How to be an Eco-Warrior: A Guide to R.A. 9003

 

Do you want to help save the planet and make The Isabela State University a cleaner and greener place? If you answered yes, then you need to know about R.A. 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000. This is a law that aims to promote a more sustainable and responsible way of managing our solid waste, which includes things like paper, plastic, food scraps, and other materials that we usually throw away.

The ISU Angadanan Campus is one of the extension campuses under the ISU system and it offers various programs in technical vocational education R.A. 9003 provides the framework and guidelines for how we can reduce, reuse, recycle, and dispose of our solid waste in an environmentally sound manner. It also creates the necessary institutions and incentives to support this goal, such as the National Solid Waste Management Commission, the National Ecology Center, and the Local Government Units. Therefore, the ISU Angadanan Campus should comply with this law and practice ecological solid waste management in its premises.

But what does this mean for us as students and members of the school community? How can we comply with this law and contribute to its objectives? Here are some simple steps that you can follow to become an eco-warrior and practice ecological solid waste management in the University:

1. Segregate your waste at source. This means that you should separate your waste into different categories, such as biodegradable, non-biodegradable, recyclable, and special waste, before you throw them away. This will make it easier for the waste collectors to sort and transport them to the appropriate facilities. You can use color-coded bins or labels to help you with this task. For example, you can use green for biodegradable, yellow for non-biodegradable, blue for recyclable, and red for special waste..

2. Reduce your waste generation. This means that you should avoid buying or using things that you don’t really need or that will end up as waste. You can do this by choosing reusable or refillable items, such as water bottles, lunch boxes, and pens, instead of disposable ones. You can also opt for products that have less packaging or that are made from recycled materials. You can also practice the 4Rs: Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, and Repair.

3. Recycle your waste. This means that you should find ways to transform your waste into new and useful products. You can do this by participating in recycling programs or activities in your school or community, such as paper-making, composting, or crafts-making. You can also donate or sell your recyclable waste to reclamation or buy-back centers, where they can be processed and turned into raw materials for other industries. You can also look for products that have eco-labels, which indicate that they are made from recycled or environmentally friendly materials3.

4. Dispose of your waste properly. This means that you should follow the rules and regulations of your school and local government on how to get rid of your waste. You should not litter, burn, or dump your waste in open spaces, waterways, or unauthorized sites. You should also avoid using or buying products that are considered non-environmentally acceptable, such as styrofoam, plastic bags, and single-use plastics, which are harmful to the environment and human health. You should also be aware of the proper handling and disposal of special waste, such as batteries, electronic waste, and hazardous waste, which may require special treatment or facilities4.

By following these steps, you can become an eco-warrior and help your school comply with R.A. 9003. You can also inspire others to do the same and spread the message of ecological solid waste management. Remember, every little action counts and can make a big difference. Together, we can make our school and our planet a better place to live in.