DENR chief pushing Metro Manila-wide plastics ban soon
Philippine News Agency
February 5, 2012

MANILA, Philippines – Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Ramon Paje is looking forward to a Metro Manila-wide ban on plastics soon, noting more local government units (LGUs) already started the ground work of preparing ordinances prohibiting such non-biodegradable materials in their respective areas.

“LGUs with pending ordinances on the matter are Valenzuela City, Caloocan City, Parañaque City, Makati City, Manila, San Juan, Marikina and Malabon while Pateros, Navotas and Taguig are in the process of drafting respective documents,” he said.

He lauded Muntinlupa City, Las Piñas, Pasig City, Mandaluyong City and Quezon City for instituting the ban.

Paje believes the ban will help address pollution in dying Manila Bay and other water bodies in Metro Manila.

Plastic products are among garbage commonly recovered in such water bodies, he noted.

Environment watchdog Greenpeace Philippines agrees, reporting results from the November 2010 waste audit conducted at Manila Bay show plastics comprise 75.50 percent of the discarded trash.

Read full article @ www.interaksyon.com