THE City Environment and Parks Management Office (CEPMO) noted positive feedback in the initial implementation of the "No Plastic and Styrofoam Use" law.
In the weekly "Talakayan sa Environment Code," CEPMO chief Cordelia Lacsamana reiterated a three-month transition period is now in effect before the full implementation of the law in August.
"Our plastic ordinance did not make any exemptions, we want the plastics to be out of the way stream and anyone who generates it must dispose of it in a proper manner. It is not only government who should dictate the solution and Baguio being a creative city should start to be innovative and be more creative in looking for alternatives aside from plastics to improve our lifestyles," Lacsamana said.
The No Plastic and Styrofoam Use ordinance prohibits business establishments from providing customers with plastic bags or polystyrene foam containers for goods or items purchased or in serving food or drinks, take out or dine in for customers, covering all business establishments including city government schools and offices.
"During the solutions forum at the city multipurpose hall, the participants came up with alternative suggestions like the use of bayongs, bamboo and rattan bags as a replacement in the use of sando bags and for market goers to bring their own plastic containers where poultry and fish products may be placed," added Lacsamana.
Baguio City Mayor Mauricio Domogan views the implementation of the No Plastic and Styrofoam ordinance as a change in behavior by the public which would totally be felt upon the full implementation by August.
"The advantage of the No Plastic and Styrofoam ordinance is that the people now are aware that we have this ordinance, and if ever could not immediately perfect its implementation, I am sure it will continue to improve," Domogan said.
The mayor called on department stores supplying plastic sando bags to think twice in purchasing plastic bags. He recommended the use of biodegradable plastic packaging marterials which are not environmentally hazardous.
