Today, we celebrate National Recycling Day! It is a day dedicated to acknowledging the importance of recycling in environmental preservation.
Today, we celebrate National Recycling Day! It is a day dedicated to acknowledging the importance of recycling in environmental preservation and promoting sustainable practices. Recycling remains one of the simplest yet most effective ways for everyone to contribute to protecting our environment.
Let’s take a closer look at the importance of recycling and how everyone – individuals, communities, and sustainable businesses in the Philippines alike – can make a positive impact.
Importance of recycling on National Recycling Day
According to Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga, the Philippines generates 61,000 million metric tons of waste daily, 24% of which is plastic waste. This goes into landfills and dumpsites, and leaks into the open environment and oceans. That’s why recycling is necessary to combat this problem.
3 Benefits of Recycling
The benefits of recycling include:
- Environmental Protection
Recycling reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills and oceans, minimizing pollution that can harm marine life and ecosystems.
- Resource Conservation
Every product that we use comes from natural resources. By reusing materials like paper, plastic, glass, and metals, we help preserve natural resources and reduce the need to extract new resources. Consequently, it reduces energy consumption involved in the production of products.
- Economic Growth
It creates opportunities for green job creation (e.g. waste management staff, R&D team for eco-friendly businesses) and encourages the growth of green industries that adopt sustainable business practices (e.g. developing biodegradable packaging for businesses made of cassava starch or other renewable materials)
How Everyone Can Take Part in National Recycling Day
National Recycling Day will only work if everyone will do their part. Here are some simple ways how individuals, communities, and eco-friendly businesses can contribute to this effort:
Individuals
Practice the 5Rs
Refuse, reduce, reuse, repurpose, and recycle. Apply this in your everyday activities. Avoid using single-use plastics as much as possible. Use cassava starch bags instead!
Segregate your waste
Separate different recyclable materials from general waste. Make sure that you rinse them before putting them in the appropriate bins.
Be an eco-conscious consumer
Support sustainable businesses in the Philippines that offer products from recycled materials and promote sustainable solutions.
Communities
Make It Accessible
Place recycling bins in high-traffic areas. Schedule a pickup of recyclable materials to make it convenient for residents.
Raise Awareness
Educate your neighborhood about recycling through workshops, social media, and school events.
Organize Donation Drives
Reduce waste and extend the life cycle of products by donating items such as clothes, furniture, and electronics.
Eco-friendly businesses
Implement Sustainable Practices
Use recycled materials and implement energy-efficient manufacturing processes.
Use Alternative Packaging to Plastic
Reduce excess packaging and convert from traditional plastic to biodegradable materials made of cassava starch.
Provide Refillable/Reusable Options
Encourage customers to reduce waste by offering refillable or reusable containers that can earn them discounts or rebates.
Celebrate National Recycling Day
National Recycling Day is not just about raising awareness; it’s about taking action. Follow these simple tips, and together, we can positively impact our environment.
If you’re a sustainable business in the Philippines looking for an alternative packaging to plastic, we offer cassava starch bags and corn bags that you can customize to your needs! Learn more about our products through this link.