Little Ways to Help the Environment

Posted on April 13, 2008 Updated on April 13, 2008

(LUIS LIWANAG/AFP/GETTY IMAGES)

The city of Manila, among the 5 most populated cities in the world, faces constant floods during the rainy season as it lies below sea level. Drainage in residential areas and roads are small and often get clogged by garbage and free plastic bags.

Hence, why not make plastic bags more expensive to discourage their use? Ireland is getting the most accolade for reportedly eliminating 90% of its use and raising millions in revenues. Shoppers are encouraged to use reusable shopping bags (probably of cloth).

Major cities are following suit. Bombay, Taiwan, Singapore, and Bangladesh, to name a few. And because of this, demand for Bangladesh-made jute bags is skyrocketing. Whoa! Talk about market rewards for good behavior.

But I think more than the economic incentives, its the positive change in social habits that is more remarkable. In Ireland, Dubliners sort of ‘look down’ on you if you carry plastic shopping bags. National shame on you?

It’s high time Filipino/Manila lawmakers follow the same path. Charge plastic bags, in major supermarkets, bookstores, etc. This is a best way to reduce a top source of solid waste clogging water arteries in Manila.