Reaping what we have sown
Our environment is constantly changing. There is no denying that. With the increase in population, the increase in technological development, and industrialization, there has been a steady increase in the production of waste materials and resulting to a dirty world. It has been more than half a century now since plastic was invented and became very much part of the daily existence. Sleek symbol of modernity and human progress, the innovation of plastic has, most arguable, touched more lives than any other technological breakthrough. In one’s daily life, plastic made a considerable impact and are heavily dependent on plastic.
Legazpi City, meanwhile, has reduced its waste while making it profitable for citizens to segregate their trash through its solid waste management program. The implementation of the solid waste Management program of Legazpi is in connection with Republic Act 9003 otherwise known as the Ecological Waste Management Act of 2000 and City Ordinance No. 0017, which both aim to improve the living condition of the people through proper environmental management.
Since then, these practices have been diligently observed: reduction of waste at the level of households, offices, and business establishments; resource recovery, recycling, and reusing at the barangay level; collection, transfer, and transport of waste at the city level; and management of residual waste at the city level. In every Albayanos home, commercial establishments, and offices, citizens segregate their waste into biodegradable, recyclable, and residual or special waste.
Waste is not something that should be discarded or disposed of with no regard for future use. It can be a valuable resource if addressed correctly, through policy and practice. With rational and consistent waste management practices there is an opportunity to reap a range of benefits in:
First, economy, by improving the economic rate of Legazpi City efficiency through the means of resource use, treatment and disposal and creating markets for recycles can lead to efficient practices in the production and consumption of products and materials resulting in valuable materials being recovered for reuse and the potential for new jobs and new business opportunities.
Second, society, by reducing adverse impacts on health by proper waste management practices, the resulting consequences are more appealing settlements. Better social advantages can lead to new sources of employment and potentially lifting communities out of poverty especially in some of the developing poorer countries and cities.
Third, environment, by reducing or eliminating adverse impacts on the environmental through reducing, reusing, and recycling, and minimizing resource extraction can provide improved air and water quality and help in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
Last, inter-generational equity by following effective waste management practices can provide subsequent generations a more robust economy, a fairer and more inclusive society and a cleaner environment. Waste management in cities with developing economies and economies in transition experience exhausted waste collection services, inadequately managed and uncontrolled dumpsites and the problems are worsening.
Problems with governance however, complicate the situation. Waste management, in these countries and cities, is an ongoing challenge and many struggles due to weak institutions, chronic under-resourcing and rapid urbanization. All of these challenges along with the lack of understanding of different factors that contribute to the hierarchy of waste management affect the treatment of waste.
Although most of our fellow citizens are practicing the solid waste management program, there are still people that are very irresponsible, who throws they’re trashes anywhere. Some of them are throwing it in the drainages, river banks, or streets. And they didn’t even think that this could cause damage to our environment.
But despite of this irresponsible people, Legazpi is ranked as second most livable city in Albay. The success of the implementation of the solid waste management program is a luminous symbol of Legazpi’s identity as a strong modern city that maintains healthful and environment-friendly communities.
It is now up to us to care for our environment and to have a better life in a safe and strong community. A strong implementation does not mean it is thoroughly successful. Only if the people abide. Only when the people cooperate.
