According to Pustadan (2022), the Philippines uses an overwhelming 163 million sachets per day, while an estimated 2.3 million tons of plastic waste are generated in the country annually. This highlights the growing problem of single-use plastics, especially in local markets. We chose the market because it is one of the places where single-use plastics are commonly used for shopping bags, food packaging, sachets, and other daily transactions.

The recent flooding in Metro Manila also shows how plastic waste can become a factor in environmental problems. During the recent floods, large amounts of trash accumulated in the Redemptorist Water Channel in Baclaran, Parañaque City, restricting water flow and contributing to flooding in surrounding areas. This shows how improperly disposed waste can worsen the effects of heavy rainfall and flooding.

Single-use plastics may only be used for a few minutes, but they can remain in the environment for a long time when improperly disposed of. They can clog drainage systems, pollute waterways, and contribute to flooding and other environmental problems. Addressing this issue is a shared responsibility among customers, vendors, market administrators, and the community.