EcoWaste Coalition Issues Eco-Friendly Reminders for New Year Celebrations

The EcoWaste Coalition reminds families to welcome the New Year with people-, pet-, and planet-friendly practices to reduce waste and prevent pollution.

An environmental advocacy group has urged Filipino families and communities to observe eco-friendly practices when welcoming the New Year to help protect public health, animal welfare, and the environment amid the ongoing climate emergency.

The call was made by the EcoWaste Coalition on December 22 in Quezon City, as it promoted the “3Ps” framework—People-friendly, Pet-friendly, and Planet-friendly—for waste- and toxics-free Christmas and New Year celebrations.

“We encourage everyone to make the Christmas and New Year festivities people-, pet- and planet-friendly,” said Aileen Lucero, national coordinator of the EcoWaste Coalition, citing the need to minimize the impact of holiday activities on human health, animal safety, and environmental well-being.

Lucero highlighted the relevance of the reminders alongside the Department of Health’s Ligtas Christmas program and hospital rounds conducted on December 22, noting that the holiday season often brings preventable injuries and pollution.

She pointed out practices that contradict constitutionally guaranteed rights to health and a balanced and healthful ecology, including the excessive use of disposable plastics and paper during parties, which leads to spikes in holiday waste or “holitrash.” She also flagged the open burning and dumping of holiday waste in streets, waterways, and vacant lots, as well as the use of dangerous firecrackers and fireworks that can cause injuries, fires, toxic smoke, and hazardous debris.

To support people-, pet-, and planet-friendly celebrations, the group advised the public to keep festivities simple, avoid food waste, and reuse or refill items whenever possible. It also encouraged proper waste segregation to make reuse, recycling, and composting easier, while stressing the importance of not mixing, burning, or dumping trash.

The EcoWaste Coalition further appealed for the complete avoidance of firecrackers and fireworks, including PVC “boga,” citing risks such as burns, respiratory problems, noise pollution, and distress to animals. As safer alternatives, the group suggested non-toxic and reusable noise makers such as shakers made from used containers filled with coins or bottle caps, improvised tambourines, maracas made from cans, coconut shells, musical instruments, and household items like pots and pans.

During the group’s recent Iwas Paputoxic event, Dr. Percival Lao of the Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health warned that firecrackers and fireworks pose serious risks beyond immediate injuries. “Firecrackers and fireworks are not toys for children to play with,” Lao said, adding that loud explosions can cause severe distress to pets and wildlife and that hazardous smoke and debris can contaminate air, water, and soil, affecting ecosystems that people and animals depend on.

Learn how simple, eco-friendly choices can help protect people, pets, and the planet as communities welcome the New Year.