Summary
Highlights
The Philippines, with 100 million people across 7,007 islands, faces a significant solid waste problem. Each individual contributes about half a kilo of trash daily, resulting in huge amounts of garbage. Flash floods often carry this waste, making the problem highly visible and impacting communities.
The "Let's Do It Philippines" movement was inspired by Estonia's successful method of mobilizing citizens for nationwide cleanups. The idea was easily adopted because it aligns with helping the environment, a concept that required little convincing.
Cleanup activities are a regular part of life in Negros, integrated into advocacy programs. "Let's Do It" aims to converge people at all levels, from global to the smallest community (barangay), to work together for environmental solutions. The movement focuses on involving more individuals to create a unified and impactful message and offering creative, long-term solutions.
The organization gathers out-of-school youth in areas like Argao, providing educational seminars on the environment. With the help of youth, barangay officials, and local residents, they conduct cleanups. Various organizations are distributed to different locations for coordinated cleanup efforts, recognizing that community involvement is crucial for environmental success.
Participants express a desire for cleaner communities, hoping that residents will maintain cleanliness beyond the annual cleanup events. The Philippine National Police also participates in these yearly programs, demonstrating their commitment to environmental preservation alongside their crime-fighting duties. These operations successfully retrieve significant amounts of plastic bottles and other garbage.
The "Let's Do It Philippines" movement continues to learn and cooperate with various programs, conducting cleanups religiously every year. While a one-day cleanup might not solve the entire garbage problem, it significantly raises awareness and changes the mindset of participants, making them more proactive in environmental action. The goal is to instill a sense of national pride and responsibility, transforming the Philippines from a perceived 'dumping site' into a clean country through ongoing education.
The biggest challenge remains sustainable waste management beyond the annual cleanups. While organizations can assist with proper segregation methods, the ultimate solution starts at home. If households don't segregate or reduce waste, the garbage problem will persist. Programs for source segregation and recycling are essential to foster a consistent change in mindset and behavior, emphasizing that environmental responsibility is an everyday commitment.
Every year, on the third Saturday of September, the "Let's Do It" world organizes a national cleanup day, a commitment that "Let's Do It Philippines" actively participates in.