CLARK FREEPORT— Locators here will now start using ’green biodegradable garbage bags’ in disposing their wastes in support of program that bans the use of plastic bags inside this Freeport.
In his letter, Clark Investors and Locator Association President Josh Go said the use of environment friendly materials and containers forms part of CILA’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program.
“We will be introducing the CILA green biodegradable garbage bags effective immediately after disposing all the remaining inventory of black and clear garbage bags,” Go’s stated in the letter given to CILA members last week.
In the same letter, Go called on CILA members to “support and be engaged in fighting climate change to provide a greener and healthier environment for the next generations.’’
For his part, CDC Officer In Charge expressed thanks to locators for supporting the environment program of the state-run firm.
He said that the CILA members play important role in implementing programs and projects that are geared at preserving and helping save the environment.
Early this year, CDC issued a memorandum to all employees, locators and residents of the Freeport on the implementation of program that bans plastics and polystyrene here.
Environment Permits Department Manager Rogelio Magat of CDC said the guidelines prohibiting, regulating and prescribing certain usage of plastics and Styrofoam (polystyrene) was implemented last April 22.
“CDC promotes biodegradable plastics and environment-friendly alternatives to plastics and polystyrene such as corn-based, fiber, pulp, biodegradable polystyrene, reusable food containers, and other similar materials,” Magat said.
Based on the CDC circular, plastic bags commonly known as “sando bags” may only be used as primary packaging material only for wet goods. The use of plastic bag shall be optimized based on the size and volume of wet goods.
All concerned stakeholders are enjoined to use eco bags or reusable bags whenever applicable and the general public shall bring appropriate bags or containers when going for a shopping and to the market, the circular stated.
Biodegradable plastics and polystyrene may only be allowed with a certification from the manufacturer of the said materials and that sample product must be submitted to CDC-EPD for approval prior to its use.
CDC highly recommends the use of alternative packing materials such as used papers, old newspapers and banana leaves, Magat said in his previous circular.