Poll bets, supporters told: Ditch plastic water bottles  

MANILA, Philippines — Environmental watchdog EcoWaste Coalition yesterday urged candidates and their supporters to help lessen plastic pollution by bringing water in reusable non-plastic containers during caravans, motorcades, rallies and other campaign sorties.

“We are one with the refill and reuse movement in urging everyone to ditch single-use plastic water bottles,” EcoWaste Zero Waste campaigner Jove Beno said in a statement.

The group pointed out that aside from adding to plastic pollution, the production of disposable water bottles consumes fossil fuel, which contributes to climate change.

“Bringing water in a reusable container every time you go out will cut your consumption of bottled water and help in reducing fossil fuel use and the resulting pollution that is warming and toxifying the planet,” Benosa said.

The EcoWaste cited a study by London-based market research company Euromonitor International, which showed that the global consumption of plastic bottles continues to rise.

Based on the Euromonitor research, from 300 billion in 2004, plastic bottles sold in 2016 increased to 480 billion, and estimated to have reached 583.3 billion in 2021. Around the world, one million plastic bottles are sold every minute, the research showed.

“Poll candidates and their supporters who brave the sweltering heat should carry a refillable water bottle, preferably a non-plastic container and stay hydrated all day long,” Benosa said.

The EcoWaste warned the public against reusable painted tumblers and other containers with high lead content.