THE quiet after Christmas has settled over Cebu, with streets noticeably calmer and fireworks displays fewer than in past years.
Amid this pause before the expected surge of New Year’s Eve celebrations, the EcoWaste Coalition is urging Filipinos to embrace the “3Ps” as they welcome 2026: People-friendly, Pet-friendly, and Planet-friendly.
Aileen Lucero, National Coordinator of the EcoWaste Coalition, emphasized that the holiday season is an opportunity to rethink traditions that can harm human health, the environment, and animal welfare.
She said communities need to adopt celebrations that respect every person’s right to a clean and sustainable environment while protecting pets and natural ecosystems.
The coalition highlighted how some long-standing holiday practices conflict with these principles.
Excessive use of disposable plastics and paper, open burning of trash, improper dumping of post-holiday waste, and firecracker use all contribute to pollution and increase the workload and expenses for local governments.
These activities not only impact human health but also threaten wildlife and add strain to public resources.
To encourage safer and more sustainable celebrations, the EcoWaste Coalition recommends a series of practical measures.
Families are urged to simplify festivities, reduce spending, minimize food waste, and prioritize reusing and refilling materials.
Proper segregation of trash is essential to facilitate recycling, repair, and composting, while also preventing contamination that makes waste management more difficult.
Firecrackers, including PVC “boga,” are strongly discouraged due to the risks of burns, injuries, toxic smoke, and noise that can distress both pets and wildlife.
Dr. Percival Lao of the Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health stressed that these devices are not toys for children.
Injuries from fireworks often require emergency medical attention, and the environmental and animal welfare impacts extend far beyond immediate human safety.
For those seeking safe alternatives, the coalition suggested creative options such as homemade shakers, tin-can maracas, coconut shells, tambourines made from recycled materials, and everyday household items like pots and pans.
These alternatives allow families to celebrate with noise and fun while keeping everyone and everything safe.
As the New Year approaches, the EcoWaste Coalition calls on all Filipinos to celebrate responsibly, putting the 3Ps at the heart of festivities.
By doing so, communities can ensure a safer, more sustainable, and mindful start to 2026, protecting human health, animal welfare, and the environment.
