The plastic war
After a heavy rain last Sunday, mounds of plastic were washed away and accumulated at the Mahiga Creek on the side of Mandaue City. It was comprised of plastic bottles, styrofoam food containers, and sachets of toiletries. It was a disgusting sight. Had our people been disciplined when it came to garbage disposal then that wouldn't have happened. It was only one incident - prior to that we already saw how plastics clog up the canals and waterways that result in big floods in the downtown areas of Metro Cebu.
That is why I hate the rain, despite the water shortage that we are facing. It becomes hard for one person to get from one place to another in the metro because of the floodwaters that rise faster than the traffic can move. Cars are forced to turn around and look for another route because of the danger that floodwaters pose to their vehicles.
Floods bring diseases and may even trigger several illnesses especially in a person with a weak immune system. Living in today's time in this metropolis is more dangerous than we could imagine. I want a livable Cebu.
Recently, a store launched a program to collect plastic in exchange for goods. It is promoting the proper collection of plastic waste and street dwellers can have basic goods for their own consumption. It is also teaching people about the awareness that plastics are not good for the environment. Every time I try to think of it, we can always live with a world with no plastic. However, it will be a big war between ourselves and the businesses around us.
Whenever we purchase something we always get our items wrapped in plastic. The food that we buy for take-out is placed in styrofoam or plastic containers that are hard to reuse. Plastic bottles of beverages, shampoos, and the like are always used in a household.
Let me tell you that we can fight the urge to use these by going back to the way life was before - bring your own bag for shopping, as well as utensils and containers for food that you buy. I know it is a hassle at first, but you will get the hang it.
That is why I applaud establishments that give discounts to customers bringing their own container. I'm one of them, not minding the many things I have to bring. At times, I am refused but I stand on my principle to not use plastic. Yet I am just one in the many of those who are fighting this environmental battle. There are still those who are still addicted to plastic, especially establishments who want their brand to be known. It is a difficult time today to be environmentally friendly, now that competition is around. I know solutions will be made in a few years. I just hope the Earth can wait. This is a war that is not yet over.
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