Apo Island Goes Zero Waste

Merci Ferrer of War on Waste Negros Oriental and Barangay Captain Mario Pascobello bring us to the picturesque island of Apo to explain how the Zero Waste system helps the community preserve this important island’s rich biodiversity and gives hope to inspire other communities to take care of our environment. Follow us @ZeroWasteAsia @War On Waste Negros Oriental.

The International Zero Waste Cities Conference 2021 goes virtual! From January 27-March 5, 2021, GAIA Asia Pacific and its partners bring together Zero Waste practitioners to show that Zero Waste is easier when we all work together! Join us in the series of 17 videos from all around the Asia Pacific and learn how Zero Waste Cities is possible and ultimately sustainable.

IZWCC joins the Philippines in its celebration of Zero Waste Month this January. Speakers: Chairman Mario T. Pascobello was born in Apo Island, Dauin, Negros Oriental. He recounts fishing since 8 years old, using traditional and destructive fishing. He, however, became an active and relevant part of the community through various leadership roles around marine and environmental conservation. He is key to implementing Turtle Protection Laws in 1998, passing and implementing the Bird Protection Ordinance of Apo Island in 1998, and passing and implementing Apo’s Barangay Ecological Solid Waste Management Ordinance in 2019. Merci Ferrer is one of the founders of the global Break Free From Plastic Movement. She is a long time zero waste practitioner. For 12 years, she was regional director of the international group, Health Care Without Harm, an environmental health organization. Her past involvements and advocacy were in the areas of indigenous people’s rights to their land, human rights, south to south solidarity, breastfeeding advocacy, and animal welfare. She is the co-convenor of the War on Waste Break Free From Plastic Negros Oriental, serves as a consultant for the Zero Waste Cities Project-Negros Oriental, and a member of Mother Earth Foundation. Merci was born and raised in Manila but is now based in Dumaguete City. She is happy to leave Manila and replanted herself in Negros island. IG: @ferrermerci