two Israel cities I discussed earlier, Meralco announced that to help save the country’s environment, it has banned SUP, polystyrene foam and similar products from all of its premises, activities, and corporate events effective 1 October 2019.

Meralco president and chief executive officer Atty. Ray C. Espinosa said, “The protection of the environment is a collective obligation that we not only owe to the communities we serve, but more importantly, the future generation. It is, therefore, incumbent upon us to ensure that we integrate sustainability in all areas of our operations and in our workplace to create a positive impact to the environment.”

Aside from reducing its contribution of plastic to landfills and marine pollution, Meralco also aims to educate employees and business partners on the responsible use of plastic for proper disposal for a sustainable economy, and help pave the way for a lifestyle change.

The data and facts are as clear as day: According to a report published by the United Nations Environment Program, the world’s ability to cope with plastic waste is already overwhelmed. Only nine percent of the nine trillion kilos of plastic the world has produced has been recycled. Most end up in landfills, dumps or in the environment. If current consumption patterns and waste management practices continue, then by 2050 there will be around 12 trillion kilos of plastic litter in landfills and the environment.

And this is just the beginning: As the first of many sustainability initiatives, the use of SUP, including polystyrene foam and similar products, is banned from all offices, premises and facilities of Meralco, including operations centers, business centers, subsidiaries, affiliates, and in company events and activities effective 1 October 2019. SUP covered by the ban include plastic grocery bags, beverage bottles, food service utensils (cutlery, plates, cups, lids, straws, stirrers) and dispensing containers for cleaning fluids.

And our leaders are there at the forefront, leading the charge in this plastic-free revolution. “Everyone in Meralco is committed to do their part in ensuring that we embrace sustainability as a way of life by greatly reducing our contribution to the million tons of plastic wastes that are used and dumped in our waterways, rivers and oceans every day,” Espinosa said.

I’m definitely looking forward to going back home to be part of this plastic-free movement. And I hope you, my dear readers, can join in on this cause as well.