“Plastic Waste Pollution”

There is massive plastic waste in the Philippines over the past years, this has been one of the
major environmental issues that the country has to face repeatedly. The Philippines is the third-
largest provider to ocean contamination, with an approximate of 0.75 million metric tons of
inadequately processed plastic flowing into the deep sea each year. Most of the population of
the Philippines uses plastic as a bag, plastic straws, empty bottles, single used sachets, and
many more. With these tons of plastics being used for every Filipino household then it is
evident that plastic waste would be massive. 

Having tons of plastic waste is a problem; however, the solid waste management of the
Philippines is the reason why tons of plastic are being accumulated. Waste disposal
management is not being followed by the Filipino citizen, segregating the recyclable plastic,
decomposing products, and non-recyclable products. These segregations are not being
maintained and are not strictly implemented by the Philippine government that is why
individuals just dispose plastic anywhere. Sarmiento (2018) stated that the majority of the trash
piled comes from the homes, then it is evident that it is most likely that massive of plastic will
be collected since there is a huge amount of population in the Philippines. 

That is why instead of using plastic as a major component to use, people should utilize
sustainable goods and products instead that can be re-used and are good for the health.
Because sustainable products help the environment become less polluted, it minimizes the
usage of plastic and it is healthy for a person’s body. Since utilizing plastic and not properly
decomposing it does affect one’s health. 

There is a chemical additive are found in plastic products. Bisphenol A (BPA) is identified as the
monomeric building block of polycarbonate plastics; over time, BPA molecules can leach from
food and beverages plastic storage (Haque et.al, 2018). It means that foods are exposed to BPA
when it is stored in a plastics container. This may associate with various problems like breast
cancer, pains, rapid change in the immune system, type-2 diabetes, and many more. 
According to Hong & Yu (2015) that natural and biodegradable materials, as well as eco-friendly
materials, have the effect of protecting the environment and promoting physical and mental
health. It does protect the people of the earth for it uses green products that are composed of
environmentally friendly ingredients. Moreover, these ingredients help learners of sustainable
products the benefit of being aware of their surroundings and lifestyle. 

That is why people should use sustainable products that are healthy in both the environmental
and health aspect. With this approach, people can reduce the usage of plastics by utilizing tote
or canvas bags, metal straws, paper wraps, reusable utensils, water jag, and more that can
reduce the use of plastics. Having these things and attitudes, there will be a healed
environment and healthy body for everyone.

Seeing how sustainable products are good for the environment and for the health of every
individual, sustainability projects must be prioritized over globalization projects. Since
sustainable products are health-related; humans should be healthy in order to work. Also, the
environment would be healed if plastic consumption will be lessened. Because when the
environment is harmful globalization projects cannot be continued due to harmful effects.

Moreover, sustainability regards conserving energy and resources for the long period as an
alternative solution to constantly consuming them to suit short-term needs. Companies are
destroying the environment as part of the urbanization process by continuing to exploit natural
resources. The purpose of sustainable development is to develop new technologies, businesses,
and ecosystems while minimizing environmental impact. This kind of development should be
seen instead of development that is more about industrialization, economic development, and
more. Because sustainable development helps the environment and the people in every way.
Like in foods, health, environment in the sea to land, and it can be applied by everyone
regardless with the social hierarchy. And that is what should Filipino citizens see on
development, that it can help everyone and anything. 
References:

Haque, M. A., Islam, S., Kormoker, T., Mithu, M. R., Proshad, R., & Rahman, M. (2018). Toxic

effects of plastic on human health and environment: A consequences of health risk

assessment in Bangladesh. International Journal of Health, 6 (1) (2018) 1-5
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/321906991_Toxic_effects_of_plastic_on_hu
man_health_and_environment_A_consequences_of_health_risk_assessment_in_Bangl
adesh#:~:text=It%20can%20cause%20cancer%2C%20birth,%2C%20indigestion%2C
%20and%20liver%20dysfunction.

Hong, W. L. & Yu, L. L (2015). The Benefits and Values of Green Lifestyle Consumers.

International Journal of Marketing Studies; Vol. 7, No.1

https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/f492/b65669efaf1e0a84f169bcab5eb91436e044.pdf

World Bank Group. (2021). Market Study for the Philippines: Plastics Circularity Opportunities

and Barriers. East Asia and Pacific Region Marine Plastics Series;. World Bank,
Washington. https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/handle/10986/35295#:~:text=The
%20Philippines%20is%20the%20third,entering%20the%20ocean%20every
%20year.&text=Furthermore%2C%20in%202019%2C%20NEDA%20published,waste
%20management%20and%20plastic%20circularity.

Sarmiento, B. (2018). Philippines central government on solving plastic trash problem: 'We've

done all we can' https://www.eco-business.com/news/philippines-central-government-

on-solving-plastic-trash-problem-weve-done-all-we-can/