Malolos City, Bulacan – ENVIRONMENTAL justice group BAN Toxics, together with hundreds of students, parents, and teachers of La Consolacion University Philippines (LCUP), held an environmental awareness event to encourage the public to celebrate a toxics-free, zero-waste Christmas. Now in its third year of implementation in schools, the initiative continues to reinforce the call for safer and more sustainable holiday celebrations.
“We aim to reduce holiday waste by raising community awareness about protecting the environment during the yuletide season. The initiative promotes responsible consumption, mindful gift-giving, and the use of sustainable materials as part of a greener holiday tradition,” said Thony Dizon, Advocacy and Campaign Officer of BAN Toxics.
Roody Angelo S. Juan, Director of Mother Rita Barcelo Caritas Center of LCUP, welcomed the initiative and emphasized that fostering environmental stewardship among the youth is vital to building a toxics-free and waste-free environment.
“This Advent and Christmas seasons, LCUP and BAN Toxics are encouraging us to choose love over landfills, making space in our hearts instead of filling our homes with toxic induced products and plastic waste,” said Director Juan.
In the knowledge-sharing session, Arminda D. Carreon, Division Chief of the Waste Management and Pollution Control of the Bulacan Environment and Natural Resources Office (BENRO), outlined plans and programs to enforce pollution control and environmental protection laws, and to implement solid waste and other environmental management systems and services.
BENRO expressed its support, encouraging youth participation in environmental activities such as tree planting, clean-up drives, and community waste management, while stressing the importance of community-based initiatives in strengthening the province’s commitment to sustainability.
BAN Toxics shared their advocacy and campaign efforts to prevent toxic chemical exposure from gift items, including toys with harmful substances, and to promote waste reduction and plastic minimization in schools and communities ahead of the holiday season.
An on-site product test using a Vanta C-Series XRF Analyzer was conducted to ‘show and tell’ the students that many children’s products contain toxic chemicals such as lead, mercury, and cadmium.
“Educating youth about toxic chemicals helps prevent potential health and environmental risks. We must ensure children’s right to safe, healthy, and plastic-free schools and communities,” the group added.
As part of its Toxics-free and Waste-free Schools Program (TFSP), BAN Toxics shared practical tips on minimizing toxic exposure and managing household waste based on zero-waste 3Rs: reduce, reuse, recycle, especially relevant during the holiday season:
· Plan ahead: Prepare a list before going to the store to avoid impulse buying.
· Bring reusables: Use reusable bags and containers when shopping to reduce reliance on plastic bags.
· Choose sustainable decor: Opt for eco-friendly Christmas decorations or create DIY ornaments using recycled materials.
· Select safe toys: Choose toys that comply with labeling requirements under RA 10620 or Toy and Game Safety Labeling Act of 2013.
· Check product safety: Check the labels of Christmas lights and other electrical decorations carefully, and look for the PS Mark and ICC Sticker to ensure safety compliance.
· Use reusable tableware: Choose washable plates, cups, and cutlery instead of disposables.
· Wrap gifts sustainably: Get creative with waste-free or repurposed wrapping materials.
· Support local: Buy locally made or home-produced items to reduce environmental impact and help boost the local economy.
· Give from the heart: Consider meaningful alternatives such as donating to charity, supporting the less fortunate, or participating in environmental and community activities.
· Avoid food waste: Estimate food portions carefully, share leftovers when possible, or store them properly for later consumption.
“Much of this waste can be avoided by practicing the 3Rs. We also urge the government to promote greener holiday celebrations, enforce local plastic bans, phase out SUPs nationally, and strictly implement RA 9003 (Ecological Solid Waste Management Act) to ensure proper waste segregation, enable recycling, prevent cross-contamination, and reduce landfill-bound residual waste,” Dizon explained.
“This Christmas, let’s give with care for both people and the planet. Every bit of waste we prevent brings us closer to a sustainable, toxics-free, and waste-free future,” he added.
About the Author
