The EcoWaste Coalition, joined by Miss Earth beauty queens from ten countries, is urging Filipinos to observe Undas 2024 in an environmentally responsible way. Launching their “Zero Waste Undas 2024” campaign with the theme “Kalinisan sa huling hantungan, Igalang ang kalikasan (Cleanliness in the Final Resting Place, Respect Nature),” they gathered at the Manila North Cemetery to share their vision for a trash-free observance this year.
Miss Earth representatives from the Philippines, Argentina, El Salvador, Liberia, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, Northern Marianas, Slovenia, and the USA were present, using popular dance moves from viral trends like “Maybe This Time” to add enthusiasm to their message. Adding humor to the event, a volunteer dressed as “Zombasura” — a playful blend of “zombie” and “basura” (trash) — made an appearance, reminding attendees to avoid wasteful habits during cemetery visits.
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The EcoWaste Coalition provided essential “Cemetiquette” guidelines, encouraging everyone to follow these eco-friendly practices for a cleaner Undas:
- Stay safe and healthy: Stay hydrated, avoid sugary drinks, and practice good hygiene all the time.
- Clean responsibly: Clean up the tombs of your departed ones without burning or dumping trash by the sidewalk or on other people’s graves.
- Use lead-safe paints: When repainting tombs, use lead-safe paints and refrain from dry sanding or scraping surfaces that might be covered in lead paint to avoid spreading lead dust.
- Pack wisely: Bring your own food and drinks in reusable containers. Bring only what you need to avoid wastage, and don’t leave leftovers behind.
- Reduce plastic waste: Avoid single-use items such as disposable plastic bags, water bottles, food containers, cutlery, etc.
- Keep it clean: Don’t litter and put your discards into the proper bins. If bins are unavailable, bring your discards home for sorting, recycling, and composting.
- Offer natural flowers: Offer locally-grown flowers without plastic wrapping, which will sooner or later end up as trash.
- Use clean-burning candles: Choose clean-burning candles and do not let the plastic receptacles or holders burn. Don’t light candles with lead-cored wicks to avoid toxic lead emissions.
- Be respectful: Refrain from urinating in public places or on graves. Relieve yourself only in the proper place where one should.
- Smoke not: Don’t smoke or vape in the cemetery. Show consideration for the children, the elderly, pregnant women, and others around you who may be saddled with respiratory and heart ailments.
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Aileen Lucero, EcoWaste Coalition’s National Coordinator, emphasized the campaign’s importance: “As we gather in cemeteries to honor our departed loved ones, let us also remember our collective duty to protect the environment. Littering and improper waste disposal not only mar the sanctity of these sacred spaces but also contribute to environmental degradation.”
Miss Philippines Earth Ihra Mel Alfeche added her voice to the cause, saying, “We join the EcoWaste Coalition in calling for zero littering in cemeteries and in advocating for eco-friendly practices during Undas. We can make this time-honored tradition more beautiful by showing respect to the dead and the living, and by taking responsibility for our environment. We invite everyone to embrace Zero Waste Undas for the sake of the common good.”
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The campaign is also backed by officials from the Office of the Mayor, the Department of Public Services, the Manila North Cemetery Administration, and the MMDA. With last year’s Undas generating 229 metric tons of waste across Manila’s major cemeteries, the call for waste prevention this year is timely and necessary.
Explore more Good Balita environmental initiatives and take part in Zero Waste Undas by following these “Cemetiquette” tips to honor both your loved ones and the environment. Share these guidelines and let’s work together for a cleaner, greener Undas 2024!
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