Share on facebook
Facebook
Share on twitter
Twitter
Share on email
Email

Tarpolitics

Share on facebook
Facebook
Share on twitter
Twitter
Share on email
Email

After appealing to candidates to take down campaign posters following the May 9 general elections, environmental group EcoWaste Coalition followed up their request by asking winners to refrain from hanging even more tarpaulins to thank their supporters.

“In lieu of tarpaulins, politicians can express their gratitude by joining cleanup activities, supporting recycling of campaign paraphernalia and by planting trees,” it said.

“The post-election cleanup has yet to be completed and yet we are seeing ‘thank you’ posters hanging everywhere. Enough of ‘tarpolitics,’ we are already drowning in plastics,’ Aileen Lucero, national coordinator of Ecowaste said.

Tarpaulins, which are often made of polyvinyl chloride or PVC plastic, may contain toxic chemical additives such as cadmium, lead and phthalates. Laboratory tests commissioned by EcoWaste Coalition and performed by SGS on six presidential campaign posters found cadmium in all samples.

“We need to put a cap on the thoughtless use of tarpaulins, especially or political and other non-essential purposes, as these materials contain hazardous chemicals and are not easily recycled or disposed of,” Lucero added.

EcoWaste also noted that the unrestrained use of tarpaulins before, during and after the campaign period should prompt authorities to regulate this type of waste. It longed for future elections that are conducted in an environmentally responsible and plastic free manner.

Tarpaulins remain popular due to their unmatched cost and convenience. And because its production, use and disposal is not regulated by government, the recently concluded election season reminded us of their impact on our environment.The sight of so much unnecessary waste being generated should spurgovernment officials into action to protect our country from such waste, regardless of the role tarpaulin usage played in their victorious electoral campaigns.

Is it still possible to have a country where unnecessary tarpaulin usage is frowned upon, discouraged, and regulated by government?*

ARCHIVES

Read Article by date

March 2024
MTWTFSS
 123
45678910
11121314151617
18192021222324
25262728293031

Get your copy of the Visayan Daily Star everyday!

Avail of the FREE 30-day trial.