Single-use plastics persist in the environment for centuries, intensifying climate and social risks for vulnerable communities.

Building on the momentum of Zero Waste Month in January, the Climate Change Commission (CCC) reboots and expands its advocacy through the “Bawal Plastik Dito” online campaign, strengthening the national call to reduce single-use plastics and promote responsible consumption and sustainable alternatives.

Rolled out through a series of informational and interactive materials on the Commission’s digital platforms, the anti single-use plastics (SUP) campaign aims to move public discourse beyond awareness and clean-up efforts, and toward long-term behavior change and systemic action.

CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje underscored that addressing plastic pollution is a climate imperative, particularly for a country highly vulnerable to climate risks.

“Single-use plastics are not just a waste issue, they are a climate issue. From production to disposal, plastics contribute to emissions, degrade ecosystems, and place additional burdens on communities already exposed to climate impacts,” Borje said. “Reducing our dependence on disposability is a necessary step toward building climate resilience.”

Anchored on the Commission’s earlier “Bawal Plastik Dito” sticker-pack initiative, the rebooted campaign expands into a year-long information drive to reinforce message recall and sustain public engagement beyond one-off observances. It also supports the implementation of existing laws and policies on plastic waste by translating national commitments into clear, actionable messages that empower individuals and institutions to act.

“By encouraging practical choices and supporting systemic change, we can reduce plastic pollution while advancing climate adaptation and ecological protection,” Borje added. “The solutions are within reach, but they require collective action.”

Ultimately, the CCC emphasized that addressing plastic pollution goes beyond managing waste. It requires rethinking consumption patterns, redesigning systems, and choosing a development pathway that does not depend on disposability. 

For more information on the CCC’s climate mainstreaming programs and partnerships, visit www.climate.gov.ph and www.facebook.com/CCCPhl.