Empowering Communities: A Collective Effort to Combat Plastic Waste

    Plastics are products we use every day to keep up with a fast-paced lifestyle for human convenience. However, when plastics are disposed of improperly, they become a huge problem. In response to this issue and to help address one of the pressing problems society continues to face, the Master of Education in Social Studies students from Western Mindanao State University organized a seminar titled “Kitam Kamemon ag Tabang-Tabang Boh Halam Aniyah Plastik Basura ("We should all work together to eliminate plastic waste") on June 19, 2024, at Bajao Village in Barangay Sinunuc.

    Mr. Hashim S. Antao Jr., one of the organizing students, delivered the opening remarks, emphasizing the importance of collective action against environmental challenges. The event aimed to accomplish the following: educate participants about the detrimental effects of improper plastic usage and disposal on the environment; promote effective practices to reduce plastic use; and foster engagement among community members and social partners in promoting sustainability.  

“What comes to mind when you hear the word plastic?”

This question sparked a lively discussion, setting the stage for insights on waste management by the speaker, Ms. Sharmaine Fatima Annudin-Baid, a Community Advocacy Climate Facilitator for the Philippine Movement for Climate Justice. Ms. Annudin-Baid emphasized the interconnectedness of waste and plastics. She introduced a fresh perspective on waste management strategies, shifting from the well-known 3Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle) to the 5Rs of waste management:

● Refuse: Saying no to unnecessary items, particularly single-use plastics.

● Reduce: Minimizing waste generation by being mindful of consumption.

● Reuse: Finding new ways to use items instead of discarding them.

● Repurpose: Giving items new functions to extend their lifespan.

● Recycle: Processing materials to create new products, lessening the need for raw materials.

    These strategies encourage individuals to rethink their relationship with plastic and take actionable steps toward sustainability. The seminar also served as a platform for local leaders to reiterate their existing policies regarding waste management and disposal, along with a scheduled cleanup activity within their barangay. Feedback from participants gave the seminar a "thumbs-up," acknowledging that it was well-organized and effectively communicated. However, the organizers recognized areas for improvement. Future events could benefit from starting with interactive activities like cleanup drives or plastic segregation exercises to foster engagement from the outset. Additionally, inviting environmental experts to assess local water quality and provide multidisciplinary support could further enhance community initiatives. A famous author once said, "Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much." This was exemplified by the Master of Education in Social Studies students at Western Mindanao State University.