Environmental Shift: Bulacan State University's Ban on Plastic Utensils

Jerica Cobarrubias

October 21, 2023

Photo by Jerica Cobarrubias A month ago, the prohibition of plastic utensils was in effect within the university.

On August 25, 2023, the Office of the Vice President for Administration and Finance at Bulacan State University (BulSU) issued an office memorandum. This memorandum bans the use and sale of plastic items such as spoons, forks, knives, straws, and more within the university's premises. The motivation behind this decision is the university's commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible waste management. In line with this, all individuals associated with the university, including students, vendors, faculty members, staff, and others, have been encouraged to bring and utilize their own food containers, tumblers, and non-plastic utensils while on campus.

This change has required adjustment from many individuals who were accustomed to using these plastic items daily, such as students and vendors within the university.

The university provided a 10-day preparation period before enforcing the ban. Mixed reactions and questions have arisen about the effectiveness of this transition period. Are students and vendors adequately prepared for these changes?

In the past, BulSU has taken steps to discourage disposable plastic use. Initiatives like 'Friday is No Plastic Day' launched by the Sentro ng Edukasyon para sa Ekonomiya at Kalikasan (SEEK) in 2012, aimed to raise awareness and promote responsible plastic use within the university community.

In 2018, BulSU reaffirmed its commitment to environmental responsibility with the 'BulSU Clean and Green Drive,' led by departments like the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy (CSSP), College of Science (CS), College of Engineering (COE), and others. This campaign aimed to make the university cleaner and more eco-friendly by reducing single-use plastic reliance and encouraging eco-friendly habits among students and staff.

Despite the ban being in place for over a month, some individuals continue to use plastic, despite penalties outlined in the memo. The enforcement of this ban remains a question.

BulSU took this step to support a crucial initiative to protect the environment for future generations and raise awareness about environmental preservation. Through collective action and promoting responsible plastic use, these educational institutions are contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable future for the country.

Keywords:

Bulacan State University, Environment, Plastic, Plastic Ban, Plastic Utensils, University, Waste Management, Students, Vendors, Friday is No Plastic Day, Clean and Green Drive, Campaign.