Simple ways to have a zero waste year

By: Edwin Manda

The City of Golden Friendship implemented last January 1, 2019 the banning of Single-use Plastic bags in the city, resulting to a frenzy for shoppers and costumers to buy reusable shopping bags.

The implantation of the city ordinance is a first step in making a clean and environmental-friendly Cagayan de Oro. Hence, if your New Year resolution is to support the environment and be the change the world wishes to see here are some steps on how to make 2019 a zero waste year!

SAY NO TO PLASTIC STRAWS

It only takes 10 minutes to make a single use plastic straw but it would take forever to decompose, because it is a none-biodegradable material. According to Change.org restaurants throws about 45,000 straws a year.

Instead of using single use straws you can just use a bamboo straw or an aluminium straw or don’t use any straw at all. Plastic straw can look small and insignificant but a single plastic can harm marine lives and consume spaces without even noticing.

GO FOR REUSE

Instead of buying something new; go for reusing. Turn your old clothes / towels to bags, handkerchiefs, rags, pillows, etc. Use used-jars as storage for coffee, sugar, milk etc. or as vase / plant pots, handkerchiefs over tissues.  It is also advisable to buy foodstuffs in jars because it is a win-win situation; you can consume the food and at the same time reuse the jar. You can also bring your own bowl or plastic wears as an alternative for Styrofoam.

Creativity is the limit in terms of reusing by just thinking “What would this junk look like in another lifetime?”  And adding your little dust of creativity you can make your own masterpiece and at the same time minimizing your waste.

Tumbler Power

Although buying bottled water is simple and convenient for you, think about its impact on the environment. Plastic bottles takes 700 years to decompose and not only 90% of the cost of the bottled water is the bottle itself; it is not only a pain for the environment but also a pain for your money’s worth. Instead of using plastic bottles try making use of a Tumblers in storing your iced coffee. By buying a tumbler you are saving 700 years of decomposition one bottle at a time.  

Here are also some extra tips in aiding the call for zero waste through: Buying wood tooth brushes, kitchen utensils, hangers or any wooden made materials and also by buying in Palenkes you’re saving the environment but as well as supporting local farmers / fishermen and other small business.

Zero waste is about recycling less not more, it doesn’t happen overnight and it takes a lot of effort in doing so. Let us heed the call for a zero eco-friendly Kagayan.