ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS AND PROTECTION

ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS AND PROTECTION.

OVERVIEW. Environment Education is a process which is very useful to human beings in order to manage well their environment and instill the right behavior that serves as key to sustainable development. This module discusses the current environmental situation in the Philippines. It describes the environmental pressures brought about by a rapidly increasing Filipino population. We hope that you will also realize that environmental degradation has become a major social concern. Likewise, we hope that such realization will help you to be more aware of our responsibilities in protecting and enhancing the Philippine environment. And that with such new awareness, is the emergence of another Filipino youth who is committed to take an active stewardship role in “saving the present for the future.”.

BASIC CONCEPTS AND LAWS GOVERNING ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION.

IMPORTANCE OF ENVIRONMENT EDUCATION. All major natural resources in the country are in grave danger of irreparable damage. A society cannot survive if its natural resources are rendered unfit for use by its people. The only hope of salvaging this grave situation is by making the young aware that they need to proactively begin to protect the environment they will inherit. Science and technology can help in a limited way but cannot deliver it. It is moral and ethical education for changing people’s attitude. To protect children living in polluted regions, environmental education represents a relevant means of prevention. It is a need of the time to propose environmental education delivered with moral concept. It is conceived to sustain participation of the citizens especially the youth particularly in combating ill effects of climate change..

RELATED LAWS IN PROMOTING ENVIRONMENT EDUCATION.

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9512. ⯈ An act to promote environmental awareness through environmental education and for other purposes ⯈ This Act is known as the “National Environmental Awareness and Education Act of 2008”. Specifically, Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy states that: Consistent with the policy of the State to protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature, and in recognition of the vital role of the youth in nation building and the role of education to foster patriotism and nationalism, accelerate social progress, and promote total human liberation and development, the state shall promote national awareness on the role of natural resources in economic growth and the importance of environmental conservation and ecological balance towards sustained national development..

REPUBLIC ACT 9003: JANUARY 26, 2001. This is an act providing for an ecological solid waste management program, creating the necessary institutional mechanisms and incentives, declaring certain acts prohibited and providing penalties, appropriating funds thereof, and for other purposes..

REPUBLIC ACT 9275: MARCH 22, 2004. ⯈ An act providing for a comprehensive water quality management and for other purposes ⯈ SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. – The state shall pursue a policy of economic growth in a manner consistent with the protection, preservation and revival of the quality of our fresh, brackish and marine waters..

REPUBLIC ACT 8749: JUNE 23, 1999. ⯈ “Philippines Clean Air Act of 1999” an act providing for a comprehensive air pollution control policy and for other purposes..

REPUBLIC ACT 9175. ⯈An act regulating the ownership, possession, sale, importation and use of chainsaws, penalizing violations thereof and for other purposes..

DEFINITION OF TERMS. Biodegradable. Any material that can be broken down by naturally occurring organisms such as bacteria and fungi in air, water and soil Composting. Biological degradation under controlled conditions Domestic Waste. Refuse from households, as distinguished from industrial waste, hospital waste, etc, which maybe classified as a biodegradable or non-biodegradable Food Materials. Includes certain kind of seeds, pulp, peelings, pickles, sweets or snacks Hazardous Waste. Special types of waste containing the chemical biological and radioactive elements which are harmful to human health.

DEFINITION OF TERMS. Incineration. The controlled process by which combustible materials are burned and changed into gases and residues that contain little or no combustible materials Non-biodegradable. Any material that cannot be degraded or decomposed by naturally occurring organisms such as bacteria and fungi in air, water and soil Putrescible. A substance that decomposes at certain temperature in contact with air and moisture; generally containing nitrogen Recycling. The re-use, retrieval, recommission of element/ matter for any and all purposes necessary to healthful and productive living; the process by which waste materials are transformed into new products in such a manner that the original products may lose their identity Solid Waste. Include anything thrown away such as garbage, rubbish, trash, litter, junk and refuse of any source.

THE SEVEN ENVIRONMENTAL PRINCIPLES.

The key to understanding the environmental problems that we encounter today is to learn about our ecosystem..

Nature knows best. All forms of life are important. Everything is connected to everything else. Everything changes. Everything must go somewhere Our is a finite earth. Nature is beautiful and we are stewards of God’s creation..

CLIMATE CHANGE.

WHAT IS CLIMATE CHANGE?. ⯈Climate Change is any change in climate over time whether due to natural processes or as a result of human activity. ⯈ It is a change of climate which is attributed directly or indirectly to human activity that alters the composition of the global atmosphere and which is, in addition to natural climate variability, observed over comparable time periods (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change)..

HOW DOES IT OCCUR?. ⯈ Climate Change is caused by the increasing volume of Greenhouse Gases (GHG) in the atmosphere. Greenhouse gases are gases that absorb and re-emit infrared radiation, warming the earth’s surface and contributing to climate change (UNEP 1988). These.

Natural Greenhouse Effect More Heat Escapes Into Space Human Enhanced Greenhouse Effect Less Heat Escapes Into Space Less Re-emitted Heat Re-radiated Heat More Re-emitted Heat Re-radiated Heat Solar Radiation Greenhouse Gases Solar Radiation More Greenhouse Gases.

WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE OR GLOBAL WARMING?.

WHAT CAN BE DONE LOCALLY?. ⯈ The following can be done: Reduce the sources of green house gas emissions or enhance their sink or capture (Mitigation). Moderate the harmful effects of climate change and exploit its beneficial opportunities (Adaptation). Support or join awareness raising of people in your locality/community about climate change. Carry out concrete disaster prevention, mitigation and management activities (Capacity Building). Suggest or advocate the integration of climate change mitigation and adaptation into organization/institutional plans to mainstream this consciousness..

WHAT CAN BE DONE LOCALLY?. Lobby for and/or support climate change responsive policies and ordinances (Policy Development). Synergize efforts with other enlightened individual or group stakeholders. To reduce vulnerability to climate change hazards and risks, Adaptation, Risks Reduction, Development Planning and Humanitarian Action need to come together. Develop a stable resource mobilization mechanism or system to ensure and facilitate the flow of financial and technical support to local implementers. Without an adequate and sustainable financial and technical backing, plans will remain good only in writing..

CLIMATE THREAT TO CHANGE SECURITY Figure 5.2 LIFE PROPERTY HEALTHY FOOD LIVELIHOOD WAY OF LIFE ENVIRONMENT.

ECOLOGICAL SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT.

ECOLOGICAL SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT. ⯈ Much had been written about the worsening problem of solid waste especially in urban centers in the country. ⯈ Based on studies made by the National Solid Waste Management Commission Secretariat based at the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), it is estimated that the per capita waste production daily is 0.5 kg. This means that for every person living in the metropolis, he or she generates half a kilo of waste a day. With an estimated population of 10.5 million, total waste generated in Metro Manila alone could run up to 5,250 metric tons per day; or 162,750 metric tons per month; or 1.95 million metric tons per year. Definitely, that’s a lot of waste to speak of..

ECOLOGICAL SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT. ⯈ Only about 73% of the 5,250 metric tons of waste generated daily are collected by dump trucks hired by our respective local government units. That is assuming our LGUs are faithful to their duties to us, taxpayers. The remaining 27% of our daily waste or about 1,417.5 metric tons end up in canals, vacant spaces, street corners, market places, rivers and other places where, ironically, there’s a sign that reads “huwag magtapon ng basura ditto ang mahuli, bugbog sarado!”..

ECOLOGICAL SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT. ⯈While there were already efforts in the past to address the problem head-on, the passage of Republic Act (R.A.) No. 9003, otherwise known as the “Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000”, marked the turning point in the national development agenda for improved solid waste management and resource conversation..

WHAT IS R.A NO. 9003?. Improper solid waste disposal is probably the most important environmental concern facing local governments (Laplante 2003). The first bill that then Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed into law in 2001 was Republic Act No.9003 (RA 9003) or the Ecological Solid Waste Management (ECOSWAM) Act which requires municipalities to dispose of waste in a sanitary and environmentally friendly manner. It provides the legal framework for the country’s systematic, comprehensive and ecological solid waste management program that shall ensure protection of public health and the environment. It underscores, among other things, the need to create the necessary institutional mechanisms and incentives, as well as imposes penalties for acts in violation of any of its provisions. The implementing rules and regulations of R.A. No. 9003 are contained in DENR Administrative Order No. 2001 – 34..

WHAT ARE THE SALIENT FEATURES OF R.A. NO.9003?. a) Creation of the National Solid Waste Management Commission (NSWMC), the National Ecology Center (NEC) and the Solid Waste Management Board in every province, City and Municipality in the country. The NSWMC shall be responsible in the formulation of the National Solid Waste Management Framework and other policies on solid waste, in overseeing the implementation of solid waste management plans and the management of the solid waste management fund. The NEC, on the other hand, shall be responsible for consulting, information, training and networking services relative to the implementation of R.A. No. 9003. The Solid Waste Management Board of provinces, cities, and municipalities shall be responsible for the development of their respective solid waste management plans..

WHAT ARE THE SALIENT FEATURES OF R.A. NO.9003?. Formulation of the National Solid Waste Management Framework; 10 years solid waste management plans by local government units consistent with the National Solid Waste Management Framework; Mandatory segregation of solid waste to be conducted primarily at the source such as household, institutional, industrial, commercial and agricultural sources; Setting of minimum requirements to ensure systematic collection and transport of wastes and the proper protection of the health of garbage collectors;.

WHAT ARE THE SALIENT FEATURES OF R.A. NO.9003?. Prohibition on non-environmentally acceptable products and packaging; Establishment of Materials Recovery Facility in every barangay or cluster of barangays; Prohibition against the use of open dumps; Setting of guidelines/ criteria for the establishment of controlled dumps and sanitary landfills; Provision of rewards, incentives both fiscal and non-fiscal, financial assistance, grants and the like to encourage LGUs and the general public to undertaken effective solid waste management; and Promotion of research on solid waste management and environmental education in the formal and non-formal sectors..

HOW CAN WE HELP SOLVE THE SOLID WASTE PROBLEM?. There are many ways to do it. A highly recommended formula is to adopt the 3Rs of Ecological waste Management: REDUCE, REUSE, and RECYCLE. ⯈ In addition to that, let us refrain from doing what have been prohibited under the law, to include but are not limited to the following: Littering, throwing, dumping of waste materials in public places like roads, sidewalks, canals, esteros, parks and establishments; Open burning of solid waste; Allowing the collection of non-segregated or unsorted waste; Squatting in open dumps and landfills;.

HOW CAN WE HELP SOLVE THE SOLID WASTE PROBLEM?. Open dumping or burying of biodegradable and non-biodegradable materials in flood-prone areas; Unauthorized removal of recyclable material intended for collection by authorized persons; Mixing of source-separated recyclable material with other solid waste in any vehicle, box, container or receptacle used in solid waste collection or disposal; Manufacture, distribution or use of non-environmentally acceptable packaging materials; Establishment or operation of open dumps; and Importation of customer products packaged in non-environmentally acceptable materials..

CLASSIFICATION OF SOLID WASTES TABLE 1. SOURCES AND TYPE OF SOLID WASTE.

CLASSIFICATION OF SOLID WASTES TABLE 2. PHYSICAL COMPOSITION OF SOLID WASTE.

CLASSIFICATION OF SOLID WASTES TABLE 3. REFUSE MATERIALS BY KINDS, COMPOSITIONS AND SOURCES.

HAZARDOUS WASTES. ⯈ These are solid wastes or a combination of solid waste which identify concentration or physical, chemical or infectious characteristics may do the following: Cause or significantly contribute to the increase in mortality or an increase in serious irreversible or incapacitating reversible illness; and Cause a substantial present or potential hazard to human health or the environment when improperly treated, stored r transported..

HAZARDOUS WASTES MANAGEMENT. A comprehensive and integrated management of toxic substances and hazardous wastes which adheres to the waste management hierarchy of source reduction, recycling, treatment and safe disposal for the protection of personnel, environment and property..

THE THREE MAIN GOALS OF HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT.

ZERO WASTE MANAGEMENT. Zero Waste Management is an ecological method of handling wastes that does not degrade the environment nor pollute air, water, soil and facilitate their sanitary retrieval, reuse or recycling. This is one of the most friendly, economical tools of contributing ecological welfare for human beings and the community..

ZERO WASTE MANAGEMENT. ⯈ Modern waste reduction consists of three (3) components namely: REUSE. Means re-utilization of materials for particular purpose. REDUCE. The process of lessening the fresh raw materials that affects air, water and land pollution through proper waste disposal. RECYCLING. Involves processing used, unwanted materials (waste) into new products to prevent waste of potentially useful materials..

AIR POLLUTION AWARENESS AND PREVENTION.

SOURCES OF AIR POLLUTION. MOBILE SOURCES. 3.9 million vehicles are registered in the whole country. Around 80% use gasoline and 30% use diesel. Only a small percentage of Filipinos own cars, 20% in Metro Manila. The rest take public transportation. STATIONARY SOURCES. Stationary sources that account for most of the air pollution are emissions from power plants, cement plants and oil refineries..

COMMON AIR POLLUTANTS AND THE EFFECTS OF AIR POLLUTION.

⯈ Ozone is the major ingredient in smog. In the stratosphere it occurs naturally and acts as a filtering mechanism for the harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun but in the lower atmosphere comprise what mainly we see as grey smog suspended on air. Ozone is formed by a series of complex reactions involving nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds and sunlight. Smog or ground level ozone may cause lung inflammation, decreased ability to breathe and susceptibility to respiratory diseases such as pneumonia, bronchitis, fibrosis and premature lung aging. Children are susceptible to ozone exposure..

⯈ Carbon monoxide is a toxic, odorless, colorless gas produced during fossil fuel or biomass burning. Carbon monoxide exposure can block oxygen to the brain and cause poor concentration, fatigue and death. ⯈ Lead is one of the most toxic substances. ⯈ Sulfur oxides are gases formed by combustion. Industries and electric power plants account for 88% of sulfur dioxide emissions totaling 88,458 tons in 1990, causing bronchitis and impairment of preliminary functions. They are also active ingredients in the formation of acid rain..

⯈ Nitrogen oxides are gases produces from high temperature combustion in the air. It can cause respiratory ailments like asthma and eye irritation. They are also an active ingredient in the formation of smog. ⯈ Particulates (also called soots) are minute, microscopic particles suspended in the air. They range in size from 10 to less than 2.5 microns diameter (one micron is roughly equivalent to1/70 the width of human hair.) Annual average TSP (total suspended particulates) concentrations in Metro Manila are 5x higher than the World Health Organization Air Quality guidelines. They can enter the bloodstream or become trapped in the lung tissue. Continuous severe diseases like pneumonia, bronchitis, asthma, emphysema and cardiovascular diseases..

⯈ Another class of substances that must be regulated is what is collectively known as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). CFCs are unreactive for mattresses, Styrofoam and insulation. ⯈ A group of substances that are common in our everyday lives but are extremely toxic are known as persistent organic pollutants (POPs). These are either human-made substances or products of combustion or other processes undergone by human-made products. ⯈ Radioactivity is the most lethal form of pollution because it can be readily destroy cells and tissues. No more nuclear radiation should be introduced into our environment in addition to that which naturally occurs in the background environment..

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