The Barangay Bel-Air of Makati City and the Women of Bel-Air Foundation Inc. recently launched a laudable environmental campaign dubbed “Huwag Kang Plastic: Reduce, Re-use,

and Recycle.” It was held at the Salcedo Community Market and was attended by Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay Jr. as the special guest of honor.

Mayor Binay also represented his mother, Dr. Elenita Binay, who was a former mayor of Makati City herself. Mayor Jun Binay highly commended the project which is in line with the city’s environmental programs.

Barangay Bel Air Chairman Nene Lichauco said that the “Huwag Kang Plastic” campaign would help people see the importance of current local and city government efforts to ban the use of plastics in commercial establishments.

The project is being jointly undertaken by the Salcedo Community Market. The Salcedo Community Market, which started about eight years ago by a group of Salcedo housewives and Lichauco, has become a popular destination for Makati residents, as well as balikbayans and other residents from all over Metro Manila.

Lichauco said that the Salcedo Community Market has been actively encouraging its vendors and customers to espouse a green lifestyle. She believed the new campaign will further convince them to bring their own shopping bags and food containers.

The Women of Bel Air Foundation also came up with the campaign’s list of “Green Shopping Tips” that even includes reminders on how to avoid useless purchases.

“Often, on a whim or impulse, we buy things we don’t need! The less useless things you buy, the less garbage you throw away,” the Foundation said.

“Less one plastic bag a day means less trash to dispose!” the foundation lastly said.