PIA Press Release
Thursday, January 12, 2012

DENR offices are “No plastic and Styrofoam” zones

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Jan 12 (PIA) –- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Region 8 will strictly implement the “No Plastic and Styrofoam” policy at the regional office and in all the field offices, regional executive director Rogelio Trinidad said.

This disclosure by RED Trinidad came in response to a memorandum from Administration and Finance Assistant Secretary Corazon Davis which reiterates an earlier policy to set the example in the non-use of plastics/Styrofoam especially in food handling/serving.

In issuing the memorandum, Assistant Secretary Davis encourages all DENR officials and employees to bring their own utensils in buying or bringing food in their respective offices.

Security Guards shall not permit entrance of caterers delivering food in plastic or Styrofoam containers inside the offices.

Likewise, the DENR cooperative shall not permit persons with food stalls/food centers to use plastics.

“We understand that our employees are mainly dependent on itinerant vendors for their lunch and snacks,” RED Trinidad says.

“Starting this week however, the regional office shall only allow vendors who do not use plastics (cellophane) or Styrofoam in the packaging of their food,” he added.

The “No Plastic and Styrofoam” policy “shall remain enforced for the good of the environment and the health of our people,” says Davis in her memorandum.

Styrofoam, which is generically known as styropor or polysterene, is a petroleum-based plastic made from the styrene monomer. It has been reportedly classified as a possible human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.

Both Styrofoam and plastics are non-biodegradable which when disposed of improperly, results in the clogging of waterways, make their way into the oceans, polluting the water and are toxic to sea life. (PIA 8)