January 11, 2025 – Environmental NGO BAN Toxics has gained the commitment of Siena College in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan, to support the Toxics-Free and Waste-Free Schools Program (TFSP). During the school’s card-giving activity held earlier today, BAN Toxics introduced TFSP to around 400 teachers, parents, students, and school administrators. TFSP is an initiative that aims to involve the school community in implementing a systems approach to the sound management of chemicals and waste while advocating for environmental protection. A formal signing of the partnership is scheduled for February.
As part of the event, BAN Toxics also delivered a talk on International Zero Waste Month (IZWM), observed every January, providing insights on zero-waste practices and principles, emphasizing how the school can actively contribute to the movement. Zero Waste asserts that addressing the garbage crisis can no longer rely solely on recycling and other downstream solutions, such as incineration and landfilling. Instead, measures should focus on reducing production and consumption, thereby minimizing waste generation and preserving our limited natural resources.
The discussion also zeroed in on this year’s IZWM theme, #FoodWasteNoMore, which underscores the importance of reducing food waste to promote sustainability and address environmental issues. BAN Toxics encouraged the school community to adopt practical measures to minimize food waste, such as mindful consumption, proper meal planning, and composting. The group provided the school with a QR code that leads to an online flyer on Zero Waste principles and tips on reducing food waste, which the school committed to distributing in every classroom.
“We need to change our perceptions of how to address the waste crisis. We must slow down the production and consumption of goods that deplete our natural resources, damage our environment, and harm our health. We also need to value every piece of food created and ensure it is not wasted, especially since millions are starving every day,” said BAN Toxics Executive Director Rey San Juan Jr during the event.
