EcoWaste Coalition Releases Tips for a Zero Waste and Toxics-Free Brigada Eskwela
12 July 2024, Quezon City. The environmental health group EcoWaste Coalition has released a set of reminders towards a zero waste and toxics-free conduct of the upcoming Brigada Eskwela, which will commence on July 22.
As mentioned in the Department of Education (DepEd) Memorandum No. 033, series of 2024, the six-day Brigada Eskwela offers various sectors and groups the opportunity “to volunteer their time and skills for the conduct of clean-ups, minor to medium repairs, and maintenance work in classrooms and within the school sites.”
In support of the DepEd-led Brigada Eskwela and in pursuit of related environmental and health laws and regulations issued by the department and other agencies, the EcoWaste Coalition is enjoining all schools and their community of supporters to observe the following reminders to make the Brigada Eskwela a healthy and safe experience for all.
On Plastic Use Reduction:
1. Refrain from bringing single-use plastics (SUPs) into the school, including water in plastic bottles, food in polystyrene foam containers, plastic cutlery, plastic bags and the like.
2. Bring your own water in a reusable container.
3. Choose cleaning aids like brooms and scrub brushes that are made of plant-based materials.
4. Avoid the use of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic tarpaulins, which may contain cadmium, lead, and other hazardous chemical additives.
On Solid Waste Management:
5. Observe the proper segregation of discards at source to facilitate their recycling or composting, and to minimize the volume of garbage for disposal.
6. Never set trash on fire to prevent the generation of environmental pollutants such as fine particles, heavy metals, and dioxins.
7. Compost biodegradable discards such as yard trimmings to produce natural fertilizer or soil enhancer for the school garden.
8. Spruce up the school’s Materials Recovery Facility (MRF), also known as the Ecology Center, including the containers or segregators for properly labeled recyclable and compostable discards.
On Toxics Use and Exposure Avoidance:
9. Handle busted fluorescent lamps with care to prevent mercury spill; do not mix such lamps with ordinary trash, and properly store and dispose of them as hazardous waste.
10. Select safer cleaning agents and refrain from using hazardous substances that are corrosive to the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract such as oxalic and muriatic acid.
11. Do not mix bleach with acids, ammonia, or other cleaners to avoid the formation and release of toxic gases, which can cause serious injuries.
On Lead Safe Painting:
12. Pick and use certified lead-safe paints for school interiors, exteriors, furniture and fixtures, gymnasiums, play equipment, and other school amenities.
13. Keep children and pregnant women out of the work area (lead is very hazardous to developing fetuses).
14. Refrain from dry sanding or dry scraping painted surfaces that might contain lead so as not to disperse lead dust into the surroundings. Clean up paint chips immediately.
15. Use a moist mop or rag to rid floors, windows, window frames and sills, chairs and tables and other surfaces of dust, and wash it thoroughly after use.
16. Wash hands with soap and water before eating and after the work is done. Change clothes before going home if needed. Clean or remove shoes and slippers before entering your home to avoid bringing dust or soil that may contain lead into the house.
On Smoking and Vaping:
17. Abide by DepEd’s policy banning smoking and vaping within school premises. Keep the school smoke-free at all times.
Observing these reminders will promote the implementation of R.A. 9003 (Ecological Solid Waste Management Act), R.A. 6969 (Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Act), R.A. 9211 (Tobacco Regulation Act), DENR A.O. 2013-24 (Chemical Control Order for Lead and Lead Compounds), DILG Memorandum Circular 2018-26 (Mandatory Use of Lead-Safe Paints by LGUs), DepEd D.O. 04-2017 (Mandatory Use of Lead-Safe Paints in Schools), DepEd D.O. 73-2010 (Smoking Ban in Public Schools) and DepEd Memorandum 111-2019 (E-Cigarettes Ban), the EcoWaste Coalition pointed out. (PR)
Reference:
https://www.deped.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/DM_s2024_033.pdf
http://emb.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/RA-9003.pdf
http://emb.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/RA-6969.pdf
http://server2.denr.gov.ph/uploads/rmdd/dao-2013-24.pdf
http://www.deped.gov.ph/orders/do-4-s-2017
https://www.deped.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/DM_s2019_111.pdf
http://www.deped.gov.ph/orders/do-73-s-2010
https://www.dilg.gov.ph/issuances/mc/Mandatory-use-of-Lead-Safe-Paints-by-LGUs/2658
