On the year 2015, my cousin was living at Pasig City, which is part of Metro Manila. We always have communication. I always ask her what is the environment there. Based on her observation, she noticed that Pasig River was very polluted. She said that many plastic were found on the river. Pasig River that time is plastic polluted area. Most of the wastes piling up there are coming from the households living along the river. All the garbage swept by the water at the river threatens not only the birds, who might mistake it for food, but also the fish and other marine life. Most of it is non- recyclable and non-reusable, she said, and a lot of it is single-use sachets that once contained shampoo, vinegar, soy sauce or other consumables. They lacked discipline for wantonly dumping their garbage at the river. This situation is very disheartening. Plastic garbage has become a major headache, second only to the horrendous traffic. It’s really a big daily challenge, how to manage that volume of plastic. The problem arises largely from poor segregation of reusable, recyclable and compostable waste by households, compounded by inefficient waste collection. This results in serious flooding along the river, affecting nearby communities and carrying polluted water to the households living close to the river. Yet, for centuries the Pasig River has been used, abused, and neglected.

It is going to take commitments both large and small to tackle the scale of the plastic pollution crisis in front of us, and we all have a role to play. Every action to reduce single-use plastics sends a message to the industry that it’s time to change. Refuse plastic whenever possible. Say no to straws, lids, plastic bags, and plastic takeaway containers. Avoid using plastic utensils. Use reusable water bottles, coffee mugs, and bags. Avoid items wrapped in excess plastic. Replace plastic items at home with alternatives made from natural materials (bamboo toothbrushes, glass jars, wooden toys). Whenever you see plastic in nature, collect it and recycle it if possible or put it in the trash can. 

“Plastic pollution free world is not a choice but a commitment to life – a commitment to the next generation.” – Amit Ray