Single-use plastics ban in Boracay re-opening

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL 

The local government of Malay, Aklan is enforcing the local ordinance prohibiting single-use plastics when Boracay re-opens by October.

PHOTO AKLAN FORUM JOURNAL

Boracay has a dry-run on October 15 to 25 before it accommodate foreigners and local tourists on October 26.   

Sangguniang Bayan member Maylynn Aguirre-Graf said the establishments will stop handing out plastic straws in the effort to reduce the impact of single-use plastics to Boracay’s environment. 

“Sa mga bisita sa Boracay, bawal ang single-use plastic. Bawal na rin ang plastic bags at styrofoams sa isla,” the councilor stressed.

Aguirre-Graf authored Municipal Ordinance No. 386, series of 2018, banning hotels, resorts, restaurants and establishments in accommodation business to use single-use plastic in Malay, Aklan.

These businesses are encouraged to use alternative environment-friendly items like shampoo dispensers, liquid body soaps and conditioners.

Establishments have to cut down on plastic use or face a penalty of P2,000 and stern warning for the first offense, P2,500 and confiscation of single-use plastics for second offense and cancellation of business permits to operate. 

The local measure also complements the existing Municipal Ordinance No. 320, series of 2012 prohibiting the use of plastic bags on dry goods, regulating its utilization on wet goods and prohibiting the use of styrofoam/styrophor.   

According to earthday.org, single-use plastics frequently do not make it to a landfill or are recycled. It is estimated that 4 trillion plastic bags are used worldwide annually. Only 1% of plastic bags are returned for recycling. 

The straws also are now among the top 10 waste items found on beaches. Across the world, plastics make up 85% of marine litter. Plastics are even reaching people's lungs and dinner tables, with micro-plastics in the air, water and food having an unknown impact on their health.