May pera nga ba sa basura? Well, this was the goal of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) as the Unilab Bayanihan Center hummed with energy last November 5-6, 2024 with top government leaders, environmentalists, companies, and communities gathered for the Zero Waste to Nature 2030 Summit. The summit aimed to spark real solutions to Metro Manila’s mounting waste crisis, paving the way for a cleaner, greener city.
But what made this event unique wasn’t just the speeches from government officials or environmental experts. The summit welcomed people from all walks of life, from corporate representatives to urban poor communities who play a vital role in waste management. And the most memorable part? The creativity on display, proving that trash really can turn into treasure.
What’s EPR All About?
One of the big ideas highlighted at the summit was the new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) law. Now, that may sound a bit technical, but it boils down to this: companies are now expected to handle the waste their products create. Imagine buying a drink in a plastic bottle. After finishing it, that plastic usually ends up in the trash. With EPR in place, the company that made the bottle has a responsibility to help manage where it ends up—whether by collecting it for recycling or rethinking the packaging entirely.
EPR is a reminder that companies, not just consumers, play a role in reducing waste. This law encourages businesses to think about what happens to their packaging after it leaves the store. And this means everyday people—whether barangay officials, local waste collectors, or neighbors separating recyclables—get to be part of a bigger solution.
Upcycling: The Stars of the Summit
The summit wasn’t just about laws and policies; it showcased real-life examples of upcycled products that turn discarded materials into something valuable. Here’s a peek at some of the highlights:
1. Garbage Bins by Sentinel – Sentinel brought in heavy-duty garbage bins crafted from recycled plastic. These aren’t just ordinary bins; they’re proof that waste can be turned into something that actually helps manage more waste. It’s a sustainable cycle that could benefit every neighborhood.
2. Furniture by Wasto PH – Wasto PH showed off furniture pieces—tables, chairs, and benches—made from scrap wood, recycled plastic, and metal. Each piece was unique and showed how upcycled furniture can turn waste into functional art that stands out in any home or office.
3. Bokashi Compost Kits by Greenspace – Greenspace displayed Bokashi kits, a clever tool for recycling kitchen scraps at home. These kits let people turn food waste into compost with little smell and minimal effort. It’s an easy way for households to get into composting, turning waste into rich soil for plants.
4. Upcycled Bags, Picnic Mats, and Aprons by Urban Poor Associates (UPA) – Our kapatids from Baseco and UPA led by Ms. Lala showcased bags, picnic mats, and aprons crafted from old textiles from nearby hotels and used snack wrappers. Each piece tells a story—of resourcefulness and creativity—and provides a source of income for these artisans while keeping trash out of landfills.
5. Linen Wear by Craftcha – Craftcha impressed the crowd with stylish linen wear made from old rice sacks. These comfortable, eco-friendly clothes showed that fashion can be sustainable and still look great, using materials that would otherwise go to waste.
The Power of Grassroots Communities
A strong message from the summit was clear: if we want a cleaner Metro Manila, we can’t do it without the people on the ground. Local communities, especially the urban poor, play a huge role in this movement. They’re the ones who often collect, sort, and repurpose waste, but they need support—training, tools, and recognition—to keep making a difference.
Imagine every barangay in Metro Manila with its own team of trained, empowered locals, managing waste, recycling, and creating products like those showcased at the summit. This could reduce the waste piling up in landfills and, more importantly, create a sense of pride and responsibility among community members.
Building a Cleaner Metro Manila Together
The summit reminded everyone that waste management isn’t just a job for big companies or government offices. It’s something that involves everyone—local government units (LGUs), NGOs such as PARMS Inc. and the Philippine Alliance for Sustainable Solutions (PASS), multinationals, community leaders, and each individual willing to throw trash into the right bin - and actually doing ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle. By working together, we can create a “circular economy,” where waste is continuously repurposed rather than discarded.
The event wrapped up with a sense of optimism. The upcycled products on display and the active discussions showed that Metro Manila has the creativity and the people power to make sustainable change. As we move forward, each of us—whether a company executive or a local artisan—has a part to play in turning our trash into treasures and building a greener, cleaner future for all.
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