GOODBYE PLASTIC, HELLO PLANET: TIME TO BAG THE OLD HABITS

GOODBYE PLASTIC, HELLO PLANET: TIME TO BAG THE OLD HABITS

Let’s be honest—plastic bags are everywhere. From your neighborhood sari-sari store to high-end supermarkets, they're the default option for carrying everything from groceries to gadgets. But here’s the reality we can’t afford to ignore: plastic is choking our landfills, clogging our waterways, and poisoning our seas.

The good news? The solution is already here—and it's biodegradable. The Philippines is ready to make the switch, if only our policies catch up with our potential.

That’s why I propose that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issue an Executive Order in 2025, encouraging retail establishments to adopt biodegradable shopping bags. Not just for show, but as a bold, doable step toward environmental sustainability that’s also good for business.

We’ve talked for years about banning plastic but bans without alternatives simply shift the burden onto consumers and stall progress. What we need is transition, not disruption—and biodegradable bags are the bridge.

Start Local, Think Big

We already have Filipino companies like Oikos Sustainability Solutions (Oikos PH) manufacturing eco-friendly packaging options. Instead of relying on imported alternatives, why not prioritize homegrown solutions? If we support our own innovators, we create jobs, stimulate green entrepreneurship, and reduce our dependency on foreign materials.

Standardize and Certify

Of course, not all "biodegradable" bags are created equal. That’s why the Department of Trade and Industry’s Bureau of Philippine Standards (DTI-BPS) should step in to define clear guidelines—so that businesses and consumers can trust that what's being sold as "eco-friendly" truly is. The DTI can also curate a list of certified local manufacturers, while the Bureau of Customs can do the same for reputable importers.

Incentivize the Switch

As with any transition, cost can be a barrier. That’s where government incentives come in. Tax breaks, subsidies, or low-interest loans to biodegradable bag producers would spur innovation and drive prices down, making it easier for retailers to adopt these alternatives.

Information is Power

Let’s not forget the importance of public awareness. A joint campaign by DTI, DENR, and DILG could highlight the long-term benefits of switching to biodegradable bags—not just for the planet, but for everyday people. Let’s bring the conversation to markets, schools, malls, and online platforms. If consumers start asking for biodegradable options, retailers will have to follow.

Secure the Supply Chain

No bag can be made without raw materials. For starch-based bags, that means cassava, corn, and possibly even vegetable oils. Here, the Department of Agriculture (DA) can ensure local supply, while the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) explores sustainable production techniques and new innovations, such as mushroom-derived packaging or seaweed-based films.

Going Global

This isn't just a domestic opportunity—it’s an export one. With growing global demand for sustainable packaging, the DTI and DFA can work to open doors in international markets for Filipino-made biodegradable bags. We could soon be exporting sustainability, not just sugar and coconuts.

A Model for Southeast Asia

If we do this right, the Philippines can be a regional leader in environmental responsibility. A government-endorsed shift to biodegradable shopping bags would send a clear message: We are serious about our environment and smart about our economy. We don’t need to wait for a global summit or international treaty—we can act now.

The Bottom Line

This isn’t about banning convenience; it’s about redefining it. True convenience is not using plastic for 10 minutes and watching it pollute the planet for 1,000 years. True convenience is having options that don’t cost the Earth—literally.

The nation looks to the Marcos administration not just to protect what is, but to shape what can be. This small yet powerful act—an EO to encourage biodegradable bags—could be a turning point in our fight against plastic pollution.

So, let’s bag the excuses and embrace the alternatives. The future is biodegradable. Let’s make it national policy.

Ramon Ike V. Seneres, www.facebook.com/ike.seneres
iseneres@yahoo.com, 09088877282, senseneres.blogspot.com

07-17-2025

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