Loren Shares Simple Ways to Save the Earth

In observance of Earth Day today, Senator Loren Legarda shared simple, doable ways to protect the environment.

“There are many simple actions we can do every day to save the planet. These practices can easily be part of our lifestyle,” said Legarda.

The Senator said that people should eat more local, plant-based food, noting that food that comes from distant places utilizes more energy for transportation and preservation, therefore resulting in more carbon emissions.

“I plant vegetables in my garden so I am able to eat them fresh. We should encourage families to plant vegetables in their backyards or community vacant lots, or to cultivate pinakbet gardens to provide food on the table and address malnourishment,” she explained.

She also said that traditional energy and water conservation measures remain relevant—use low-wattage appliances, turn off and unplug electronics when not in use, turn off lights when leaving a room, open curtains for natural lighting, gather and store rainwater for daily chores, turn off faucets properly, repair leaking pipes and running toilets immediately, and other similar practices.

Moreover, energy- and cost-efficient transport modes, like walking, biking, taking public transport, and carpooling, should be considered whenever possible.

Legarda supports a multi-modal transport system, wherein people can choose different modes of transportation depending on their needs—walking or biking for short distances, and safe, reliable, inexpensive and convenient public transportation system for long distance trips.

She also said that in building, designing or refurbishing our homes, recycled and indigenous building materials should be used instead of buying new and expensive ones.

She likewise stressed the importance of practising ecological solid waste management, starting with segregation at source.

Every household should have separate trash cans for biodegradable and food waste, recyclables or residual waste, and special or hazardous waste, including busted lamps, radio and cellphone batteries; while paper that can be recycled should be placed flat in a box or in a paper bag.

Bring containers when going to the market or the grocery to avoid using plastic bags. Reusable containers can be used in purchasing fish, meat and other poultry products; while bayong and reusable cloth bags can be used for other items.

Legarda is the Chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change and the UNISDR Global Champion for Resilience. She has authored several environmental laws including the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, Clean Air Act, Renewable Energy Act, Environmental Awareness and Education Act, Climate Change Act, the People’s Survival Fund Law, and the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act.***