Hello everyone! I'm Erika, Rappler's Intern under envi. I'm looking forward for today's discussion ^_^

Nice!

Hi! I'm Marian Ledesma from Greenpeace Philippines. We're currently working promoting reuse and refill solutions like our project Kuha sa Tingi. Sa policy naman, we push for plastic bans and the Global Plastics Treaty. YOu might have also seen our work pressuring corporations to reduce their plastic production and shifting to reuse

I think most people here are familiar with Greenpeace one way or another, as you're one of the most visible envi orgs in PH and the world :)

We collab with other orgs sa campaigns namin, like I work with Arpita and other partners for plastics treaty work and other policies.

Helloooo @Marian

Hi, @julian cirineo!! :D

Ah you know each other na pala! @Marian @Arpita

Yeah!

Hello! I'm Arpita from GAIA Asia Pacific with our regional head office in Manila, Philippines. We have grassroots ngos and groups as members with over 100+ members in Asia Pacific alone. I work on plastics related policy issues including national, regional and international policies to enable transition to plastic-free, toxic-free, Just Zero Waste systems. :) i'm based in Mumbai, India btw
PS: I'm struggling with the rappler platform so expect delays. Sorry!

(Glad to have you back, Arpita! :D )

Fun fact: I'm an ex-Greenpeace staff myself :P

Thanks for joining us @Arpita!

Yes, of course we know and LOVE each other

Baka you can both share your experiences campaigning for zero waste? What are the usual challenges? How do these efforts "keep up" ~ with the mounting plastic problem?

As with any environmental or social campaign, there are definitely challenges and it can seem like it'll always be an uphill climb, especially when corporations or industries with their billions are against the change the movement is working toward. Also if the government isn't aligned, it can be hard. But it's not all doom and gloom naman. May pockets of hope naman. That's what I like to call the efforts, esp ones led by communities, which result in clear wins or people rising up to get justice or when groups advance solutions

Speaking of pockets of hope, Greenpeace has this initiative to institutionalize refill systems in sari-sari stores right?

So, I have shuffled between climate and plastics campaigns. Zero Waste, as a concept and a goal, came to my life via GAIA in 2014 when I had initiated campaign on menstrual hygiene waste or sustainable menstruation as we called it in India.
Challenges are multifold:
- Corporate and industry influence is one of the biggest one. On finance, narratives, nexus with government bodies
- Behavior change among the public
- Enabling policy ecosystems - 2 examples: support for small Zero Waste businesses for example, stopping plastic subsidies which make the material so cheap
- Putting frontline and fenceline community voices in the forefront is one of the key factors for success of any Zero Waste or sustainable change

Challenge ang lack of policies or regulations, or the presence of ones that aren't people-centered or guided by environmental justice principles. Another is that often orgs and communities don't have the resources to match the pushback of big companies... But we all have to keep at it to drive plastic production down, kasi the overproduction of plastics is really at the root of this whole crisis

The resources in the anti-plastics movement in terms of funding is also limited while we are fighting against corporations with much, much more power which is why solidarity and networks and movements such as GAIA, BFFP and Greenpeace have a crucial role in empowering the movement

Other groups and MSMEs are also providing solutions na refill or reuse in our communities. Hopefully more will get onboard and we can reach more people, make them see that going zero waste can be for everybody

If anyone's interested to read up on Kuha sa Tingi, we reported about it last March https://www.rappler.com/philippines/metro-manila/refill-hubs-solution-store-owners-buyers-report/

Plastic is fossil fuel industry's Plan B as renewables gain cost parity with traditional electricity, therefore, their interests in keeping volumes of polymer production up are quite high. as marian says, an uphill battle

To either @Arpita or @Marian, do you think the discussion on plastics has caught up to the level that climate change discussions have reached in the last few decades?

Resources, funding really move the campaign no? Specially when you're moving against big corporations

Yes. I'm sure in this group people are familiar with the link of plastics to fossil fuels (99% of plastic are from oil, coal and gas). But sometimes people are surprised about how plastic pollution is linked to the climate emergency, hindi lang biodiversity loss... And when we call for reduction in plastic production, the fossil fuel industry also feels the pressure.

Exactly! In the last Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee meeting (INC-4) in Canada in April, we saw an overwhelming amount of corporate ads with the narrative "plastic saves lives" and much worse everywhere, starting at the airport itself

There are a lot of lobbyists from the industry right?

I think in terms of people wanting to act on the problem, there is large support for solutions and people in general want to act on it. However, there's a lot of focus on the waste management side of things (yung downstream or post-consumer disposal). We need more conversations on the upstream and production side, because that's where plastic pollution really starts.

For those not familiar pala, can you explain what happened in the INC4 in Canada? What was the meeting for?

196 lobbyists for the fossil fuel and chemical industry registered for the plastics treaty talks, a 37% increase from the 143 lobbyists registered at INC-3. https://www.ciel.org/news/fossil-fuel-and-chemical-industry-influence-inc4/

INC-4 is shorthand for the 4th intergovernmental negotiating committee meeting to develop a Global Plastics Treaty. Yung goal of the treaty is to end plastic pollution and address it throughout its entire lifecycle - which should be from extraction of fossil fuels and plastic production until sa disposal.

thanks Marian! However, it is unlikely that in Busan, the final draft would be ready given the "progress" (or lack thereof) in the process so far

GAIA, Greenpeace and our allies are campaigning to make sure that countries making money from oil and plastic don't remove the provisions that require a reduction in plastic production... hehe I keep mentioning plastic production kasi it's very crucial that it remains in the treaty. One reason is it's necessary na may ganun because it's the only way to stay on track for keeping global temp rise under 1.5 degrees. Another is that with reduction, we can prevent the health and envi effects of the plastic lifecycle

hello. may we know how can we bring Kuha sa Tingi in our own cities?

Some say that the global plastics treaty is the biggest agreement daw, if adopted, since the 2015 Paris Agreement...

Hehehe yes. The idea was to finish by this year, but will all the blockers, we may not get it in 2024. This is fine though. We'd rather have a slight delay and compromise on timeline, as opposed to compromising on substance of the text and getting an ineffective treaty without the right provisions.

You see plastics are a complex, ubiquitous material (polymer + chemical additives) and plastic pollution is a transboundary social/economic/environmental issue which makes this prospective instrument such a big deal as well as very challenging to finalise

We have a report online at act.gp/reuserefill that outlines how we did the whole process. We'd like people to use it as a blueprint to start their own refilling. It depends on where you are, but in NCR we can refer you to where you can get starter kits or other suppliers so you can do refilling on your own.

Am curious, what are the provisions in the treaty that were highly contested in previous meetings?

It'll definitely be a huge step forward in addressing the crisis and it'll contribute rin to climate action and work around protecting biodiversity.

Agree, I actually think we might miss a lot of details if we compromise to force an agreement, considering that talks only started last year.

Yes, it's important not to rush it. Some countries are trying to force this to be done, but thankfully there are ambitious countries rin that are making sure the treaty doesn't fall short.

What are problematic plastics? o.O And why is this provision...problematic for some countries? Hehe

Problematic Plastics is a term introduced by UNEP in the Zero draft text. It essentially implies plastics of high concern or hazardous plastics

Some of the blocker countries just want this to become some waste management treaty/agreement which isn't what's needed to solve the problem. We can't just keep relying on proper disposal or recycling (and definitely not waste-burning or incineration), because these have been around for decades and haven't done anything to stop the problem from getting worse.

Hazard based criteria for evaluation of the safety of plastics is what is recommended by scientists

If it becomes a "waste management treaty" it stops short of becoming truly...revolutionary :/

it basically would be a waste of time and resources

It could mean reducing or stopping the profits for businesses or countries getting rich from fossil fuels and the plastic industry... Sadly, their profit takes precedence over the negative effect ng plastic on people and nature. Pretty much countering the goal of the treaty. 🫠 For us, sachets and many other types of flexible plastic packaging are plastics we need to restrict na.

Agree, we need a treaty that addresses the full life cycle of plastics.

latest studies: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/s-e-asia-tops-global-intake-of-microplastics-with-indonesians-eating-15g-a-month-study
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/article/2024/may/20/microplastics-human-testicles-study-sperm-counts

Yes this narrative really drives me nuts. Plastic as a material is THE problem for so many reasons

Basically (and as my last question), what are the future developments we should monitor in the next few months/the following year regarding the global plastics treaty?

In August there will be intersessional work that will cover different areas and there will be country-led initiatives to come up with different positions and technical documents leading up to INC-5 in Busan.

Concerned citizens and the media should follow the discussions around reduction of plastic production, problematic plastics, hazardous chemicals and circularity (which includes reuse and refill). They need to help get more people to monitor the progress and raise awareness around the issue.

The politics is really the key factor at this stage in what happens next. We saw clearly the global north and south divide in last INC which would pave way in the days to come.
Intersessional meetings (these are meetings between two INCs) will take place on two issues as agreed - financial mechanism and chemicals + polymers of concern. Civil society is not included in these which is a big concern for us. We are trying to advocate for our inclusion as rightsholders and partners. Media can play a big role in amplifying this exclusion (access has been a historical issue with INCs). The outcome of these intersessional meetings will go into informing INC5 in busan which is the first INC in Asia so a big moment for us to highlight the historical injustices through waste colonialism and industry pollution on our lands and water but also showcase our Zero Waste solutions

Vital rin that you engage people on the right or genuine solutions -whether that's reuse, refill or reduction - so that we don't see countries promoting harmful technologies (like waste-to-energy, refuse-derived-fuel, incineration, etc).

https://wedocs.unep.org/bitstream/handle/20.500.11822/45639/ISW_concept_note.pdf

Right! We'll be sure to follow and cover the developments so more people get engaged. And to heighten pressure too!

Noted re: media following the discussions :D

It's high time we have a global treaty on a problem we've known for so long

concept note on intersessional work

Important point, definitely, that Asia is hosting INC-5

YES

Yes! Media and the informing the general public is so important. Otherwise, people may not know what's happening even though they are directly impacted by all this. At the same time, media helps expose the truths and fact checks claims.

https://www.unep.org/inc-plastic-pollution/session-5

The difference with COP and the GPT is that more people are aware and engaged around COPs, but GPT hindi pa as familiar or popular, so sometimes countries countering the treaty or the right provisions can get away with the worst.

More coverage = more transparency. Hopefully!

Climate COP could create impact only after young people joined in and generated pressure

Thank you so much @Marian and @Arpita for sharing your insights on this issue!! Hoping to talk to you more as we follow the developments in this treaty :)

We need to make plastics treaty that moment to mobilize our youth and our people everywhere

Thank you too to all those who joined the chat!

We will definitely tap into your expertise as we follow this issue closely @Marian @Arpita thank you for joining us tonight! :)

Salamat po!

Thanks for inviting us to chat about the treaty. Excited to have more people following and engaging others around this.

Maybe in November, we can have you as guests for a Green Report show? :) Hehe

Feel free to send questions to Greenpeace Philippines if you're curious about the GPT or follow our channels for more info.

Some work always leads to more work haha. Have a good evening everyone. thank you for listening

Thank you everyone!

Yeah, would be happy to. We can also send materials like photos, videos and updates from INC-5. Just let us know.

so much material that you would hate us :P

hahaha true.

Cheers!

Hahaha not a problem for us!

For those interested to learn more about the global plastic pollution treaty @here, you can check our discussion above, and let's continue talking about this important issue in this channel!

Have a great night, Arpita and everyone here. ❤️

Happy Friday, everyone! How's your week so far? I hope you're having a good one!

Marcos gov’t cuts tariffs on imported rice from 35% to 15%
NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan first disclosed about this plan in early June, saying the move 'aims to lower the price of rice further and make it more affordable'

Read the full article here:
https://www.rappler.com/business/marcos-jr-government-cuts-tariffs-imported-rice-june-2024/

Philippines logs first Q fever case, culls infected goats from US
The Bureau of Animal Industry has culled more than five dozen imported goats in a Marinduque facility

Read the full article here:
https://www.rappler.com/philippines/first-q-fever-case-june-21-2024/

Tariffs are a burden to us consumers. While it may protect some 3 million rice farmers, the entire country is carrying the burden of higher rice prices. We should find a way to compete with rice imports instead of artificial barriers like tariffs.

Armyworms ravage 177 hectares of farmland in Negros Occidental
Local experts blame El Niño for the infestation due to unpredictable weather and weakened crops

Read the full article here:
https://www.rappler.com/philippines/visayas/armyworm-infestation-farmlands-negros-occidental-june-2024/

Hello! Sharing here some photos I took in an exhibit at the New York Public Library. The exhibit was called "The Awe of the Arctic: A Visual History." There were many books displayed that documented flora and fauna in the Arctic. It was so cool; it was a mix of history and science. One of my favorites was a photo depicting a voyager getting eaten by a polar bear – all events in one frame.

@Laurice Angeles Interesting! Based on a true story ba yung photo haha

Traveling ‘Biodiversity Crisis Escape Room’ moves to Palawan
The USAID-funded 'Biodiversity Crisis Escape Room,' where participants must solve biodiversity puzzles and challenges before they can exit the room, will be in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, from June 29 to 30

Read the full article here:
https://www.rappler.com/environment/traveling-biodiversity-crisis-escape-room-palawan-june-2024/

@here From @Iya Gozum:

Here are scenes of the last preparations before Philippine eagles Carlito & Uswag are released in Leyte on Friday, June 28. They had checkups, then had GPS trackers installed on their backs.

Their release means a reintroduction of the species in Leyte where sightings of the raptor died down after Yolanda.

Sharing @Iya Gozum's story @here! https://www.rappler.com/philippines/visayas/eagles-carlito-uswag-released-anonang-lobi-mountain-range-leyte/

Bornean elephants endangered due to human activity, wildlife experts say
'It's a small population, and it could easily disappear if we just let development happen without any conservation actions,' says Craig Hilton-Taylor, head of the IUCN Red List Unit

Read the full article here:
https://www.rappler.com/environment/nature/bornean-elephants-endangered-june-28-2024/

Some Vietnam coffee farms thrive despite drought, but may not stop espresso price hikes
Vietnam is the world's top producer of robusta beans, the variety most commonly found in espressos and instant coffees

Read the full article here:
https://www.rappler.com/business/vietnam-coffee-farms-drought-espresso-price-hikes-2024/

Hello! Already posted the top environment stories for June! #TheGreenReport Check them here in our bulletin board :) https://communities.rappler.com/ytUTSmRbUiTCeeZEWA/mvUzaMfhCdhafjnpCT/board/168

In Case You Missed It: Did you know that a total of 663 farmers from 40 villages in nine local government units of Negros Occidental have been affected by the fall armyworm infestation, which has already spread to cities like Himamaylan and Kabankalan?

Read the full article here:
https://www.rappler.com/philippines/visayas/fall-armyworm-infestation-widens-localities-negros-occidental/

Philippine diving town swaps trash for rice to clean up its beaches
Since the rice-for-trash program of Mabini, Batangas began nearly two years ago, more than 4.3 metric tons of plastic waste have been collected, while 2.6 tons of rice have been distributed

Read the full article here:
https://www.rappler.com/environment/philippine-diving-town-swaps-trash-rice-clean-up-beaches/

Farmers’ groups want TRO vs EO 62, reduction in rice tariffs
Under Executive Order 62, the Philippine government cut rice tariffs from 35% to 15% in a bid to lower prices of the food staple, among others

Read the full article here:
https://www.rappler.com/philippines/farmers-groups-want-temporary-restraining-order-eo-62-reduction-rice-tariffs/

Environmental issues the Marcos gov’t faced in second year in office
From environmental defender killings to the illegal Chocolate Hills structures, here are the environmental issues that the Marcos administration faced in its second year in office

Read the full article here:
https://www.rappler.com/environment/issues-marcos-jr-administration-year-2/

Filipino scientists lead cultivation of sea cucumbers in coastal areas
Due to the demand for these luxury food delicacies, sea cucumber fisheries suffered from a boom and bust in the mid-1990s, says marine scientist Marie Antonette Juinio-Meñez

Read the full article here:
https://www.rappler.com/environment/filipino-scientists-lead-cultivation-sea-cucumbers-coastal-areas/

Hello envi chat room! We're having a brief convo in the 🛐 faith chat room about the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) plenary assembly that concluded today - and that tackled a number of issues related to ecology. We're speaking with @Rodne Galicha, executive director of Living Laudato Si' Philippines, from 5 to 5:20 pm today. See you there!

Sharing this story with you - on CBCP speaking out on the environment: https://www.rappler.com/philippines/report-catholic-bishops-donations-mining-companies-cbcp/

In Case You Missed It: Did you know that the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) urged Filipinos to report bishops who accept donations from mining companies? This is part of the Catholic Church's commitment to reject donations from firms that harm the environment.

Read the full article here:
https://www.rappler.com/philippines/report-catholic-bishops-donations-mining-companies-cbcp/

Hi all! Some good news? Philippines is now host country for the loss and damage fund. This is the fund that would help vulnerable countries (like us...) weather the adverse impacts of climate change.

Thanks Iya! Since the Philippines is not only championing loss and damage issues but is also experiencing and will experiences more loss and damages if parties are not able to take genuine action and deliver finance. We very well know that ST Yolanda experience strengthened the resolve to adopt the Warsaw International Mechanism on Loss and Damage in 2013.

@Rodne Galicha What's next for us after this development re: the Philippines' hosting of the Board?

In Case You Missed It: Did you know Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio showed support for Masungi Georeserve, calling on Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to protect the area? The Department of Environment and Natural Resources issued a statement in response, emphasizing that 'no one is exempt from the law.'

Read the full article here:
https://www.rappler.com/environment/marcos-second-year-ruined-protected-areas-save-them/

yes! hahaha

THINK BEFORE YOU ADD TO CART! 🛒

According to the United Nations, the average consumer in the 21st century buys 60% more pieces of clothing compared to 20 years ago, no thanks to the era of fast fashion – which is responsible for between 2% and 8% of greenhouse gas emissions worldwide.

How do you put together a killer outfit without killing the environment? Join our conversation @here with @Jean Dee on Thursday, July 18. See you!