US group suggests ways to solve Baguio's trash woes

EDITORIAL

A U.S.-based environmental group on Tuesday proposed to the Baguio City government to practice strategies or ways to curb its decades-old garbage problem.

 “Educating the community and other stakeholders about 10 steps to reduce their garbage to zero waste is both a goal and a plan of action,” said Dr. Paul Connett, American Environmental Health Studies Project (AEHSP) executive director told PNA’s Pamela Mariz Geminiano.

Connett, who specializes in Environmental Chemistry and Toxicology, was in the city on July 7 to speak on the topic upon the invitation of environmental organization, Zero Waste Coalition, which has worked with Mayor Benjamin Magalong in advocating and educating the residents about waste management.

Connett said there are 10 steps to achieve zero waste management which include source separation, door to door collections, composting, recycling, reuse, repair and community center, waste reduction initiatives, economic incentives, residual separation and research center, industrial responsibility and temporary landfill.

He said zero waste is an approach that ensures resource efficiency, resource recovery, and protection of scarce natural resources.

“Many communities and cities around the world are pursuing zero waste approach instead of incineration because it is good for the environment, the health of communities, the economy, the earth’s resources, jobs, and the climate,” he said.

"This is the most beautiful city I have been to in the Philippines, and looking at it reminded me of Italy pushing and promoting zero waste and I can tell that the City of Baguio will be able to achieve zero waste," he added.

Connett said the problem with waste-to-energy plants is that it produces some of the most toxic materials known to humans.

“Waste to energy technologies uses high temperature to burn waste and generate electricity or other forms of energy that are harmful to the public,” he said.

He said the city can solve its garbage woes by going zero waste instead of using waste to energy technologies.

“Incinerators and ‘waste-to-energy plants are facilities that burn waste, usually plastics. It is bad for human health, environment, economy, climate, resources,” said Connett, who authored the book, "The Zero Waste Solution".  

Connett’s suggestions could be studied by the city government and incorporated in its garbage disposal program.