ECO BAGS. School teacher Aeia Katrina A. Valenciano (left), with her student Maurice Kim Camillon and Maribel Pascua, principal of Macayepyep Elementary School in Ilocos Norte, show the finished eco-bag products. Valenciano said aside being eco-riendly, the 'green bags' are durable enough to last for years. (Photo by Cherry Joy D. Garma)
BANNA, Ilocos Norte – Say no to plastic, yes to green bag.
With the apparent impending threat to the environment, every act to multiply waste recycling and helping to preserve the environment can translate to a bigger inspiration for the future generation.
A young eco-warrior from a school in a small town in Ilocos Norte makes an eco-bag out of old t-shirts in their community.
Maurice Kim Camillon, a Grade 6 student of Macayepyep Elementary School created this project in line with the CLAYGO (Clean as You Go) project of the municipal government of Banna to reduce pollution that affects the soil, water and air.
Observing the practice of recycling, Camillon thought that this eco-friendly practice helps in healing the environment.
To minimize the amount of plastic such as using garbage bags in school, learners like Camillon made an innovative design out of an old shirt, fastened with an old shoe lace and a bottled cap which can also be used for groceries.
Teacher Aeia Katrina A. Valenciano, who supported the idea of her students, believes "burning plastic releases poisonous chemicals" that affects our ozone layer and in oceans, plastic trash harms a number of marine species.
Eco bags, on the other hand, conserve the environment by harmlessly biodegrading after numerous uses. It also increases convenience, encouraging the youth to observe practices and procedures designed to protect and sustain the quality of the environment for a healthy community.
“The green bag has filled the demand for an alternative to plastic bags because it takes centuries for plastics bag to break down in nature,” Valenciano said.
She also said the materials are even durable enough to last for years so the learners can show off their support to save the earth anywhere they go.
“Promoting smarter waste management, reducing plastic waste and conserving natural resources through recycling, helps the community as a whole,” Valenciano added. (PNA)
