The Metro Manila Development Authority has donated to the Ecowaste Coalition the illegal election campaign tarpaulins which will be reproduced as seat covers, tents and other useable items.
MMDA, led by general manager Corazon Jimenez and Metro Parkway Clearing Group chief Francis Martinez, turned over 250 tarpaulins to the environmental group, which is working with the government to promote “Trash-Free Elections.”
The tarpaulins were among the truckloads of illegal campaign or “epal” materials removed by the MMDA from foot bridges, lamp posts, cable wires and trees during their operation “Operation Baklas.”
“The seized campaign materials are valuable resources that should be put to good use,” said Aileen Lucero, Ecowaste coordinator. “It will be such a huge waste if these illegal election paraphernalia are buried in landfills. We can and we should find appropriate uses for them.”
The tarpaulins can also be repurposed into coin purses, pouch bags, grocery bags and beach bags, and also be sewn into mail and shoe organizers, worker’s aprons, tool belts, laundry baskets and even as receptacles for office or household recyclables.
Ecowaste will collaborate with community-based organizations in making prototypes that can inspire others to reuse and recycle election campaign tarpaulins.
