HOW CAN WE TURN MARKET WASTE INTO FOOD SECURITY?

HOW CAN WE TURN MARKET WASTE INTO FOOD SECURITY?

At the risk of stating the obvious, garbage is only garbage if we throw it away. If we recycle it properly, it becomes a valuable resource.

Take our public markets for example. Studies have shown that about 60% to 80% of the solid waste generated by wet and dry markets consists of biodegradable materials such as vegetable trimmings, spoiled fruits, fish wastes, poultry wastes, and other organic matter. In some markets, the percentage could even reach 90%. Why should we continue hauling these materials to already overcrowded sanitary landfills when they could be converted into something useful?

I recently learned about an interesting proposal submitted by RU Foundry and Machinery, Inc. to the City Government of Pasig. The proposal is both simple and practical. Install commercial shredders in public markets so that biodegradable wastes could immediately be processed onsite. Instead of transporting bulky wastes to landfills, the shredded materials could become compost.

This is where the circular economy begins.

The compost could already be used as a soil conditioner or planting medium. Better yet, it could be fed to African Night Crawler earthworms to produce vermicast, one of the highest-quality organic fertilizers available today. Imagine if every barangay in the city could receive a regular supply of compost and vermicast free of charge.

What would happen next?

Instead of buying expensive chemical fertilizers, barangays could establish community gardens that produce organically grown vegetables, herbs, fruits, and ornamental plants. Vacant lots could become urban farms. School grounds could become living classrooms where students learn agriculture, nutrition, waste management, and environmental stewardship all at the same time.

Would this not be a better use of idle public spaces?

The benefits do not stop there. If both biodegradable and non-biodegradable wastes are shredded before hauling, the volume of wastes transported to landfills could be reduced dramatically. That means lower trucking costs, lower fuel consumption, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and longer landfill life. In other words, we save money while protecting the environment.

Equally important is public health. By using compost and vermicast instead of chemical fertilizers, and by encouraging natural pest control instead of synthetic pesticides, local governments can promote the production of safe and healthy food. Good nutrition remains one of the best forms of preventive healthcare. After all, preventing disease is always less expensive than curing it.

The timing could not be better. Around the world, governments are becoming increasingly concerned about food security. Climate change, armed conflicts, supply chain disruptions, and volatile fuel prices have already contributed to food inflation in many countries. Cities that produce at least part of their own food will undoubtedly become more resilient than those that depend entirely on outside suppliers.

Perhaps the time has come for our local government units to think beyond traditional waste management. Instead of asking, "How do we dispose of our garbage?" maybe we should ask, "How do we transform our garbage into food, livelihood, and better health?"

If every city and municipality in the Philippines adopted this approach, we would not only reduce solid waste and landfill costs. We would also strengthen food security, improve nutrition, create green jobs, promote the circular economy, and move one step closer to a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future.

What was once considered waste may very well become one of our country's most valuable resources.

RAMON IKE V. SENERES

www.facebook.com/ike.seneres  iseneres@yahoo.com  senseneres.blogspot.com  09088877282/08-03-2027