EcoWaste Coalition encourages ecological solid waste management to help fight dengue

EcoWaste Coalition, a waste and pollution watch group, called for Ecological Solid Waste Management (ESWM) on ASEAN Dengue Day last June 15. The group hoped to increase public awareness on dengue and mobilize resources for the prevention and control of the disease.

Zero-waste campaigner Daniel Alejandre said that if every household and barangay is practicing ESWM, it will “help a lot in depriving Aedes aegypti mosquitoes of breeding spots.”

These day-biting mosquitoes are the ones that transmit the dengue virus. They typically breed in clean standing water, particularly in places where water collects and where there is poor drainage and sanitation.

“Carelessly thrown plastic bags and bottles, polystyrene packaging, sachets, snack packs, empty bottles and cans, and other discards can gather and hold water where mosquitoes can lay their eggs. It’s very important to keep our discards properly sorted and managed,” Alejandre said.

He noted that recyclables should be managed properly as well. These should be stored in community, market, and school Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs) and should be kept dry and clean so that mosquitoes, as well as rats and cockroaches, won’t be attracted to it.

The group also warned about water storage containers, flower pots, rain gutters, ornamental fountains, and other artificial or natural water containers that are within residential places or areas as these could turn into breeding grounds of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.

EcoWaste Coalition urged the public to do the following tips in order to keep their homes and communities free of dengue-causing mosquitoes:

• Empty and clean water containers once a week and make sure that water buckets, drums, and tanks are covered with lids.
• Remove trash that can collect and hold water as well as leaves and debris in rain gutters.
• Change water in flower vases once a week.
• Check your backyard regularly for containers filled with water.
• Puncture or cut old rubber tires that you’re using as roof support.

To get rid of mosquitoes at home, EcoWaste Coalition said that growing basil, citronella grass, lavender, lemongrass, peppermint, catnip, rosemary, garlic, and marigolds would be advisable as these plants are natural mosquito repellents.

The group, however, cautioned against using unregistered insecticides since these may pose potential hazards to the public’s health and the environment.

via Manila Bulletin / Chito Chavez