By Glen S. Ramos
PANGI, Siquijor – The first zero-waste store in the province opened on March 31, 2021 in celebration of Global Day of Action organized by the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) and Mother Earth Foundation.
The store known as “Juana Zero Store,” features eco-products made from indigenous materials like bayong, nito plates, bamboo cutleries, walis tingting, shampoo bars, and other reusable items like metal straw, cutlery set, and collapsible cups.
Also displayed are recycled and handcrafted products from local suppliers like wallets and artworks made from residuals and rags from trimmings.
To realize the zero-waste goal, which focuses on the principles of waste prevention and encourages the redesign of resource life cycles so that all products are reused, the store has installed a refilling station for basic condiments like oils, soy sauce, and vinegar.
Project Officer Sherra Marie Cervantes said that the store encourages residents to use recyclable materials and hopes to reduce the amount of plastic thrown by Siquijodnons every day which is estimated at 0.3-0.5 kg per person/day.
“Juana zero aims to provide alternative products of single-use plastics na kung saan ang priority natin is product from locals. In turn, makakatulong tayo sa kanila lalo ngayong pandemic na magkaroon ng dagdag na income.”
“At the same time, makaka-influence tayo sa mga Siquijodnons na tangkilikin ang sariling product and to promote zero waste,” she added.
Cervantes emphasized that the proceeds from the store will be given to the zero-waste scholars.
“Eto yung mga anak ng waste workers na tinutulungan ng Mother Earth Foundation (MEF) sa kanilang pag-aaral. The organization hopes to encourage more Siquijodnons to take part in the zero-waste movement,” she concluded. (AI/MTVN)
