Mandatory Segregation of Solid Waste to be Conducted at the Source
Humans, animal species, and their environments are all directly impacted by inadequate and poor waste management, which also worsens air pollution and contributes to climate change on a global scale. Through the implementation of necessary waste management programs and institutional mechanisms, the Republic Act 9003, also known as the "Ecological Solid Waste Management Program," addresses the mandatory segregation of solid waste at the source, including the household, commercial, industrial, and agricultural sectors. It would be possible to protect the public's overall health while conserving resources through systemic efforts of the government working with the private sector to encourage the community and the general public to participate in environmentally sound waste minimization techniques.
The general public is the intended audience for this mandate because of the risks and dangers caused by improper waste management. The mere segregation procedure is helpful since it opens up the possibility of income generation through the sale of precious items like metals, cardboard, and plastic. In an environmental perspective, the beauty of the land would be more appreciated because sorting wastes would have a reduced negative impact on landfills and flooding would be avoided as there would be no obstruction of drainage systems, which is especially important in areas that are vulnerable to disasters. Overall, pollution would be reduced, contamination of hazardous wastes would be avoided, and public health and the environment would be protected, ensuring total attainment of optimal health and well-being.
Today, individual residences in our neighborhood dispose of a variety of solid wastes in black trash bags that are picked up by garbage collectors every Tuesday which suggests that the mandate is yet to be followed stringently. With this, to achieve the goal of waste segregation and benefit from it, proper implementation, financial resource allocation, education of the populace on health and environmental benefits, and having a responsible governmental organization to support the implementation that is strict on policies are still recommended. After all, as Howard Zinn a renowned philosopher once said, "Small acts multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world." Achieving change that would be advantageous to both oneself and the entire society requires cooperation from all citizens no matter how little the effort may be.
References:
Divide and Conquer: waste segregation is the key. (2013). https://www.downtoearth.org.in/blog/waste/divide-and-conquer-segregation-is-the-key-60597
Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2001/01/26/republic-act-no-9003-s-2001/
World Bank Group. (2021, April 15). Market Study for Philippines: Plastics Circularity Opportunities and Barriers. World Bank. https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/philippines/publication/market-study-for-philippines-plastics-circularity-opportunities-and-barriers-report-landing-page#:%7E:text=Like%20many%20rapidly%20developing%20countries,ends%20up%20in%20the%20ocean.