Call for definitive e-waste regulation and enforcement as e-waste crisis looms

Wazzup Pilipinas!?




“E-waste is a rapidly growing waste stream in the country. From 3.9 kilos per capita in 2019, 537 million kilograms of e-waste were produced in the Philippines, translating to 4.7 kilograms of e-waste per capita in 2022,” said Jam Lorenzo, research and policy development officer of BAN Toxics, an environmental justice NGO.

The recently published Global e-Waste Monitor 2024 by the United Nations reveals the Philippines as one of the top e-waste producers in Southeast Asia. “That e-waste is escalating at a pace five times faster than the rate of e-waste recycling further sends a chilling effect,” Lorenzo remarked.

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE), commonly referred to as e-waste, refers to end-of-life electrical and electronic equipment and covers everything with a plug or a battery. E-waste is categorized as hazardous waste due to the presence of toxic materials such as mercury, lead, and brominated flame retardants that are considered as hazardous waste according to the Basel Convention.

The primary types of e-waste in the Philippines are consumer electronics such as televisions, refrigerators, washing machines and mobile phones. Technological advancements leading to the production of new technologies, along with trends in consumer products, shorter product life cycles, and limited repair options, have accelerated the rate at which electronics are replaced and discarded.

“We cannot afford to perpetuate this cycle of consumption, waste generation, and recycling model in its current form,” Lorenzo emphasized. The e-waste Monitor also underscores the growing quantities of electrical and electronic goods (EEE) being sold in developing countries, as well as equipment originally used in developed countries and exported for further use in developing countries. “The escalating volume and toxicity of e-waste make this issue urgent, as it can lead to significant environmental and health problems.”

“Once discarded, these gadgets often end up in waste bins, are sold in junk shops, dismantled by informal waste collectors, and ultimately find their way to dumpsites and landfills. The lack of proper e-waste disposal facilities and infrastructure poses a significant challenge, largely stemming from the absence of a national management framework for e-waste. This lack of a definitive national framework makes it difficult to implement effective policies. While overarching environmental laws may address e-waste, our regulations often lack enforceability,” Lorenzo remarked.

The group emphasized the critical need for legislation and programs mandating Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for electronics, holding manufacturers accountable for their products at end-of-life. "EPR schemes will facilitate environmentally sound management, shifting the burden of end-of-life management from taxpayers to producers, consistent with the polluter pays principle and cost internalization.”

“Manufacturers will be incentivized to incorporate eco-friendly design and manufacturing practices, employing materials that are easily recyclable and less toxic, while also extending the lifespan of electronic products.”



The environmental justice group advocates for “a genuine sustainable production and consumption of electronic and electrical goods, aiming to reduce waste, retain value within the system, extend the economic and physical life of a product, and enhance its potential for repair, recycling, and reuse.”

“The key to a successful transition is inclusivity, which takes into account the millions of people in developing countries who did not produce the waste but often suffer the negative impacts resulting from the historical injustices of pollution and waste generated by wealthier producer countries. Additionally, it requires anticipating the adverse future impacts on workers, sectors and communities that would be affected by transitions.”

BAN Toxics also advocates for stronger regulatory measures concerning e-waste in the country, including recognizing the growing importance of plastics utilized in electronic and electrical equipment. “Given that e-waste recycling involves plastics recovery, we will persist in our efforts to promote a legally binding global plastics treaty during the upcoming interagency negotiations in April this year in Ottawa, to mitigate the increasing exposure to plastics and e-waste,” Lorenzo concluded.

References:



https://api.globalewaste.org/publications/file/297/Global-E-waste-Monitor-2024.pdf?fbclid=IwAR3_wFuwDM6KxpBy7has_L7kUDaF8fknnO4Dq7b4NUbCcDn0wXNPOtzoFos



https://drive.google.com/file/d/1t6jcOS-_jpG4lnSKFa3QUfwiL8lkQcVS/view?fbclid=IwAR0ZrLLPh0n0mNAFIy3RqEyu-PK5fCHhZYk5LvJ1o-K7H8Q1sFbw1DZ5hKA

Taste the Fusion of 7-Eleven and SPAM® in These Newest Japanese and Korean Snack Drops

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

A single whiff of a golden brown-fried SPAM® can instantly bring nostalgia to any Filipino. This luncheon meat is a no-fail comfort food choice many of us reach for due to its savory flavor and because of how easy it is to prepare. But while the country has fallen in love with its rice and hot pandesal pairings, there are now more ways to savor it like the first time. Convenience go-to 7-Eleven takes it with a twist by joining hands with SPAM® for its newest delectable duo under the 7-Fresh line: SPAM® Egg and Cheese Onigirazu and SPAM® Egg and Cheese Korean Egg Drop Sandwich.

Whether it’s the always-on-the-go, work-week warriors, or foodies who like all things trendy, 7-Eleven sure knows how to tickle everyone’s taste buds with its buck-saving and unique innovations. Just last year, the 7-Fresh line introduced its Beef Bulgogi Onigirazu and Korean Egg Drop Sandwich which both became hits. This time, customers can enjoy these goodies with another crowd favorite, SPAM®. 

One’s a snack and two’s a meal with SPAM® Egg and Cheese Onigirazu priced at only P79. This Japanese-originated treat is wrapped delicately with a nori sheet stuffed with fluffy eggs and mayo dressing. It’s a meaty double delight as customers can choose between SPAM® or beef bulgogi filling. A choice that is sure to solve one’s hankering for something savory.

Fans can also relish SPAM® through its Korean Egg Drop Sandwich form. Retailing for P99, the SPAM® and Cheese Egg Drop Sandwich is a popular food most often seen in K-Dramas that is filled with cheese, egg, and SPAM® in a soft, buttery brioche bread—an eggcellent symphony of Korean flavors made accessible. This, too, comes with another meat variant loaded with bacon and corn instead.

Industry-leading 7-Eleven is known as the paboritong kapitbahay primarily because of its creative food concepts that are easy on the pocket but big on the taste. Always exciting its loyalists, Pinoys can now enjoy their comfort food in a can in a newer, foreign flair right at every corner of the neighborhood.

Take first dibs now and have a taste of SPAM® and Cheese Egg Drop Sandwich and SPAM® Egg and Cheese Onigirazu at select Luzon 7-Eleven stores.

Cheers to 40 years with 7-Eleven and like us on 7-Eleven Philippines Facebook, follow @711ph on Instagram, and @711philippines on Twitter and TikTok, and visit our website www.7-eleven.com.ph for more information.

The Ultimate Adventure: Alaska from Above

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Alaska, the Last Frontier, is a realm of untamed beauty, vast wilderness, and breathtaking landscapes. From the icy embrace of glaciers to the rugged peaks that pierce the sky, its natural splendor is unparalleled. While there are numerous ways to explore this magnificent state, there's one experience that truly stands out: seeing Alaska from the sky. This unique vantage point offers a perspective that is both awe-inspiring and humbling, revealing the grandeur of nature in a way that ground-based tours simply cannot match.

Experience Unmatched Beauty with Alaskan Flightseeing/Plane Tours

For those seeking the ultimate sky-high adventure, Blue River Aviation, Palmer, Alaska, is your gateway to the heavens. This high-quality aviation company specializes in flightseeing and plane tours, offering an unparalleled opportunity to witness Alaska's majestic landscapes from above. With Blue River Aviation, guests are not just passengers; they're explorers embarking on a journey to the heart of the Alaskan wilderness. Their experienced pilots and well-maintained aircraft ensure a safe, comfortable, and utterly unforgettable experience. It's an invitation to see the world from a new perspective, to uncover the hidden jewels of Alaska that are only visible from the air.

Glaciers, Mountains, and Wildlife: A Bird's Eye View

Imagine soaring over the vast expanse of the Denali National Park, home to North America's highest peak, or gliding past the shimmering face of a glacier that has stood for millennia. From the sky, the intricate patterns of ice and snow unfold beneath you, revealing a world of pristine beauty. Wildlife sightings become an exhilarating game of spot-the-creature, as you glimpse bears wandering through forests, moose traversing the tundra, and eagles soaring at your wingtip. Every flight is a new adventure, a chance to witness the untamed and untouched corners of Alaska in all their glory.

A Journey Through the Clouds

Embarking on a flightseeing tour is more than just an activity; it's a journey through the clouds that offers a profound connection with nature. It's about experiencing the scale of Alaska's landscapes, from the steep fjords and serene lakes to the endless horizons that stretch beyond imagination. This airborne adventure provides a unique sense of freedom and exhilaration, a feeling that resonates with the spirit of exploration and adventure that defines the Alaskan wilderness

Making Memories That Last a Lifetime

Seeing Alaska from the sky is not just about the views. It's about creating memories that will last a lifetime, about stories that you'll share for years to come. Whether you're a photography enthusiast capturing the perfect shot, a family looking for an extraordinary experience, or a solo traveler seeking the thrill of adventure, a flightseeing tour offers something for everyone. It's an opportunity to step away from the everyday and embrace the extraordinary, to see the world from a perspective that few ever will.

The Sky Awaits: Embark on Your Alaskan Adventure

Alaska's vast, untouched wilderness, with its blend of natural beauty and rugged landscapes, is a sight to behold from any angle. Yet, to truly appreciate the scale and splendor of the Last Frontier, you need to see it from the sky. As you plan your Alaskan adventure, consider making a flightseeing tour part of your journey.

With the sky as your canvas and the earth's majestic beauty below, it's an experience that promises to be as unforgettable as Alaska itself. The sky awaits; are you ready to explore?