Ochie Tolentino

𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐦 𝐡𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐭 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐜𝐲𝐜𝐥𝐞
𝘈 𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘳𝘦𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘴𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘊𝘰𝘤𝘢-𝘊𝘰𝘭𝘢 𝘮𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘣𝘦 “𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘥 𝘢𝘤𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘶𝘱𝘱𝘭𝘺 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘴.”

Full report: https://defendourhealth.org/campaigns/plastic-pollution/hiddenhazards/

A new report by Defend our Health and the Beyond Petrochemicals campaign, titled "Hidden Hazards: The Chemical Footprint of a Plastic Bottle," exposes the dangers associated with plastic bottles. The report highlights the health, environmental, and climate risks linked to polyethylene terephthalate (PET), the common plastic used in these bottles. From the harmful air emissions during petrochemical manufacturing to the release of cancer-causing toxins during consumption and disposal, the report unveils the hazardous nature of PET bottles. Additionally, it sheds light on how chemical manufacturers and beverage companies contribute to environmental racism in the production of PET bottles.

The beverage industry globally purchases over 500 billion plastic bottles each year, equivalent to nearly one million bottles per minute. In the United States alone, beverage companies produce around 100 billion plastic bottles annually, with The Coca-Cola Company being one of the largest consumers of PET bottles worldwide. The production of PET involves numerous chemicals, including ethylene oxide (EtO), a highly carcinogenic substance emitted by chemical manufacturers. It also utilizes antimony, which disproportionately affects Black and Latinx communities. Furthermore, the energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions associated with chemical manufacturing exceed those of most other industries, trailing only behind steel and cement. Consequently, the lifecycle of plastic bottles poses significant risks to health, environmental justice, and the climate at every crucial stage.

𝗘𝗰𝗼𝗪𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗟𝗮𝘂𝗱𝘀 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗼𝘅𝗶𝗰 𝗕𝗮𝗯𝘆 𝗕𝗶𝗯𝘀 𝗢𝗳𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗵𝗲𝗹𝘃𝗲𝘀
Read more: https://bit.ly/3MKDXfs

The EcoWaste Coalition praised MR. D.I.Y., a popular chain store, for removing a child care product containing a banned plastic chemical. The product, MR. D.I.Y. Plastic Baby Bib, was found to contain di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) in a laboratory analysis, prompting the group to request the store to cease its sale and dispose of remaining stock responsibly. DEHP is a phthalate, an industrial chemical added to plastics like PVC for flexibility, but it is known to be an endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC) and has been linked to cancer in animals. Even small amounts of phthalates can disrupt the endocrine system, leading to various health issues. The US Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) prohibits DEHP concentrations greater than 0.1% in children's toys and child care articles. The EcoWaste Coalition also discovered other child care articles, including reusable baby panties and a diaper changing mat, containing banned phthalates from different retailers. Consequently, the group advocates for an expanded ban on toxic phthalates in all children's goods. They emphasize the need for stronger regulations and ingredient transparency to protect children from phthalates and other EDCs in products and the environment.

Plastics have become an essential part of modern life due to their versatility and convenience. However, their long-lasting nature contributes significantly to the environmental crisis we face today. Plastic production involves extracting and refining non-renewable fossil fuels, resulting in greenhouse gas emissions and environmental degradation.

Single-use plastics worsen the issue as they persist in the environment for centuries. Plastics do not biodegrade but break down into smaller fragments known as microplastics through a slow process called photodegradation, taking hundreds of years to fully degrade. These microplastics contaminate water bodies, soil, and even the air, harming marine life and ecosystems. Plastic pollution has far-reaching consequences, including wildlife mortality and potential risks to human health. Plastics in landfills and oceans pose long-term environmental implications, leaching harmful chemicals and harming biodiversity.

Addressing the plastic crisis requires collective action, including reducing plastic consumption, implementing effective recycling programs, and promoting sustainable alternatives. Immediate action is crucial to mitigate the adverse impact of plastics on the environment, wildlife, and human health.

Sign our SUP ban petition: tinyurl.com/supbanpetition

𝗔𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗮 𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗲𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗻𝘀 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝘄𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗲, 𝗨𝗡𝗘𝗣 “𝗧𝘂𝗿𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗮𝗽” 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗯𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝘄𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗻𝘀: 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝘆 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝘃𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝘆 𝗻𝗲𝗴𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀
Read more: https://bit.ly/3pW8Q7w

Australia's decision to reopen plastic waste exports ahead of global Plastics Treaty negotiations in Paris has drawn criticism. The move comes after a five-year ban on waste exports, imposed due to revelations of waste dumping in China and Southeast Asian countries. These nations, including Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines, struggle to manage plastic waste, causing harm to communities and marine environments.

The decision is seen as a regressive approach to waste management, reflecting a colonialist mindset of externalizing pollution. It highlights a history of failed national plastic waste regulation and a disarrayed national plastic waste policy. Critics argue that Australia should focus on addressing the plastic waste crisis by implementing a cap on plastic production, rather than resorting to waste exports.

In a contradictory development, the UN has recommended burning plastic waste in cement kilns, a practice known for its pollution and health risks to workers and neighboring communities. Critics believe that the waste industry's influence on such recommendations and Australian policy is problematic.

Australia's commitment to the UNEA High Ambition Coalition to End Plastic Pollution is questioned as the country fails to take real action on agreed Global Strategic Goals. Instead, Australia invests in false solutions like burning plastic waste and controversial technologies, while neglecting to reduce plastic consumption and production. The country has allocated substantial funds to waste recycling infrastructure, but it contradicts the need for urgent plastic production reduction.

A recent UNEP report, "Turning off the Tap," appears to overlook its own message by promoting plastic recycling and burning in cement kilns as solutions, despite these approaches failing to curtail plastic production. The fossil fuel and petrochemicals sector, backed by wealthy OECD nations like Australia, continues to dominate international negotiations, delaying effective action against this global climate, ecological, and health threat.

Calls are made for Australia to honor its commitments, cease all plastic waste exports, and deliver on agreed Global Strategic Goals. The exemptions granted to waste management facilities for exporting hazardous waste are criticized, as they disregard the impacts of plastic pollution on the environment and human rights. Various organizations and individuals express disappointment with Australia's decision, urging the country to prioritize source reduction and take responsibility for its own waste rather than exporting harm under the guise of recycling.

𝗪𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗢𝘂𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗕𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗧𝗼𝘆𝘀
Read more: https://bit.ly/3BqAVX7

The non-profit organization EcoWaste Coalition is urging parents and child caregivers to keep water-absorbing plastic beads away from children due to the hazards they pose. This comes after Health Canada issued a public advisory warning about water beads, which can cause aspiration, choking, and injuries that may require surgery. The beads, often sold without proper authorization, labels, or warnings, can be harmful if swallowed or inserted into the ears or nose. Health Canada reported several cases of injuries related to water beads, including severe cases requiring medical intervention. In the United States, there have been numerous incidents involving water beads causing harm, with ingestion and insertion into the ear and nasal cavity being the most common. The EcoWaste Coalition previously urged the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to issue a public health warning about water beads. These polymer beads, which can expand significantly when in contact with water, are often sold as decorative items or developmental toys for children. Similar warnings have been issued in Australia and European countries to prevent choking or injuries. The EcoWaste Coalition is once again requesting the FDA to issue a public health warning to protect Filipino children from these dangerous toys.

𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 | 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽𝘀 𝗟𝗮𝘂𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗕𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝘄𝗼 𝗧𝗼𝘅𝗶𝗰 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗛𝗮𝘇𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗣𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗱𝗲
Read more: https://bit.ly/42zBObB

The EcoWaste Coalition and the Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability - IDIS lauded the decision last Friday by over 120 countries to add UV-328, Dechlorane Plus (DP) and methoxychlor among the highly toxic chemicals targeted for global elimination under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), which the Philippines ratified in 2004.

At the 11th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP-11) to the Stockholm Convention, government negotiators agreed to add plastic additive UV-328 and flame retardant DP (also often used in plastics) and the pesticide methoxychlor under Annex A of the treaty, which is a growing list of the worst POPs that will be subjected for a global ban. However, the COP also agreed to some exemptions that will permit continued use of UV-328 and DP and cause harm to health and the environment for decades.

As members of the International Pollutants Elimination Network (IPEN), the EcoWaste Coalition and IDIS participated in a global study that found UV-328 in spilled or lost pre-production plastic pellets found on beaches and in recycled plastic pellets collected in 35 countries, including the Philippines. A related study also found UV-328 in children’s toys and hair accessories, which is particularly alarming due to its toxicity and endocrine disrupting effects.

“We laud COP-11 for agreeing to get rid of DP, UV-328 and methoxychlor in keeping with the promise of the Stockholm Convention to protect human health and the environment from these highly dangerous chemicals. Eliminating these POPs and targeting additional POPs for action is essential to redirect the economy onto a non-toxic circular path and ensure environmental health and justice across the globe,” said Aileen Lucero, National Coordinator, EcoWaste Coalition.

Atty. Mark Peñalver, Executive Director of IDIS, also commended the COP-11, saying “the decision to list UV-328 and DP for global elimination will strengthen civil society’s push at the national level to prohibit the use of toxic chemical ingredients in plastics and phase out products and packaging materials containing substances that are hazardous to human beings, wildlife and the ecosystems.”

Several countries also called for specific requirements that would make it possible to identify materials and wastes containing DP and UV-328. However, while there are provisions in the Convention to identify these “to the extent practicable,” some Parties were strongly opposed to including requirements for labeling or other means of identification in these two listing decisions. Instead, the Convention’s scientific review committee is tasked with evaluating options for identifying POPs in products and waste.

“The COP took an important step today toward protecting human health and the environment from three chemicals linked to serious health conditions and threats to biodiversity,” said Dr. Sara Brosché, a Science Advisor with IPEN. “But we are disappointed that financial interests caused unnecessary and dangerous exemptions that will lead to ongoing toxic exposures, especially for waste workers and communities in low- and middle-income countries where materials containing these chemicals often end up.”

“It is clear that some countries are reluctant to put the necessary systems in place that would help keep track of these hazardous materials. The only solution is to move quickly to eliminate these and other toxic chemicals and adopt safer alternatives,” she pointed out.

During the negotiations this week, IPEN and its members from the Czech Republic, Kenya and Thailand released important studies to support decisive actions at the global level on banned and candidate POPs.

An IPEN study with Prague-based Arnika Association and Ecological Alert and Recovery – Thailand (EARTH) found high levels of DP in the blood, food chain, and communities of Thai plastic e-waste workers. DP often serves as a flame retardant in plastics used for electronics and the auto industry, but the study showed that when these toxic plastics are dismantled for recycling, e-waste workers suffer significant exposures to the toxic flame retardant. Compared to a reference group of nearby organic farm workers, on average the waste worker's blood contained 40 times higher levels of DP.

“The results of our study show contamination of toxic chemicals in the local food chain and the blood of e-waste workers, underscoring the importance of transparency in the regulation of chemicals in electronic and plastic waste,” said Thitikorn Boontongmai, EARTH's Toxic Waste and Industrial Pollution Program Manager. “With labeling of toxic chemicals, workers and communities throughout the plastic waste stream can be alerted when they need to take precautions. Everyone has a right to know when toxic chemicals threaten their bodies, their food, and their health.”

Another IPEN study with the Centre for Environment Justice and Development (CEJAD) released during the week of negotiations found high levels of banned POPs in recycled plastic toys and other products purchased in Kenya, demonstrating the lack of transparency needed for in tracking and informing exposed communities and consumers when waste and products contain the highly toxic chemicals.

𝗪𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗢𝘂𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝗹𝘆-𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗠𝗲𝗿𝗰𝘂𝗿𝘆-𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱
Read more: https://bit.ly/3MeFmKX | https://journal.com.ph/warning-out-on-newly-discovered-mercury-contaminated-facial-cream-from-thailand/

The EcoWaste Coalition, a toxics watchdog group, has discovered another facial cream imported from Thailand that contains mercury, a banned chemical in cosmetics. The cream, called 4K Plus 5X Whitening Cream, was found to have 3,058 parts per million (ppm) of mercury, which exceeds the allowable limit of one ppm set by the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive. The product label fails to disclose the mercury content and its potential health and environmental risks, instead focusing on its skin brightening effects.

This finding adds to the previous discoveries made by the EcoWaste Coalition, which identified 15 skin lightening products from Thailand, belonging to 10 different brands, that contain excessive levels of mercury. Most of these products were obtained from online shopping platforms. Aileen Lucero, the National Coordinator of the EcoWaste Coalition, emphasizes the need for stricter regulations and increased consumer awareness to safeguard vulnerable groups from mercury exposure through contaminated cosmetics.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for governmental actions, customs agent training, and media campaigns to halt the production, import, and export of skin lightening products containing mercury in compliance with the Minamata Convention on Mercury.

Mercury in cosmetic products can have detrimental effects on human health, including skin problems, reduced skin resistance to infections, and damage to the brain, nervous system, and kidneys with prolonged use. Moreover, when these products enter wastewater, the mercury can transform into methylmercury and enter the food chain, posing risks to pregnant women and their fetuses.

The EcoWaste Coalition is committed to continuously monitoring the market, including digital commerce, for hazardous cosmetics containing mercury and other harmful substances. Their objective is to educate and alert consumers while urging regulators and law enforcement agencies to take appropriate actions.

𝗨𝗡 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗛𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗧𝗼𝘅𝗶𝗰 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗖𝘆𝗰𝗹𝗲
Read more: https://bit.ly/42QwctI

A recent report released by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Secretariat of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions emphasizes the urgent need for global regulations on chemicals released throughout the life cycle of plastics. The report, titled "Chemicals in Plastics: A Technical Report," highlights the serious health and environmental risks associated with over 13,000 chemicals linked to plastics. It stresses the importance of addressing these invisible threats and promoting reduced plastic production in the upcoming Plastics Treaty negotiations in Paris.

The report reveals that hazardous chemicals can be emitted and released at every stage of the plastic life cycle, resulting in harmful exposures for ecosystems and humans. These chemicals have been linked to various

“With this UN-led technical review of chemicals in plastics, we expect negotiators to agree on concrete and just measures addressing the toxic harms caused by plastics to the health of people, wildlife and the ecosystems throughout the plastics life cycle. Coming from a country seriously impacted by plastic, waste and climate pollution, we urge our government and others to put the protection of public health and the environment at the center of the negotiations and thwart false solutions to the planetary plastic pollution crisis,” said Aileen Lucero, National Coordinator, EcoWaste Coalition.

𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝗹𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗯𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗱, 𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗸, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘀. 𝗡𝗼𝘄 𝗶𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝘆 𝗯𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀

Full Article here: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/may/01/plastic-is-already-in-blood-breast-milk-and-placentas-now-it-may-be-in-our-brains

Researchers at the University of Vienna have discovered plastic particles in the brains of mice just two hours after the mice ingested drinking water contaminated with plastic. The presence of these particles in the brain could potentially increase the risk of inflammation, neurological disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Short-term health effects such as cognitive impairment, neurotoxicity, altered neurotransmitter levels, and behavioral changes are also associated with microplastic contamination in the brain.

The study used polystyrene particles, commonly found in food packaging, to contaminate the drinking water given to the mice. The researchers found that nanoplastic particles, which are extremely small and invisible to the naked eye, were able to enter the mice's brains through a previously unknown biological mechanism. These particles were absorbed into cholesterol molecules on the brain's membrane surface and crossed the blood-brain barrier, a protective barrier that shields the brain from harmful substances.

In addition to ingestion through drinking water, plastics can also be inhaled nasally, leading to neurotoxicity and reduced functioning of brain enzymes. Plastics have been found in various parts of the human body, including the blood, organs, placentas, breast milk, and gastrointestinal systems. The chemicals present in plastics, known as carcinogens and hormone-disruptors, have been linked to negative health outcomes such as obesity, diabetes, reproductive disorders, and neurological impairments in fetuses and children.

𝗢𝗰𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵 is an annual celebration held in May to raise awareness about the importance of our oceans and the need for their conservation. One of the most pressing issues affecting our oceans today is plastic pollution. The proliferation of plastic waste poses a significant threat to marine life, ecosystems, and even human health. Marine animals often mistake plastic debris for food, leading to ingestion and entanglement, which can result in injury or death. Additionally, plastics break down into smaller microplastics that permeate the water column and accumulate in the tissues of marine organisms, eventually entering the human food chain through seafood consumption.

As we celebrate 𝗢𝗰𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵, let us remember that the well-being of our oceans is in our hands. By taking collective action to reduce plastic pollution, we can make a significant difference in preserving marine ecosystems for future generations. Every step we take towards a plastic-free ocean counts, whether it's refusing single-use plastics, participating in clean-up efforts, or advocating for policy changes. Together, let's work towards a sustainable and plastic-free future where our oceans thrive with abundant life and beauty.

𝗠𝗶𝗰𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘀 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗠𝗲𝘁𝗿𝗼 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗹𝗮 𝗮𝗶𝗿 - 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝘆

A recent study conducted by students from Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology has found microplastics in the air of Metro Manila. The study is the first of its kind and found Mandaluyong and Muntinlupa to have the most microplastics, while Malabon had the least among all LGUs in the National Capital Region. The team collected 864 cubic meters of air from each city for 12 hours in the daytime and found a total of 155 suspended atmospheric microplastics (SAMPs) from all 17 sampling stations across Metro Manila. The study highlights the risks that regular bystanders such as street sweepers, MMDA personnel, and commuters may face.

Link: https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/scitech/science/868244/microplastics-are-already-present-in-metro-manila-air-study-confirms/story/ #:~:text=Microplastics%20have%20been%20found%20floating,of%20the%20National%20Capital%20Region.

IPEN studies have found high levels of toxic POPs chemicals in many recycled plastic products, including children’s toys. Recycled plastics contain these chemicals because rules to keep POPs waste out of the recycling stream are not strong enough.

At BRSCOPs IPEN is calling for stronger rules for low POPs content in waste. Learn more https://bit.ly/3o5ejYX

𝗧𝗨𝗖𝗣, 𝗘𝗰𝗼𝗪𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝘆𝘀𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗔𝘀𝗯𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗼𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗥𝗼𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
Read more: https://bit.ly/3Vw5DaA | https://journal.com.ph/tucp-ecowaste-coalition-demand-listing-of-chrysotile-asbestos-in-rotterdam-convention/

Groups advocating for labor and chemical safety rights are calling on governments to include chrysotile asbestos among the hazardous chemicals that can only be traded with prior informed consent (PIC) of the importing country. The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines and the EcoWaste Coalition are urging countries blocking the listing of chrysotile asbestos under Annex III of the Rotterdam Convention to join the majority of countries seeking global consensus to control the international trade in chrysotile asbestos. The Rotterdam Convention’s Chemicals Review Committee has long recommended the inclusion of chrysotile asbestos among the industrial chemicals to be listed in Annex III. The TUCP and the EcoWaste Coalition are pushing for a comprehensive ban on asbestos to protect workers and the general public from this serious threat to human health.

READ: If you’re in Metro Manila, there’s a possibility that you might be inhaling air with microplastics already.

According to a recent study from the Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology, microplastics are already floating around in the air of Metro Manila.

Mandaluyong and Muntinlupa are found to be the cities with the most number of microplastics in the region, while Malabon yielded the least.

Most of the microplastics found are “fibrous microplastics,” implying that polyester-based clothing might be the source for these types of microplastics. Other microplastics include PET plastic often used in water bottles, polystyrene or styrofoam, PVC material, and polypropylene often used in plastic packaging.

The study estimates that a person can inhale a microplastic particle when exposed, without a mask in Metro Manila for 99-132 hours, or 4-5 days.

Read the full article at GMA News >> bit.ly/3Vbbv96

Let's ! Sign here to support a with genuine zero waste solutions at its core >> act.gp/reuserevolution

Hindi lang travel plans ang mauudlot sa climate change at 🌊 — pati mga komunidad na mawawalan ng tirahan at kabuhayan.

Call on your cities to take climate change seriously!

Access the full map here >> act.gp/cpr

Oceana Philippines Oceana Philippines seeks to restore the abundance of the Philippine seas. We promote the use of sound

Hindi na lang hassle ang dala ng sobrang init, nakakapagdulot din ito ng masamang epekto sa kalusugan ng ating mga mamamayan. 😔

Tinatayang mas tataas pa ang temperatura sa darating na Mayo.

Kaya nananawagan tayo sa gobyerno na bigyang prayoridad ang kapakanan ng ating mga mamamayan sa ganitong sitwasyon ng init.

Mag-invest sa mga pangmatagalang solusyon kagaya ng pagkakaroon ng mas marami pang green spaces para maibsan ang init sa siyudad.

𝗘𝗰𝗼𝗪𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗨𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗹𝗮’𝘀 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗚𝗼 𝗠𝗲𝗿𝗰𝘂𝗿𝘆-𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗲
Read more: bit.ly/3oj4UNj

The EcoWaste Coalition has called on several shopping malls in Manila to take immediate action to prevent the sale of skin lightening products containing mercury. The group has monitored the market for compliance with the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive, which bans mercury and its compounds in cosmetic products, and the Minamata Convention on Mercury, which phased out skin lightening products with mercury content above one ppm in 2020. The group discovered FDA-banned cosmetics on sale in beauty product stores operating in malls. The group has asked the shopping malls to support and assist the FDA in enforcing the ban on mercury-containing and unnotified cosmetics, print and distribute relevant FDA Advisories, instruct cosmetic stalls to discontinue the sale of dangerous cosmetics containing mercury, and remove remaining stocks of banned skin whitening cosmetics out of mall premises.