Tips for a clean, trash-free Black Nazarene celebration

MANILA, Philippines – As Manila prepares to celebrate the Feast of the Black Nazarene on Thursday, January 9, environmentalists urge the public to keep festivities clean and garbage-free.

Pollution watchdog EcoWaste Coalition provides a list of waste prevention and sanitation tips for devotees, vendors, food and beverage givers, media crew and volunteers to follow.

The procession of the Black Nazarene is one of the biggest religious processions in Manila, typically attended by millions of faithful.

During the celebration, the Black Nazarene, a dark wooden statue of Jesus Christ bearing his cross, is taken from its home in Quiapo Church through nearby streets, and is brought back at the end of the day. Read about the origin of the Black Nazarene here.

To all attendees:

• Abstain from smoking to avoid littering cigarette butts. If you must smoke, don’t let the butts fall on the ground. 
• After chewing gum, put it in a bin instead of leaving it on the street or other surfaces.
• Do not spit on walls and other spots.
• Do not urinate in the streets.
• Return used food and beverage containers, including bamboo skewers (for food like squid ball, fish ball, kikiam, etc), to the vendors.
• Throw your trash in designated bins.
• Bring a reusable bag for pasalubong (souvenirs) instead of a plastic bag.

To vendors:

• Don’t use single-use disposable containers.
• Bring your own sack for trash.
• Make a final sweep of your vending area before leaving and make sure it is clean.

To food and beverage givers:

• Pack meals in biodegradable packaging like banana leaves or serve meals and drinks in reusable containers.
• Collect all food leftovers.

To medical, security and emergency personnel, volunteers and media:

• Bring your own food in reusable containers and bring them back home after.
• Do not throw food and beverage discards in Quiapo next to your tents or vehicles.

– Pia Ranada/Rappler.com