World Wide Fund for Nature Philippines’ – the leading environmental organization, popularly known as the WWF celebrate its 1st anniversary this month. In line with that, WWF launches the “No Plastics in Nature” initiative and campaign, a larger approach that seeks to stop the flow of plastic waste in nature by 2030.
The Philippines has been identified as the world’s third-largest contributor of plastics in the ocean. The problem with plastics has been escalating for decades, and it is becoming worst each year. It is very alarming that plastic pollution has gone this far and we all know that we should do something about it or else – the next generation will suffer. Plastic pollution has always been a huge issue in the Philippines with the continuous generation of plastic wastes and poor waste management.
In 2016, global plastic production has reached 396 million metric tons, which translates to 53 kilograms of plastic per person on the planet. A third of this number has already become land or marine pollution and with a projected increase of 40% by 2030, an additional 104 million metric tons will leak into nature in a business as usual scenario. This poses harmful effects not only on our environment but to human health as well. It is estimated that on average, people could be ingesting approximately 5 grams of plastic every week. Imagine the effect of plastic pollution not only to human but also to our nature. That is the reason why WWF is striving harder to protect and save the planet – but they can’t do that alone. They need our help. It should always start within us.
Recognizing the threat brought about by plastic pollution, WWF-Philippines rolled out the #AyokoNgPlastikmovement last year in hopes of addressing the issue by creating awareness among Filipinos to reduce dependence on single-use plastics such as straws, bags, bottles, and cups, among others. In fact, there are plenty of ways on how we can reduce our plastic usage, all we need to do is put an effort in it.
This year, WWF-Philippines reinforces their campaign against unnecessary plastics by adopting the ‘No Plastics in Nature’Initiative, a global WWF approach that intends to stop the flow of plastics entering nature by 2030 through elimination of unnecessary plastics, doubling reuse, recycling, and recovery, and ensuring remaining plastic is sourced responsibly.
Meanwhile, WWF-Philippines was able to partner with at least 20 businesses for the sustainable journey movement where programs to reduce or eliminate single-use plastics in their supply chain system, workplace, and business operations were implemented. This program resulted in the prevention of over 1.5 million pieces of plastic waste from leaking into nature. Currently, WWF-Philippines is adopting the Plastic Action (PACT), which is a regional initiative on engaging businesses to take ona circular economy.
