Mother Earth

Humanity: The most intelligent species on the plant, capable of anything,

but is governed by it's aggression and youth. A species fact in developing,

but slow in maturing.

Once a species that cared about it's home, its provider, let it's ego 

dominate it's decisions. A period of ignorance and neglect has had

profound effects across the world. Effects which can be reversed, if nature

is given the time to repair the damage.

Remember.....

We only have one home!

Why is Biodiversity Important? Who Cares?

Why is Biodiversity important? Does it really matter if there aren’t so many species?

Biodiversity boosts ecosystem productivity where each species, no matter how small, all have an important role to play.

For example, a larger number of plant species means a greater variety of crops; greater species diversity ensures natural sustainability for all life forms; and healthy ecosystems can better withstand and recover from a variety of disasters.

And so, while we dominate this planet, we still need to preserve the diversity in wildlife.

HOW ABOUT YOU, DO YOU CARE?

YUGTO

The local government of Lucban, Quezon and the staffs of Southern Luzon State University are doing their best to mitigate landslides in Mt. Banahaw which is still in uncomfortable condition that gives more pressure to the Lucbanins and other municipalities near to the mountain.

"The earth we abuse and the living things we kill will, in the end, take their revenge; for in exploiting their presence we are diminishing our future"

Marya Mannes

Courtesy of 4th Year BA Communication Students of 

College of Arts and Sciences

Southern Luzon State University, Lucban, Quezon

"BUNDOK BANAHAW"

MYSTICISM, religion and romance shroud mount Banahaw. the scenic mountain mountain that comprises MYSTICISM, religion and romance shroud Mount Banahaw. The scenic mountain that comprises of three-peaked volcano complex namely San Cristobal, Banahaw de Dolores where tourists increases during Lenten Season, and Banahaw de Lucban which is the protected area under the management of Southern Luzon State University, Lucban, Quezon. The popular tourist spot in the province of Quezon is said to be the home of ancient spirits and a shrine for supernatural power.

For these reasons, numerous religious cults believe Mount Banahaw to be sacred, where devotees must go to make their yearly pilgrimages and celebrate their rituals.

Over the years, however, tourists and devotees alike have inflicted much damage on Mount Banahaw’s pristine surroundings. Owing to neglect and carelessness, heaps of garbage littered the area (according to Lucena Protected Area Management Board) that leads on five-year ban on tourists and religious devotees who would trample all over the place to save Mount Banahaw from further deterioration.

The mountain is said to be the greatest gift to the different municipalities around it, but there are people abused its benefits, so that . . . . . 

open your EYES to see the problems.......open your EARS to hear their screaming voices.....

open your MOUTH to speak what is right ......

"Don't Change the Mountain, Let the Mountain Change You"

“WALANG PLASTIC SA LUCBAN”

The zero-plastic project from the Local Government Unit was gradually implemented. It started last September 2009. The Town of Lucban, Quezon, in partnership with Got Heart Foundation, celebrated tradition and renewed their commitment to the environment as they proclaimed “Yaku sa Plastic: Balik Balulang, Lucban!”, a message that seeks to inform all Lucbanin of the efforts to lessen and eventually eliminate the use of plastic within the Municipality. 

Resting on the importance of protecting our already fragile environment, Got Heart Foundation engaged important stakeholders to take the first, crucial step in managing waste by implementing the ZERO PLASTIC Lucban, a program supported by Municipal Ordinance 2008-03 entitled “An Ordinance Regulating the Use and Sale of Plastic Bags/Plastic Cellophane (Polyethylene) as Packing/Bagging Materials and Institutionalizing the Use of Biodegradable Containers within the Municipality of Lucban, Quezon.”

And now, if you’ll be visiting the public market of Lucban, you’ll be seeing these scenarios – people carrying their own ‘balulang’ (native basket made of abaca), people carrying brown paper bag, and people exercising and loving the zero plastic project. Disciplinary act and environmental awareness program is now surrounding Lucban not only for the its cleanliness but for the welfare of the people as well. Lucban also aims to be a role model to the neighboring towns in the province.

Sa Bayan ni Juan Walang Plastik

How are Plastic Bags Harmful to the Environment?

Plastic bags are used by everybody. You get them right from a vegetable vendor to a designer store. They are convenient and easy-to-use. But, most of us are blissfully of the repercussions that are occurring and will take place in the future. The following paragraphs will discuss the impact of plastic pollution on environment.

Plastic bags litter the landscape

Once they are used, most plastic bags go into landfill, or rubbish tips. Each year more and more plastic bags are ending up littering the environment. Once they become litter, plastic bags find their way into our waterways, parks, beaches, and streets. And, if they are burned, they infuse the air with toxic fumes.

Plastic bags kill animals

About 100,000 animals such as dolphins, turtles whales, penguins are killed every year due to plastic bags. Many animals ingest plastic bags, mistaking them for food, and therefore die. And worse, the ingested plastic bag remains intact even after the death and decomposition of the animal. Thus, it lies around in the landscape where another victim may ingest it. 

Plastic bags are non-biodegradable

And one of the worst environmental effects of plastic bags is that they are non-biodegradable. The decomposition of plastic bags takes about 400 years. No one will live so long to witness decomposition of plastic. Thus, save the environment for the future generation of humans as well as animals.

Petroleum is required to produce plastic bags

As it is, petroleum products are diminishing and getting more expensive by the day, since we have used this non-renewable resource increasingly. Petroleum is vital for our modern way of life. It is necessary for our energy requirements - for our factories, transport, heating, lighting, and so on. Without viable alternative sources of energy yet on the horizon, if the supply of petroleum were to be turned off, it would lead to practically the entire world grinding to a halt. And to make plastic, about 60 - 100 million barrels of oil are needed every year around the world. Surely, this precious resource should not be wasted on producing plastic bags, should it?

So, What Can be Done about the Use of Plastic Bags?

Single-use plastic bags have become such a ubiquitous way of life that it seems as if we simply cannot do without them. However, if we have the will, we can start reducing their use in small ways.

• A tote bag can make a good substitute for holding the shopping. You can keep the bag with the cashier, and then put your purchases into it instead of the usual plastic bag.
• Recycling the plastic bags you already have is another good idea. These can come into use for various purposes, like holding your garbage, instead of purchasing new ones.

While governments may be working out ways to lessen the impact of plastic bags on the environment, however, each of us should shoulder some of the responsibility for this problem, which ultimately harms us. From the above paragraphs, you must have understood the gist of the harmful effects of plastic bags on environment. They are not only non-biodegradable, but are one of the major pollutants of the sea. For a clean and green environment, try to use alternatives to plastic bags whenever and whereever possible. Cut down on your use of plastic, and do your bit to save our planet.