HOUSE Deputy Minority Leader and Bagong Henerasyon (BH) Party-list Representative Bernadette Herrera is pushing legislation that would institutionalize a nationwide ban on single-use plastics to tackle the fast-growing problem of plastic pollution.

Herrera filed House Bill (HB) No. 1038, which calls for an all-encompassing nationwide policy against using various single-use plastic products that harm the environment.

“By implementing a national policy against the use of single-use plastics, the State shall ensure the protection of the environment, prioritize the safety of its citizens, and promote sustainable development across all sectors,” Herrera pointed out.

The veteran party-list lawmaker noted several initiatives for waste management in schools, workplaces, and even the hospitality and tourism industry.

She added that local government units (LGUs) have also taken action and have pushed for ordinances on waste management and the ban of single-use plastic products such as plastic bags and straws.

Although many policies ban plastics in different cities in the Philippines and initiatives from industries to limit the use of plastics, Herrera said, “these are not enough.”

Citing a statement from the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives, Herrera said the lack of a comprehensive national policy to regulate plastic bags has proven problematic for cities and municipalities trying to reduce or regulate plastic bag usage within their jurisdiction.

She said that the lack of uniformity in policies also creates a lot of confusion for citizens, who may find themselves penalized for lack of awareness about what is allowed in one city and what is not allowed in another.

“It is of utmost importance to align policies across the country and to work together with industries in eliminating plastic pollution,” she stressed.

According to the 2015 report on plastic pollution by the Ocean Conservancy and the McKinsey Center for Business and Environment, the Philippines was the third highest source of ocean plastic pollution, with an estimated 2.7 million metric tons of plastic waste.

On the other hand, the United Nations (UN) has estimated that land-based sources, including plastic waste blown into rivers and creeks by wind, are responsible for 80 percent of the world’s marine debris.

Single-use plastics also referred to as disposable plastics, are commonly used for plastic packaging and include items intended to be used only once before they are thrown away or recycled. These include, among other things, grocery bags, food packaging, bottles, straws, containers, cups, and cutlery.

Under Herrera’s proposal, a nationwide ban on all single-use plastics shall be implemented within one year upon the effectiveness of the law.

The government will also regulate the use of plastics by industries to save the environment.

A transition program shall also be undertaken to help all concerned individuals and industries implement the ban.

The program also includes the research and development of sustainable and cheap alternative methods, packaging, and processing of products using single-use plastics; adoption of good practices; and replacement of all single-use plastics with eco-friendly and sustainable alternatives.

Herrera pointed out that plastic pollution has been a significant driver in the destruction of oceans and the uncleanliness of surroundings.

“This problem also extends to our food sources as these are affected by our plastic waste,” Herrera said.

She added: “Single-use plastics in the country serve to be detrimental and have far-reaching consequences. It is the state’s responsibility to propose and implement possible solutions to this problem.”