DTI-Region 10 joins advocacy against plastic pollution

DAVAO CITY — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Northern Mindanao regional office joins with consumer organizations in the advocacy against plastic pollution as the World celebrates Consumer Rights Day on March 15. 

In a statement, DTI Northern Mindanao said, “This year’s celebration highlights the role of consumers and consumer advocacy in tackling plastic pollution, and demonstrate that consumers (must) demand change for our environment and our health”.

It added that the increased consumption and production of single-use products – particularly plastic face masks, gloves and food packaging – brought about by the effects of COVID 19 pandemic has made the fight against plastic pollution even more important. 

The 2021 World Consumer Rights Day campaign will focus on 7-Rs: rethink, refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle, repair and replace. 

These mean that “consumers can re-evaluate their consumption habits to minimize plastic use, refuse unnecessary plastic where possible and demand more sustainable alternatives from businesses and the government.”

“Reduce the amount of plastic they purchase and dispose of, extend the lifetime of plastic products by reusing them, dispose of plastic wastes appropriately, repair items and appliances where possible, and replace plastic products with more sustainable alternatives,” the DTI Northern Mindanao said.