As Earth Day approaches, Quezon City expresses its commitment to fighting plastic pollution by unveiling an art installation crafted from single-use plastics that are banned in the city.
Named “The Wave of Change,” the 12-feet art exhibit is made from plastic straws, a material already disallowed in Quezon City, along with other single-use plastic bags, cutlery, and containers used in hotels, restaurants, and fast-food chains for dine-in customers.
“The Wave of Change represents our steadfast dedication to combating plastic pollution and to achieve climate-resiliency and carbon-neutrality by 2050. It is a visual reminder of the urgent need for collective action against environmental degradation,” Mayor Joy Belmonte said.
The art installation is designed to resemble two waves crashing towards each other, creating a captivating visual experience for visitors. It begins with dark colors, representing the current state of high carbon emissions and environmental pollution. It gradually transitions to light colors, symbolizing the city’s progress towards a Plastic-Free Quezon City.
“Art has the power to ignite change. We hope that this exhibit will inspire everyone, not just QCitizens, to act urgently towards a greener future,” Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability Department (CCESD) Head Andrea Villaroman expressed.
The public can view the art installation at the lobby of the High Rise Building at the Quezon City Hall compound during office hours.
In commemoration of Earth Day, Quezon City is organizing various programs such as “RETASHOW: QC’s Catwalk to Sustainability,” an upcycling competition and fashion show featuring the works of aspiring and professional designers based in the city, using pre-loved textiles.
The city is also set to unveil a semi-permanent “Kilos QC Store ng Bayan,” at the city hall lagoon where pre-loved items such as clothes and shoes can be donated, purchased, or swapped with other goods, to extend their use life and delay their entry in into the waste stream.
Earlier, the city government initiated projects to combat plastic pollution including Trash to Cashback. This program encourages residents to exchange recyclables and single-use plastics for environmental points that can be used to buy groceries and pay utility bills.
Vote to Tote, on the other hand, upcycled campaign tarpaulins into fashionable bags that provided livelihood opportunities to community sewers and persons deprived of liberty (PDLs).
The city also established Kuha sa Tingi refill stations for household items like dishwashing liquid, fabric conditioner, multi-purpose cleaner and liquid detergent in sari-sari stores, to reduce the use of sachets in communities.
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