Going Green.

[michael]

We have always heard the phrase Lets Go Green or this is a green product. You've seen this in labels attached to practically everything - printers, computers , refs, aircons etc. But for ordinary citizens what are the best ways to go "GREEN"?

[jovir]

Nice topic by the way. Come to think of it some ways for citizens to contribute (especially the motoring public) is to gas up on bio-fuels or alternative fuel sources. These fuel types are organic and dramatically give off clean elements in return. Carbon dioxide emissions from vehicles contribute greatly to the pollution so it's best to begin from there. for reference: Green friendly motoring article

Another thing is to beef up planting and literal "greening" campaigns.

Cheers,
Jovir

[Vincent]

Sir Michael, the best way to go GREEN is INTEGRAL EDUCATION from the Basic Education to the Post Graduate School.

Green signifies life. It connotes movement. It implies dynamism.

If teachers, instructors or professors do not know what is GREEN and where to start promoting and demonstrating its implication, students or the young ones will be misinformed about it.

[Juland R. Suazo]

I strongly agree with Vincent. Integral and transformative eduction is the key.

[Levy Amora-Duhaylungsod]

Maybe Taboan can campaign for Mindanao LGU's to adopt what Los Banos Laguna, where I am based, did. It is now strictly implementing a no-plastic use in all commercial establishments- wet markets, small shops and vendors, including the big supermarkets like Robinson and South Supermarkets. Even Jollibee and McDo are compelled to go non-plastic. Customers have to shell out more to because you can only get plastic cups and cutlery by extra purchase of these items. People were initially not abiding with it, but penalties were really implemented and the establishments have been forced to use paper bags. The small shops and petty vendors are making bags out of newspapers and other used papers, instead of what used to be the ubiquitous thin plastic bag wrappers. Now, we see people bringing their own, recycleable bags and market bags out of pandan fiber and other native materials are in and becoming fashionable! So, even the bag cotttage industry is getting a boost in this effort.

I, myself, have been way ahead of this movement. For many years now, it has been my practice to bring along my own containers even for fish and meat when I shop, alongside my basket. All my suki have been accustomed to my style of doing the market and grocery. Also, I always have a foldable shopping bag tucked in my purse ready for sudden or unplanned shopping. In a way, my practice becomes an advocacy statement. (Many times, I go overboard by lecturing on the environmental impact of plastics, esp when shop owners or other customers make a comment!). This may probably sound a little effort only, but when these practices are eventually habitualized and adopted by many, then it goes a long way. Of course, there are other big campaigns that can perhaps be engaged in. But everyone can start in their own little ways.

[Anijun Mudan-udan]

Yes, like Los Baños! Come to think of it, enforcing a no-plastic use policy could even stimulate the local economy by the manufacture of indigenous bags and baskets. If a no-plastic use policy would be implemented in Mindanao, abaka growers, weavers and others in the same cottage industry could benefit.

I am already seeing the transformation of Los Baños citizens as people here are now more conscious on the use of plastics. I think this should be adopted nationwide. We will not only help the environment this way but also our local cottage industries.

anijun

[Gen Acelar-Bangcaya]

Come to think of it, if Los Banos can do it why can't we? We only need a willingness to start and start as soon as possible. . . I have some idea I want to share here, I hope the group can do it with me: 1) buy an SM green bag and bring it with you when you go to the wet market, it will lessen your use of plastic bags; 2)don't use straw in your softdrinks, it adds to the waste; 3)add earthworm to your household pets esp. African night crawlers. It will gobble up your waste and turn it into fertilizers for your garden.;4) grow pesticide free vegetables for your family and friends ( I sell it to them to pay for the labor and other expenses and they gladly buy because they trust me, LOL) . . . Happy Go Greening to all! God bless us...

[Zteth R. Abdula]

I will go with your ideas Gen in adopting the LB's waste management system.