The implementation
of the Plastic Ban in our city last 28 June was the main reason why I chose
this community issue for the 4th module of my Social Marketing and
Social Mobilization project. The said ordinance gave me a mixed feeling of some
sort. Will this even work when the solid
waste management is still not that manageable enough in our community in the
first place? Will it be a long term
deal should everyone embrace this new ordinance?
Fortunately, when the
implementation day arrived, stores and restaurants were using alternatives in
storing their products like in a paper bag or in biodegradable plastic bags. Good
sign, I thought. But what about the attitudes of the people over the ban? Will they
just follow for the heck of it and it will just remain that way?
I have been reading wall posts
and tweets from fellow locals on how proud they are on this plastic ban in the
city. But I think showing how proud we are over this “achievement,” if we may
call it that, is not enough to sustain this ordinance. I hope that the city
government is also thinking of making this ordinance go beyond us locals just “following
orders.” I am suddenly thinking of what Laguna did, encouraging people to bring
their own reusable bags and “bayongs” to market and/ or grocery stores. I hope
the people in this city will consider doing this, as well, and that stores and
establishments will also think of this as a good way of implementing austerity
measures in their businesses.
And maybe this should be one of
the challenges in development communication in our city. The city ordinance is a good start. Let us
hope that a long term follow through is just around the corner.
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