Policy Basis and Legislative Background
- The declaration builds upon Republic Act No. 9003, the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.
- RA 9003 institutionalizes environmental awareness and citizen participation in ecological solid waste management.
- The Act mandates national and local integrated solid waste management programs.
Definition and Concept of Zero Waste
- Zero waste is an advocacy encouraging the design and management of products and processes to avoid and eliminate waste volume and toxicity.
- It emphasizes conservation and recovery of all resources.
- The philosophy rejects indiscriminate disposal or burning of waste materials.
Ethical, Economic, and Environmental Goals
- Zero waste aspires to guide behavioral and lifestyle changes towards sustainability.
- It promotes emulating natural cycles where discarded materials become inputs or resources for other uses.
- The goal is to create systems that are ethical, economical, efficient, and visionary in waste management.
Government Support and Participation
- All heads of national government departments, agencies, and instrumentalities, including government-owned or controlled corporations, are encouraged to support and actively participate.
- Local Government Units (LGUs) and other sectors are also encouraged to engage in zero waste programs and activities.
- This collective action aims to ensure effective nationwide observance and promotion of zero waste principles.
Legal Authority and Formalization
- The declaration is made under the authority of the President of the Philippines.
- The proclamation is formally signed and sealed, embodying the official policy directive for public and institutional adherence.
Implementation and Observance
- Programs and activities relating to zero waste awareness and practices are intended to occur throughout January.
- These initiatives aim to educate, mobilize, and institutionalize zero waste practices across various sectors.
- The observance serves as an annual reminder and reinforcement of ecological and sustainable waste management efforts.