By Ginggay Hontiveros-Malvar, Chief Reputation and Sustainability Officer, Aboitiz Group and President, Aboitiz Foundation
This article originally appeared on the author’s Tribune.net column ‘On the G(ood) Side’.
Ever heard of the nine planetary boundaries? It sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie, but they’re critical in telling how healthy our planet is. They provide a useful framework for understanding challenges like climate change and biodiversity loss. Think of them as the Earth’s vital signs: exceeding them risks long-term harm to humanity.
The Philippines’ plastic waste crisis illustrates the link between local environmental problems and global planetary health. The country generates over 2.7 million tons of plastic waste each year, consistently ranking among the world’s worst ocean plastic polluters. A 2021 peer-reviewed scientific study paints a grim picture of a country drowning in plastic waste. It identified seven Philippine rivers, including the highly polluted Pasig River, as among the top 10 contributors to ocean plastic.
Our over-reliance on plastic has consequences far beyond visible pollution. It shows how we’re overstepping planetary limits. The chemicals and materials used in plastic production contribute to climate change and are released into the environment at an unsustainable rate. Plastic’s durability also becomes a liability because it lasts for centuries, breaking down into microplastics that endanger marine ecosystems and may eventually end up on our plates.
The harm caused by the plastic waste problem affects people as well. Coastal communities suffer economically when fishing and tourism decline as a result of dwindling fish populations. Making matters worse is the widespread practice of burning plastic, which releases toxic pollutants that worsen air quality and respiratory health.
Solving the plastic crisis requires a collaborative effort from government, businesses, and the public. The Extended Producer Responsibility law holds companies accountable for their plastic packaging from production to disposal. This incentivizes producers to create more sustainable packaging and invest in effective waste management solutions.
The Aboitiz Group is taking an active role in fighting the plastic waste crisis through several initiatives focusing on circular economy principles and community involvement. One notable example is the BRICK Hub Project, a partnership between AboitizPower and the Aboitiz Foundation. Located at the Therma South and Therma Visayas power plants, these hubs transform plastic waste and fly ash into eco-bricks and eco-pavers. The eco-friendly products are used to build resilient infrastructure in nearby communities, supporting sustainable development from the ground up.
Complementing these land-based efforts is AboitizPower’s Scubasureros initiative, which involves working with volunteer divers to conduct underwater cleanups in coastal areas near its power plants. These “Scubasureros” monitor marine ecosystems aside from removing plastic and other debris from the water, providing valuable data on the impact of plastic pollution.
Coca-Cola Europacific Aboitiz Philippines is also promoting sustainable practices and raising awareness about plastic waste through its “Tapon to Ipon” program. This initiative incentivizes responsible disposal by rewarding the collection and exchange of clear PET bottles with Coca-Cola products. Partnering with Aboitiz Foundation, strategically placed collection points were placed at the 24th Aboitiz Football Cup last year, providing a platform to educate participants and spectators about the importance of proper waste management and the benefits of a circular economy for plastics.
While policies and corporate initiatives play a critical role, the fight against plastic waste also requires consumer action. Each of us has a responsibility to minimize plastic consumption by making conscious choices—reducing single-use plastics, properly segregating waste and supporting brands that prioritize sustainability.
Collective action from individuals, businesses and policymakers is crucial to reversing the tide of plastic pollution and restoring the planet’s health, ensuring a habitable world for present and future generations.
