Midterm Candidates Urged by EcoWaste Coalition: Prioritize Environmental Protection in Your Campaigns!

February 10, 2025, Intramuros, Manila. – The EcoWaste Coalition is teaming up with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to promote an eco-friendly approach to campaigning. They want everyone to show love and care for our planet through their words and actions.

During the “Kalikasan: Pangalagaan sa Halalan” event at COMELEC’s headquarters, EcoWaste Coalition urged all election candidates to minimize waste and incorporate environmental issues into their campaign plans. This push comes just ahead of the official campaign kickoff for national candidates on February 11 and local candidates on March 28.

Elections often lead to environmental challenges, like mountains of plastic waste from campaign signs and littered materials. EcoWaste Coalition called on national and local candidates, political parties, and voters to play an active role in lessening the environmental toll of elections.

A striking display highlighted this message. A woman, dressed in bright flag colors, held a globe to symbolize our Earth, which looked hurt and sad due to the careless use of plastics. This visual aimed to stress the urgent need for environmental responsibility during elections.

Jove Benosa, a Zero Waste Campaigner with EcoWaste Coalition, emphasized, “Running for office is not a free pass to harm the environment. Instead, it comes with the duty to protect it. Candidates should not put their ambitions above the health of our planet.”

COMELEC Chairman George Erwin Garcia echoed this sentiment at the launch of the Committee on Environmentally Sustainable Elections. He mentioned that “campaigning should not destroy the environment or disturb the peace of our communities” and expressed a desire for greener election practices.

EcoWaste Coalition is pushing for campaigns to use reusable or recyclable materials, aiming for a waste-free approach. They highlighted the importance of managing waste properly to avoid littering or dumping campaign materials.

To promote responsible campaigning, EcoWaste Coalition urged candidates to:

• Refrain from nailing campaign materials to trees.
• Avoid using confetti, balloons, and other non-biodegradable items.
• Make the most of digital platforms.
• Hold tobacco- and vape-free campaign events.
• Limit sample ballot production.
• Organize clean-up efforts post-campaign, regardless of election outcomes.

According to COMELEC Resolution No. 11111, only propaganda made from cloth, paper, cardboard, or recyclable materials is permitted. Furthermore, it is illegal to use single-use plastics, hazardous substances, and fireworks in election-related activities, as outlined in Resolution No. 11086.

To promote sustainability, COMELEC encourages the use of:

• Reusable food and beverage containers.
• Energy-efficient systems for sound and lighting during rallies.
• Biodegradable banners or those made from reusable materials.
• Electric or hybrid vehicles for motorcades.
• LED billboards and other digital ads.
• Sustainable materials like natural fabrics, recycled paper, and compostable plastics.

“We urge all candidates and their supporters to follow the COMELEC guidelines. By choosing sustainable materials and managing waste responsibly, we can protect our environment and create a cleaner, healthier planet for everyone,” concluded EcoWaste Coalition.