Subic’s War on Single-Use Plastics to Start this October

Single-use plastics will be banned in workplaces of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) starting on October 1.

According to SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma, the agency decided to impose the ban as part of its solution to the increasing pollution happening globally.

Eisma said that stores and food establishments in SBMA buildings are being advised to stop using plastic containers and packaging.

Disposable plastics that will no longer be allowed include straws, plastic bags, soda and water bottles, coffee stirrers, and other kinds of single-use food packaging.

“These plastic items are not only pollutive and harmful to wildlife and humans alike, but they also become an eyesore that negatively impact on the image of Subic as a world-class free port,” Eisma said.

SBMA also urges business locators to participate in the “strawless” campaign and recyclables collection program to further enforce the ban.

Moreover, an intensified anti-littering drive will be launched this October to boost the agency’s War on Waste (WOW) campaign.

Marine pollution in the Subic Bay area

Single-use plastics are one of the biggest pollutants in the Subic Bay area. Trash that keeps on piling up on the coastline, especially after typhoons or heavy rains, is proof of this growing problem.

SBMA Ecology Center Manager Amethya de la Llana said the strengthened policy in the Subic Bay Freeport aims to put an end to littering on roads, parks, rivers, beaches, streams, and any other open or public place in the Subic Freeport.

The penalties for violating he anti-littering rule will be P1,500 for individual offenders and pet handlers; and P50,000 per day for companies or establishments until the violation is corrected.

via Business Mirror / Malou Dungog