SENATE President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda urged the Filipino youth to help address the alarming plastic crisis in the country that threatens the environment.

“Plastics, especially single-use plastics, are a concern for us Filipinos. Not only do we have a massive plastic consumption problem but also a massive pollution problem due to the amount of mismanaged plastic waste that leaks into our open environment,” Legarda said in her speech in Plastic-Free Future Youth Forum in Quezon City.

The senator attributed the problem to the decades-use of “sachet and tingi economy” as well as the throw-away culture of plastic labo and sando bags, which contributed immensely to the mess.

Legarda said that laws and regulations must be enforced to prevent the worsening of the environmental threat.

She sought the passage of Senate Bill 245 or the Single-Use Plastics Regulation and Management Act.

The measure aims to regulate the manufacture, importation and use of single-used plastic products by providing penalties and incentives for industries and consumers. It also seeks to support the development and use of more eco-friendly products and packaging.

Legarda renewed her call to “turn-off the plastic faucet” and rethink approaches to governance, market systems and operations, saying that Filipinos should correct own behavior and mindset by adopting more sustainable practices.

“We need to sustain this growing movement on sustainability by improving our policies, developing innovations from all sectors, and opening more spaces where citizens can support and take lead in addressing single-use plastics. The Earth will not heal on its own without any effort on our part,” Legarda said.