Community-based environmental preservation programs planned in school eco-consciousness forum
Community-based environmental preservation programs were discussed by student organization leaders in an eco-consciousness and sustainability forum last October at the Saint Louis University (SLU).
The forum is sponsored by the local government unit (LGU) with speakers from the City Environment and Parks Management Office (CEPMO) led by Assistant head Engr. Marivic Empizo, Zero-waste coalition advocate Agnes Garcia, Ms. Aileen Lucero of the Eco-waste Coalition for Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) recycling, SLU professor Engr. Daphne Leal, and Chair for Health and Sanitation, Ecology and Environmental Concerns Councilor Betty Lourdes Tabanda.
Admitting that environmental protection is a community effort, SLU students mulled about the creation of a school, local business and artists’ tri-partnership dubbed as “greenovation;” showcasing learning and skills sharing for sustainable and clean practices with minimal return of investment.
A city-wide plastic tally and barangay monitoring of garbage was suggested, together with the development of a waste segregator and garbage crusher, the conversion of human waste into useful gasses, battery recycling; and the design of an automated water surface garbage collection aquadrome.
The students also looked into a barangay-based e-waste collection, mini-windmills in the barangays for energy conversion to street lights, clean-up drives and river biodiversity reclamation in the Baguio-Benguet area.
Other proposed studies include starch and fish scales conversion to bioplastics; activated charcoal for water filtration; anthocyanin from onion skin as edible food wraps to detect food spoilage; banana peelings as fire retardant and betel nut as adsorbent for chemicals. Plastic and rubber wastes could also be converted into asphalt, “lata-luto” or tin can be converted into wheelchair or other household items, and a biotech enzyme to degrade plastics for conversion into energy.
Drinking fountains in barangays should also be installed for convenience and to minimize the use of bottled water, the students added.
Other studies focused on a comprehensive calculator from various carbon footprint databases, the urbanization of lower Bonifacio street and a resolution on microplastic regulation.
Monthly meetings and regular updating for solid waste management, a contest for cleanest barangays, and for children, separately labeled containers with colored hoops for play and garbage identification were also proposed.
Earth advocacy videos can be shown, with reminders in social media and innovative research collaboration for annual renewal.
The use of permeable concrete in roads and open spaces is also suggested.
According to Mayor Benjamin Magalong, all proposals shall be presented as part of the mitigation plan during the climate change conference this month. – JGF
