Communities Organized for Resource Allocation (CORA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to environmental sustainability and social issues, called for urgent action to advance the circular economy through community-driven initiatives, inclusive partnerships, and innovative solutions to plastic waste and marine litter. This message was highlighted during the “ECO-TALK: Shaping a Sustainable Future” event, a series of learning sessions held at San Beda College Alabang last October 17-18, 2024, focused on environmental protection and sustainability.
During the ECO-TALK, CORA Founder and Executive Director, Antoinette Taus, emphasized the importance of adopting circular economy practices, particularly in waste management and marine environments affected by plastic pollution. “We must embrace a circular economy to protect both our environment and future generations. The shift to sustainable waste management practices is essential to safeguarding our oceans and communities,” Taus urged her attentive audience of students and staff from San Beda College Alabang.
A Global Call to Action
Likewise, in another event, Taus reiterated the need for circular economy solutions during her presentation at the “SEA of Solutions 2024: Delivering Actions to End Plastic Pollution” conference, held in September 2024 at the United Nations Conference Center in Bangkok, Thailand. Reflecting on the strength of local communities in the Philippines, she noted, “Our oceans, communities, and children depend on it. We have witnessed the powerful role of local communities, especially women and youth, in driving sustainable solutions. However, greater collaboration is needed to tackle the problem at its source.
The Circular Economy: A Key Solution to Plastic Pollution
Transitioning to a circular economy is essential to addressing the escalating plastic pollution crisis. Plastics discarded in landfills and marine environments pose severe risks to ecosystems and the livelihoods of those who depend on these resources.
A World Bank study revealed that the Philippines discards an alarming 163 million sachets, 48 million plastic bags, and 3 million diapers every day. Further illustrating the scale of the issue, CORA’s 2023 Rapid Assessment Standing Stock Survey conducted at the Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park showed that food wrappers and sachets made up 33% of marine litter, with plastic bottles accounting for 15% of the waste collected.
“Plastic pollution is a serious threat to both marine and human life. By advancing circular economy systems, we can minimize waste and pollution by creating closed-loop systems where materials are reused, recycled, or regenerated,” Taus added.
Community-Led Innovations for a Sustainable Future
CORA’s commitment to addressing plastic pollution extends through community-led innovations that promote circular economy practices. The organization’s ‘Eco-Ikot Sustainable Cities’ program aims to raise awareness, drive behavioral change, and implement sustainable solutions for waste management. Central to the program is the advocacy for a “Circular Center” model, which emphasizes the principles of the 3Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle) and integrates circular economy practices into solid waste management (SWM).
Currently, CORA is establishing two new Circular Centers in Parañaque and Manila. These centers, which will soon be operational, will strengthen ongoing efforts to promote sustainable waste management and climate action in the Philippines. CORA Eco-Ikot Centers provide communities with an inclusive, holistic recycling system, allowing citizens to exchange clean, dry, and segregated recyclables for points redeemable for incentives like fresh vegetables, e-cash, and other sustainable items.
As the first of their kind in the Philippines—and globally—these CORA Eco-Ikot Centers offer an innovative solution to the plastic pollution crisis. Designed for easy implementation, this model can be established in any community, providing livelihood opportunities and incentives for local citizens while reducing plastic waste.
In addition to these upcoming centers, CORA already operates established Eco-Ikot Centers in Parañaque and Manila, which are women-led facilities supporting local waste collection and management. These existing centers are part of a collaborative effort with international partners, including the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and the Our Sea of East Asia Network (OSEAN), to promote sustainable waste practices.
Furthermore, CORA engages in citizen science through regular marine litter monitoring, monthly coastal cleanups, and social behavior change campaigns under the ‘My OSEAN Mission’ initiative. These efforts continue to champion circular economy systems, zero-waste principles, and the empowerment of marginalized communities, demonstrating the power of collective action to shape a sustainable and resilient future.
