BAWAL NA ANG PLASTIC SA BENECO

November 9, 2024 Metro BLISTT

BAGUIO CITY

The Benguet Electric Cooperative (BENECO) has gotten serious in its fight against the use of single use plastics. This is pursuant to BENECO’s Zero Waste Program which it adopted last November 2023. A day prior to all hallows eve, BENECO management issued a memorandum directing all employees to stop using mineral water contained in disposable plastics including disposable plastic cups. The memorandum was deliberate. It said: “the use and consumption of BOTTLED WATER will now be BANNED in our offices and their premises effective November 6, 2024 (Wednesday).

The memorandum was issued following a directive from Melchor Licoben, general manager. The GM observed that
mineral bottled water is still being used in BENECO which contradicted the electric cooperative’s zero waste program. The ban extends to caterers and suppliers of food in BENECO, be it for meetings, seminars and blow outs
including board meetings and visitor treats. The latest policy also directed all not to bring bottled water in their offices.

To ensure that there will be drinking water for all, the departments were instructed to see to it that water dispensers are regularly filled up. Employees are now expected to have their own cups and drinking glasses which are not made of plastic. The cooperative, thru its general services office (GSO), will provide cups and drinking glasses for its visitors. BENECO’s shift included eliminating the use of single use plastics and called for the observance of proper
segregation of waste when being disposed in trash bins. This would also include avoiding the use of other materials that are nonbiodegradable. The use of eco-friendly tote bags was highly encouraged.

(LSI)