The Interface Development Interventions (IDIS) executive director Chinkie P. Golle reported that the ban of single-use of plastics will soon be implemented in Davao City.
Moreover, the single-use of plastics are defined as the “disposable plastics,” “designed or placed on the market to be used once over a short time span before being disposed or discarded.”
Respectively, t it was set that there are no exemption between the recyclable and non-recyclable materials.
IDIS reported that Davao City produces an average of 570 to 600 metric tons of waste everyday.
“The proposed ordinance specifically identified SUPs as plastic drinking cups; plastic condiment, sauce or gravy container, both recyclable and non-recyclable; plastic cup lids or covers; plastic stirrers; plastic cutlery (spoon, knife, or fork); plastic straws; plastic meal packaging; plastic hand gloves; plastic materials used as ‘buntings’; and plastic materials used as balloon sticks,” MinDA News reported.
The ban of the single-use of plastics was proposed by IDIS. However, Golle was told that this may be impossible because some sectors that have businesses which are related to plastics might be affected.
“The rapid development in the city has led to indiscriminate production and use of plastic products, resulting in staggering increase in plastic waste generation and environmental pollution,” IDIS stated.
“This effort will help lessen the production of wastes that end up on the seven-hectare sanitary landfill located in New Carmen, Tugbok, which has nearly reached its maximum capacity,” Golle said.
The impact of single-use of plastics in the environment
Since plastics are non-biodegradable, these materials stay longer on the planet which produce toxic chemicals that are proved to be harmful to humans.
Respectively, since it will not decompose immediately. Plastics will find way to water bodies which may intoxicate marine animals. This may also lead that the existing plastics that we are using can become a microplastics that can affect our future offsprings.
Some of the marine animals like whales in the Davao Region were found dead due to plastic intoxication (see full story here: Beached Whale Dead due to Plastic Intoxication).
Reference: Davao City to ban single-use plastics