Zero Waste RIDING THE WAVE TO SUSTAINABILITY Numero Lim * GRRN * San Diego, USA * July 2010

Stewardship for a Greener Philippines President Aquino highlighted the National Greening Program in his State of the Nation Address this year. The coffee plant and the cacao tree in being included in a massive reforestation program (plant 1.5 billion trees in some 1.5 million hectares by 2016 ) because government wanted not only to “plant and conserve trees,” but at the same time, “address the issues of poverty and food security as well,” especially for residents in the countryside.

Total Plastic Bag Ban Act of 2011 Senator Loren Legarda has filed SBN 2759 otherwise known as the Total Plastic Bag Ban Act of Prohibits groceries, supermarkets, restaurants, fast food chains, department stores and other retail stores and establishments nation-wide from using non-biodegradable plastic bags.

The Green Building Standard No building construction will be allowed in Quezon City starting April without complying with green building standards. Tax credits worth up to 25% of the structure’s property tax will be awarded to existing property owners that comply. The green building standard mandates the use of eco-friendly technology and systems in the planning, design, construction, operation and maintenance of building, including retrofitting building projects in the city. -Use of renewable energy - Installation of insulation and energy reduction and efficiency mechanisms - Solid waste and waste water treatment schemes - Reduction systems for greenhouse gases and other volatile organic compounds

Use of Renewable Energy MMDA - Solar power for streetlights could save at least P4.5 million every month in operations and maintenance expenses. City of Manila - proposed ordinance to make the use of solar power mandatory in all government offices in the city was approved on first reading

The Solar Bottle Bulb Project The City of Manila painted a bright green future for families living in one of the informal settlements in the city during the launching of community- based solar lighting project that benefited at least 120 make-shift homes

The Solar Bottle Bulb Project The City of Manila and My Shelter Foundation has introduced the “Isang Litrong Liwanag” to Manila residents in an effort to give them natural sunlight to replace a basic light bulb that often is even used all day in homes that don’t have a window to access available light. And it can even be brighter than a real light bulb.

Multi-Sectoral Green Initiatives Development Bank of the Philippines: Eco-friendly Government Office The Development Bank of the Philippines was awarded the 2011 Environmental Excellence Award at the very first Recognition Awards for Eco-friendly Government Offices.

Multi-Sectoral Green Initiatives In Manila, Coca-Cola and the World Wildlife Foundation (WWF) has partnered to produced a 60×60 foot billboard advertisement made out of 3600 Fukien tea plants. Coca-Cola’s Green Billboard

Multi-Sectoral Green Initiatives Estero (waterways) rehabilitation campaign Metro Manila leaders were convened to learn more about the Linis Estero project that’s being pushed by the government.