QUEZON CITY – In celebration of International Zero Waste Month, the Philippine Reuse Consortium, the Philippine Chapter of the Asia Reuse Consortium, was officially launched this month. This marks a significant step forward in the fight against single-use plastics (SUPs) through innovative reuse solutions. The Consortium unites representatives from civil society organizations (CSOs), government agencies, and businesses in a shared mission to develop sustainable, community-driven solutions to plastic pollution.
The launch culminates the three-day workshop and stakeholder consultations on mainstreaming reuse and refill solutions in the country. The event which was organized by Greenpeace Philippines and the Mother Earth Foundation, with the support of Plasticdiet Indonesia, GAIA Asia Pacific, and the Break Free From Plastic movement, highlights scalable local initiatives, including zero-waste sari-sari stores (small-scale convenience stores) carinderias (neighborhood eateries), and local reuse-and-refill stores such as Back-to-Basics and Sabon Express. These case studies offer valuable insights into adapting reuse systems to the Philippine context.
The consortium’s launch paves the way for developing a Philippine reuse roadmap, inspired by other examples in the country such as those initiated by Back-to-Basics and Sabon Express. Such a roadmap could chart a path on transitioning away from SUPs and towards scaling reuse and refill models designed to extend product life cycles, significantly reducing the environmental and social harms caused by SUPs. Research shows that reuse systems have the potential to cut plastic pollution by 30% and lower greenhouse gas emissions from packaging production by up to 80% by 2040.
As part of its efforts, the Consortium emphasizes collaboration among policymakers, businesses, and communities to institutionalize reuse systems and drive lasting environmental and economic benefits. By fostering partnerships and advancing reuse innovations, the PRC and the Asia Reuse Consortium are paving the way for a sustainable transformation in the Asia Pacific region.
The Consortium unveiled a five-year roadmap to mainstream and prioritize reuse, anchored on 10 key action points:
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Advocating for progressive laws and policies. Prioritize lobbying efforts to establish and strengthen laws that support reuse systems with clear and measurable targets.
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Strategic communications and public engagement. Amplify messages through media partnerships and public campaigns by disseminating PSAs and Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials.
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Championing Role Models to Develop Champions. Identify and spotlight the work of individuals, communities, and organizations that successfully implement reuse systems.
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Build Capacities of Stakeholders. Develop and offer training and resources to stakeholders, including government units, grassroots organizations, and businesses to implement effective reuse systems. The focus will be given to capacitating/empowering waste workers through education and skill-building opportunities
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Promoting a Just Transition for Waste Workers and Waste Pickers. Advocate and implement frameworks that ensure waste workers are not left behind in the shift toward reuse systems.
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Scaling Reuse Models. Expand and replicate reuse models, and encourage businesses to integrate reuse systems into their operations.
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Expand and Strengthen Networks. Reach out and build partnerships with other sectors to foster a robust, multi-sectoral network.
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Drive Innovation through Research and Development. Invest in research and development to develop reuse systems.
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Secure Financial Support and Investments. Advocate for financial mechanisms to support local initiatives and ensure resources are available for scaling reuse systems.
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Establish Standards and Guidelines. Develop clear guidelines for reuse systems to ensure safety and environmental integrity.
These action points address critical gaps in policies and mechanisms supporting local initiatives, ensure the inclusion of waste workers, and push big businesses to integrate reuse systems into their operations.
