Reduce Reuse Recycle Plastic

You are not new to recycling. 
You’ve been doing it for years and it’s a big part of your daily routine.
You’ve become at an expert at identifying what plastics you can and cannot recycle.
Now focus on another important part of eco-friendly living: reduce your use of plastic.
 
Each year, an estimated 500 billion to 1 trillion plastic bags are consumed worldwide.
That comes out to over one million per minute.
Billions end up as litter each year or in landfills.
If that’s not enough, almost 3 million tons of plastic are used to bottle water each year worldwide.
 
Nearly 80 percent of all water bottles are not recycled and wind up in landfills. 
We are drowning in plastic, people!
That plastic can be bad for us and bad for the environment.
Recent studies have shown that there’s more plastic than plankton in some of the remote parts of our oceans.
 
And there are increasing reports on the human health effects of chemicals used in plastic products.
Let’s also not forget that plastic is made from petroleum, which is a non-renewable resource and a major contributor to global warming.
 
So let’s get to it– how to reduce your use of plastics:
1. Don’t use garbage bags—just empty your trash into the garbage bin.
 
2. If you don’t like that approach, get yourself some recycled or biodegradable, compostable garbage bags.
 
3. Request that your daily newspaper not be wrapped in plastic when delivered. (Or cancel your newspaper subscription and go totally online for your news fix– you’ll save hundreds of trees as well.)
 
4. Take your own plastic or metal container to the restaurant to take home your leftovers when you’re eating out. Sure they’ll look at you funny, but remember you’re an eco-trend-setter!
 
5. Remind your favorite take-out place to leave out the plastic utensils when they pack your food to go. Your drawers are full of them already! And politely decline the bag if you only have one or two items to carry home.
 
6. Ask you favorite dry-cleaners to eliminate the plastic wrap on your clothes. Don’t forget to choose an eco-friendly, non-toxic dry cleaner too.
 
7. Take your reusable coffee tumbler with you when get coffee to-go. And skip the lid for your soft drink. Those plastic lids add up!  And now you don’t need a plastic straw.
 
8. You’ve heard it before but it’s critical: The simple most profound solution to reduce plastic consumption is to bring your own bags when you shop at the grocery store, drugstore or mall.  There are so many great cotton, canvas, even hemp bags available now in endless sizes and styles. Have you seen the ultra-light compact Chicobags? Throw two in your car or purse so you’re never without a reusable bag and you’ll always have one handy!
 
9. Another major source of plastic bag waste are the pesky flimsy plastic produce bags that accumulate in your closet.  Reusable cotton mesh produce sacks are a simple solution to that problem. Check them out at Ecobags.com. Toss them in your reusable shopping bag and head to the market. Each reusable bag you use has the potential to eliminate thousands of plastic bags over its lifetime.
 
10. And let’s all remember the problem that is the disposable plastic water bottle.  Many alternatives to plastic water bottles are available. Kleen Kanteen and SIIG water bottles are stainless steel safe alternatives to plastic water bottle and are available in many sizes.
 
11. For water use in the office…Remember the novel concept of a pitcher or a glass of water? You don’t have to drink from a bottle.
 
12. There are loads of ways to reduce your consumption of plastic when you store leftovers, pack lunches or food to go. Ditch those plastic baggies or foil for containers that come in endless shapes and sizes and you can use them over and over again! Pack them in your reusable lunch sack too.
 
13. Become an eco-wise consumer whenever you shop. Choose products that contain less packaging. Check every plastic container before you chuck it– it may be recyclable! Purchase products in larger containers—get a huge jug of laundry detergent rather than three smaller ones.  Choose glass bottles over plastic whenever possible.
Just as recycling has become second nature, these simple ways to reduce our consumption of plastic make a world of difference! And don’t be afraid to speak up about these ideas.  The more that retailers and restaurants hear about alternatives, the better the chance that they’ll make changes in the way they do business. That way we’ll multiply our individual actions.

Tree Planting to beautify and prevent erosion

Planting trees and cleaning the shores are some of the activities we can do, I tell you, its fun and really fulfilling.... a healthy body as a result of this work is a bonus!

We simply borrowed this place from our children... it is our responsibility to keep it as beautiful if not more beautiful

2011 R - 056 - REITERATING OLONGAPO CITY’S REQUEST TO THE SBMA TO CONSTRUCT A JETTY/BREAKWATER OR OTHER SIMILAR STRUCTURE TO PREVENT CLOGGING

EXCERPTS FROM THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF THE SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD OF OLONGAPO, HELD ON JUNE 1, 2011 AT THE CITY HALL.

PRESENT:

Hon. Rolen C. Paulino---City Vice-Mayor & Presiding Officer

Hon. Rodel S. Cerezo------City Councilor

Hon. Eyrma Yvette Marzan-Estrella-----“ “

Hon. Aquilino Y. Cortez, Jr. -----“ “

Hon. James G. Delos Reyes------“ “

Hon. Gina Gulanes-Perez-“ “

Hon. Elena C. Dabu-------“ “

Hon. Eduardo J. Piano----“ “

Hon. Edna A. Elane------“ “

Hon. Noel Y. Atienza------“ “

Hon. Sarah Lugerna Lipumano-Garcia----“ “

Hon. Carlito A. Baloy----President, Liga ng mga Baranggay

Hon. Dolly Mae M. Ramos----SK Federation President

ABSENT:

None.

RESOLUTION NO. 56

(Series of 2011)

A RESOLUTION REITERATING OLONGAPO CITY’S REQUEST TO THE SUBIC BAY METROPOLITAN AUTHORITY (SBMA) TO CONSTRUCT A JETTY/BREAKWATER OR OTHER SIMILAR STRUCTURE TO PREVENT CLOGGING AT THE MOUTH OF KALAKLAN RIVER AS PER RESOLUTION NO. 44, SERIES OF 2010

WHEREAS, the Olongapo City Government acquired a dredging machine last year for the de-clogging of Olongapo City waterways and started to dredge the Kalaklan River;

WHEREAS, dredging, desilting, declogging operations have since been undertaken at various waterways of the city;

WHEREAS, the dredging of Kalaklan River is rendered futile because Subic Bay’s natural flow causes the sand to build up at the mouth of Kalaklan River which was aggravated by the reclamation project at Moonbay Marina.

WHEREAS, a study conducted by experts in flood control suggests that a jetty/breakwater or other similar structure must be constructed at both sides of Kalaklan River to prevent clogging at the mouth of Kalaklan River;

WHEREAS, the City Government of Olongapo thru the CDF of Senator Richard Gordon had completed the jetty construction at its side and requested SBMA to construct a similar structure on their side as part of their social responsibility.

WHEREAS, the recent flooding were unprecedented in the history of the city and flood experts conclude that the Moonbay Marina Project which Olongapo strongly opposed, contributed in such massive flooding. Furthermore, such project is devoid of Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) and Environmental Impact Statement and has not been approved by DENR, and therefore must implement required mitigating measures;

WHEREAS, the City Government thru the City Council deems it necessary to reiterate that SBMA construct a jetty/breakwater or other similar structure at their side at the mouth of Kalaklan river;

NOW, THEREFORE, on motion of City Councilor Eduardo J. Piano, with the unanimous accord of the Members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod present;

RESOLVED, AS IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED, by the Sangguniang Panlungsod in session assembled, to reiterate, as it hereby reiterates Olongapo City’s Request to the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) to contruct a jetty/breakwater or other similar structure to prevent clogging at the mouth of Kalaklan River as per Resolution no. 44, Series of 2010.

Let copies of this Resolution be furnished to SBMA, DENR, DPWH and Moonbay Marina for their information and record.

APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY, June 01, 2011.

2011 R - 057 - REITERATING OLONGAPO CITY’S REQUEST TO THE SBMA TO ASSIST BY THE WAY OF ALLOCATING FUNDS OR EQUIPMENT IN THE DREDGING OF CHANNELS

EXCERPS THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF THE SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD OF OLONGAPO, HELD ON JUNE 01, 2011 AT THE CITY HALL.

PRESENT:

Rolen C. Paulino---City Vice Mayor & Presiding Officer

Hon. Rodel S. Cerezo - -City Councilor

Hon. Eyrma Yvette Marzan- Estrella - - - “ “

Hon. Aquilino Y. Cortez, Jr. - - “ “

Hon. James G. Delos Reyes - - -“ “

Hon, Gina Gulanes-Perez - -“ “

Hon. Elena C. Dabu - - “ “

Hon. Eduardo J. Piano - - “ “

Hon. Edna A. Elane - -“ “

Hon. Noel E. Atienza - “ “

Hon. Sarah Lucerna Lipumano-Garcia -“ “

Hon. Carlito A. Baloy - President, Liga ng mga Barangay

Hon. Dolly Mae M. Ramos - -SK Federation President

ABSENT:

NONE.

RESOLUTION NO.57

(Series of 2011)

A RESOLUTION REITERATING OLONGAPO CITY’S REQUEST TO THE SUBIC BAY METROPOLITAN AUTHORITY TO ASSIST BY THE WAY OF ALLOCATING FUNDS OR EQUIPMENT IN THE DREDGING OF CHANNELS AND RIVERS SHARED BY OLONGAPO CITY AND SUBIC BAY FREEPORT AS PER RESOLUTION NO. 47, SERIES OF 2010

WHEREAS, the City Government recognized the danger brought about by clogged and polluted waterways and there is, in fact, an urgent need to dredge and revive Olongapo waterways to prevent massive flooding, polluted beaches, and scarcity of clean water both in the city and Subic Bay Freeport;

WHEREAS, the industrialization and reclamation by the SBMA and its locators contributed in the clogging and pollution of the city’s rivers and bay;

WHEREAS, the city government in its vigorous campaign to protect and maintain its rivers and channels through continuous implementation of dredging operations, sees the need for SBMA, who shared rivers and channels with Olongapo, to assist by way of allocating more or less Thirty Million Pesos (PhP30M) or needed equipment for the immediate de-clogging of rivers and channels shared by Olongapo City and Subic Bay Freeport;

NOW, THEREFORE, on motion of City Councilor Eduardo J. Piano, with the unanimous accord of the Members of the Sangguininag Panlumgsod present;

RESOLVED, AS IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED, by the Sangguniang Panlungsod in session assembled, to reiterate, as it is hereby reiterates its request to SBMA to Assist by way of Allocating Funds For equipment in the dredging of channels and rivers shared by Olongapo City and Subic Bay Freeport as per Resolution No. 47 Series of 2010.

Let copies of the Resolution be furnished to SBMA and DPWH for their information and record.

APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY, June 01, 2011.

Green Wave

ICT Rise-Up Club of the Olongapo City National High School joined the "world green wave campaign" by cleaning the area and watering plans inside the school campus followed by a tree planting activity at the Olongapo lighthouse (parola) area in Barangay Kalaklan, this city.

The Green Wave is a multi-year global campaign that enables children and youth to make a difference – one school, one tree, one step at a time. The Green Wave brings together children and youth from around the world to raise awareness about biodiversity, and the need to reduce its loss. The Green Wave contributes to the Plant for the Planet Billion Tree Campaign.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45f7qrF_xnc

Video above shows ICT Rise-Up Club Adviser Ms. Jocelyn G. Mañago, Evely Nuesca, Fe Porras - Computer Dept OIC and Daniel Migues - DepEd joined the students in this worthwhile activity.

Earth Hour 2011 in Subic Bay

Bebsie's Chicken together with Lighthouse Marina along with hundreds of millions of concerned individuals around the world showed their support and concern for the environment by switching off our lights for one hour at exactly 8:30pm. The objective was to showcase what can be done through our combined efforts, to encourage leadership through behavioral change and to demonstrate the growing desire around the world to make those changes a reality.

The atmosphere during the Earth Hour was very intimate and relaxed. Everyone cheered as we did the countdown to the switch off. At exactly 8:30pm, all the exterior lights of the hotel were switched off including the 20-meter lighthouse tower. It is noteworthy to mention that the electricity that we were able to save for an hour was enough to power 25 small houses for a day. Lighthouse has always been working on ways to promote awareness for the environment. That evening, the hotel announced its Go Green Program, which included going into alternative, renewable and nonpolluting source of energy that is the sun. In fact, a few seconds after the switch off, Solar Powered lights provided by Banda Solar illuminated the whole event area. Solar power is just one of the many plans that Lighthouse will be implementing this year. Furthermore, the hotel will also dramatically reduce its plastic consumption thus reducing plastic waste. One of the goals of this program is to increase the level of awareness and encourage our guests to take action to save the environment. The hotel guests were treated with a special grill and pasta buffet and some unplugged entertainment such as fire dancers and musicians from Baguio and Manila.

Besides the Earth Hour Celebration, the Lighthouse had several other activities that weekend. There was an art exhibit that shows junks or trash converted to an art, a beach clean up, and a film viewing showing two documentary films about the environment ("The 11th Hour" and "Six Degrees that Could Change the World"). While it is true that our environment is in grave danger, what is more consequential is that the survival of the entire human race is in jeopardy. Our planet has all the time in the world to regenerate, and we don't. The Ecofest weekend was not just about the environment nor the planet. It was meant to encourage people to act now before its too late.

If human beings are the source of the problem, we can also be the foundation of the solution. We believe that our generation is capable of completely changing this world. During this critical period of human history, healing the damage of industrial civilization is the task of our generation. It was awe-inspiring to see a lot of children during the Earth Hour. This event was primarily for the welfare of the future generations. We will need to pass the torch one day, and these kids should continue what we have started. The event was ended by an invitation made by the General Manager of Subic Bay power provider, Subic Enerzone, to light up the sky lanterns as a symbol of our active participation in saving the environment and to fight climate change. Unfortunately it was too windy that night and only a few lanterns were able to fly. Nevertheless, everyone had a great time. Thank you to all who participated. We hope to see you again in the next Earth Hour. Please stay tuned as Lighthouse announces its plans for the upcoming Earth Day!

Thank you to our sponsors: Subic Enerzone, National Geographic Channel, Banda Solar, SBMA Ecology, Volvo, United Auctioneers, Bebsie's Chicken, Grand Pillar International, Tai Chi Massage, Nai Cha, Century 21 and Circuit 9 Car Rental.

Proceeds amounting to Php 10,000 will be donated to WWF.

2011 R - 010 - AUTHORIZING THE CITY MAYOR TO NEGOTIATE A LOAN CONTRACT WITH THE DBP IN THE AMOUNT OF PHP300,000,000.00

EXCERPTS FROM THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF THE SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD OF OLONGAPO, HELD ON FEBRUARY 16, 2011 AT THE CITY HALL.

PRESENT:

Hon. Rolen C. Paulino -- - City Vice & Presiding Officer

Hon. Rodel S. Cerezo -- - City Councilor

Hon. Eyrma Yvette Marzan- Estrella - - “ “

Hon. Aquilino Y. Cortez, Jr. -- “ “

Hon. Gina Gulanes-Perez - - “ “

Hon. Elena C. Dabu -- - “ “

Hon. Eduardo J. Piano -- - “ “

Hon. Edna A. Elane - - - - “ “

Hon. Noel E. Atienza -- “ “

Hon. Sarah Lucerna Lipumano-Garcia - - “ “

Hon. Carlito A. Baloy - - President, Liga ng mga Barangay

Hon. Dolly Mae M. Ramos -- SK Federation President

ABSENT:

Hon. James G. Delos Reyes - - - -- City Councilor

RESOLUTION NO. 10

(Series of 2011)

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE HON. CITY MAYOR JAMES BONG GORDON, JR. TO NEGOTIATE A LOAN CONTRACT WITH THE DEVELOPMENT BANK OF THE PHILIPPINES (DPB) IN THE AMOUNT OF THREE HUNDRED MILLION PESOS (PHP300,000,000.00), AND SECURE THE BEST POSSIBLE TERMS FOR THE SANITARY LANDFILL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM, IN A MANNER COMPLAINT WITH PERTINENT LAWS

WHEREAS, Republic Act No. 9003 (RA 9003), otherwise known as the ‘Solid Waste Management Act of 2000’ mandates all Local Government Units to establish and develop a Sanitary Landfill Facility which is deemed as an indispensable component of a genuine efforts towards enhancing environmental protection, conservation and maintaining ecological balance;

WHEREAS, Ra 9003 requires all LGU’s to divert twenty-five percent (25%) of all solid waste to waste disposal system or a Sanitary Landfill with its complementing components of a Material Recovery Facility (MRF) and a Buy-back center which is key to recycling efforts, which shall be augmented by education to the citizenry and local institutions;

WHEREAS, a Sanitary Landfill Development Program shall ensure and facilitate the utilization of environmentally-sound methods that maximize and encourage resource conservation and recovery;

WHEREAS, a Sanitary Landfill Development Program is long-term looking and beneficial to both the City present and future generations as it would cause immense environmental and health benefits to local communities, serve as an impetus to generate livelihood through the recycling industry, and is clearly both long-term looking, would outweigh immediate-term costs incurred, and would help preserve the current low costs of garbage collection and the City’s sanitation initiatives;

WHEREAS, the development of a Sanitary Landfill Facility involves a long-term process of studies, and groundwork initiatives and mustering enough technical and financial resources;

WHEREAS, even prior to the passage of RA 9003, the City has already undertaken to lay the groundwork for the development of a proper solid waste management facility which includes, among others, the conduct of an Urban environment and Solid Waste management Study conducted under the direction and administration of the World Bank covering the periods of from 1993 to 1995;

WHEREAS, the City’s subsequent initiatives to lay the groundwork for the development of a Sanitary Landfill Facility after the passage of RA 9003, the most notable of which include, among others: (a) improvement of solid waste containerization Program; (b) a feasibility study to ensure that what would be under taken is the most viable means of developing the facility without compromising the City’s order equally important and pressing social services; (c) as required in the City’s application for an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) with respect to the development of the required solid waste management facility, it has undertaken an environmental examination, information and education campaign; (d) coordinate with, and requested, a geological scoping survey from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau; (e) competed the engineering geological and geo-hazard assessment report; (f) submitted the required environmental examination report to the Environment Management Bureau (EMB) for screening ; (g) made submissions of the required documents pertinent to the ECC-application to the EMB; (h) submitted the existing controlled dumpsite facility to EMB inspection and evaluation; (i) submitted to EMB for evaluation of its ECC application pertinent to the requirements under RA 9003; and its (j) Compost-Reuse-Reduce-Recycle (CR3) initiative;

WHEREAS, the City’s Environment Sanitation Management Office (ESMO) has already met with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) EMB for a technical coordination to ensure that safety nets are duly considered and ensure such as, but not limited to: (a) prevention of permeation of waste elements to soil; (b) prevention of waste seeping to nearby water system; and (c) ensuring that the Programs complies with all legal safety requisites and shall therefore be made subject to close monitoring by the DENR;

WHEREAS, other than the legal necessity for the City to endeavor in a Sanitary Landfill Development Program, other the practical necessity to endeavor in the said Program by reason of the fact that initial closure orders have been sent initially to thirty-two (32) Mayors and would be sent to eight hundred twenty-six (826) jurisdictions in sixty-eighth (68) provinces with open and controlled dumpsites, and other than the pressing need to avert the closure of our own dumpsites which will force us to plead and contract with other compliant jurisdictions to accept our solid wastes for a substantial fee, other than the need to protect the City’s constituents from the shouldering skyrocketing garbage costs which would be brought about by the closure of our dumpsite which shall be affected by the DENR should the City fail to endeavor in a Sanitary Landfill Development Program, the City’s inter-generational responsibility to the present and future generations to maintain ecological balance and environmental conservation require that the City secure the necessary funding, for the full implementation of RA9003;

WHEREAS, the needed investment to give reality to the Sanitary Landfill Development Program under RA 9003, with its complementing components of a Central MRF and a Buy-back Center, necessitate that the City generate funds, exclusive of equity, which as per the pertinent study would cost Three Hundred Million Pesos (PHP 300,000,000.00), which is indispensable in averting a potential garbage crisis;

WHEREAS, as per DBP eligibility evaluation, the City and its Sanitary Land fill Development Program is eligible for its DBP-Environmental Development Program which, in turn, could facilitate the implementation of the Sanitary Landfill Development Program with DBP which has been the City’s long-time partner in its development Programs;

NOW, THEREFORE, on motion of City Councilor Gina Gulanes-Perez, with the unanimous accord of the Members of Sangguniang Panlungsod present,

RESOLVED, AS IT HEREBY RESOLVED, by the Sangguniang Panlunsod in session assembled, to authorize, as it hereby authorizes the Hon. City Mayor James Bong Gordon, Jr. to negotiate a loan contract with the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) in the amount of three hundred million Pesos (PHP 300,000,000.00), and secure the best possible terms for the Sanitary Landfill Development Program, in a manner compliant with patient laws.

Let copies of this resolution be furnished to the Office of the City Mayor, the City Treasurer’s office, the concerned Development Council and the Development Bank of the Philippines.

APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY, February 16, 2011.