CALUMPIT, Bulacan – The environmental justice group BAN Toxics, in partnership with various stakeholders, recently led the observance of International Plastic Bag Free Day 2025 in this town.

Thony Dizon, Advocacy and Campaign Officer of BAN Toxics, said the group collaborated with the local government of Calumpit headed by Mayor Lem Faustino, along with Eco-Laya, FiliPhiNous, Environmental Science students from Bulacan State University, the El Mercado de Calumpit Vendors Association, and #MalinisNaIlog. Together, they spearheaded a public awareness drive at the El Mercado de Calumpit Public Market.

The campaign aimed to educate residents on the health and environmental risks of plastic waste, promote eco-friendly alternatives, and empower the community to embrace a toxics-free, waste-free lifestyle.

The group encouraged the use of biodegradable alternatives such as bayongs made from buri, pandan, water lily, abaca, rattan, and durable canvas or cotton bags. They also warned against so-called “eco-bags” made from plastic-based materials like polypropylene, polyester, and nylon, which still contribute to the plastic waste crisis.

“The plastics crisis is urgent,” said Dizon. “Toxic chemicals are released throughout the plastic lifecycle, and single-use bags are a major contributor. Today serves as a call for the government, industries, and the public to implement a nationwide ban on single-use plastics and shift to safer, sustainable alternatives.”

In response to the growing global plastic crisis, the 2022 UN resolution established the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) to develop a Global Plastics Treaty —a legally binding agreement to end plastic pollution.

BAN Toxics continues to actively participate in the treaty negotiations, advocating for strong measures to significantly reduce plastic production. The next round of talks, INC-5.2, is scheduled for August 5–14, 2025, at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, following the previous session held in Busan, South Korea.

📷 BAN Toxics