In celebration of International Zero Waste Month, the Philippine Reuse Consortium, the Philippine Chapter of the Asia Reuse Consortium, was officially launched this month. This marks a significant step forward in the fight against single-use plastics (SUPs) through innovative reuse solutions. The Consortium unites representatives from civil society organizations (CSOs), government agencies, and businesses in a shared mission to develop sustainable, community-driven solutions to plastic pollution.

The launch culminates the three-day workshop and stakeholder consultations on mainstreaming reuse and refill solutions in the country. The event which was organized by Greenpeace Philippines and the Mother Earth Foundation, with the support of  Plasticdiet Indonesia, GAIA Asia Pacific, and the Break Free From Plastic movement,   highlights scalable local initiatives, including zero-waste sari-sari stores  (small-scale convenience stores)  carinderias  (neighborhood eateries), and local reuse-and-refill stores such as Back-to-Basics and Sabon Express. These case studies offer valuable insights into adapting reuse systems to the Philippine context.

The consortium’s launch paves the way for developing a Philippine reuse roadmap, inspired by other examples in the country such as those initiated by Back-to-Basics and Sabon Express. Such a roadmap could chart a path on transitioning away from SUPs and towards scaling reuse and refill models designed to extend product life cycles, significantly reducing the environmental and social harms caused by SUPs. Research shows that reuse systems have the potential to cut plastic pollution by 30% and lower greenhouse gas emissions from packaging production by up to 80% by 2040.

As part of its efforts, the Consortium emphasizes collaboration among policymakers, businesses, and communities to institutionalize reuse systems and drive lasting environmental and economic benefits. By fostering partnerships and advancing reuse innovations, the PRC and the Asia Reuse Consortium are paving the way for a sustainable transformation in the Asia Pacific region.

The Consortium unveiled a five-year roadmap to mainstream and prioritize reuse, anchored on 10 key action points:

1. Advocating for Progressive Laws and Policies. Prioritize lobbying efforts to establish and strengthen laws that support reuse systems with clear and measurable targets.
2. Strategic Communications and Public Engagement. Amplify messages through media partnerships and public campaigns by disseminating PSAs and Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials.
3. Championing Role Models to Develop Champions. Identify and spotlight the work of individuals, communities, and organizations that successfully implement reuse systems.
4. Build Capacities of Stakeholders. Develop and offer training and resources to stakeholders, including government units, grassroots organizations, and businesses to implement effective reuse systems. The focus will be given to capacitating/empowering waste workers through education and skill-building opportunities
5. Promoting a Just Transition for Waste Workers and Waste Pickers. Advocate and implement frameworks that ensure waste workers are not left behind in the shift toward reuse systems.
6. Scaling Reuse Models. Expand and replicate reuse models, and encourage businesses to integrate reuse systems into their operations.
7. Expand and Strengthen Networks. Reach out and build partnerships with other sectors to foster a robust, multi-sectoral network.
8. Drive Innovation through Research and Development. Invest in research and development to develop reuse systems.
9. Secure Financial Support and Investments. Advocate for financial mechanisms to support local initiatives and ensure resources are available for scaling reuse systems.
10. Establish Standards and Guidelines. Develop clear guidelines for reuse systems to ensure safety and environmental integrity.

These action points address critical gaps in policies and mechanisms supporting local initiatives, ensure the inclusion of waste workers, and push big businesses to integrate reuse systems into their operations.

Quotes from consortium convenors:  

“A reuse-based economy in which every Filipino has access to reuse systems and affordable alternatives to single-use plastics is possible. Communities and cities are leading the shift to reuse, but we also need businesses and the national government to act to mainstream reuse and refill solutions. Businesses must transition to reuse, while policymakers must enact a law setting targets and driving a shift to reuse and a fair regulatory framework for these systems. With the launch of the Philippine Reuse Consortium, we hope to make reuse the norm again for all socioeconomic sectors.” –  Marian Ledesma, Zero Waste Campaigner, Greenpeace Philippines.

“The reintroduction and mainstreaming of Zero Waste businesses, such as sari-sari stores and carinderias, have shown potential in driving a sociocultural shift toward reuse. However, achieving systemic change requires strong support through enabling policies and technologies. Engaging more sectors—such as key government agencies, waste workers and pickers, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCGs), and NGOs—will be crucial in advancing reuse practices and systems in the Philippines.” – Rap Villavicencio, Deputy Director for Programs, Mother Earth Foundation

“Local initiatives and small businesses in the Philippines—from carinderia, to sari-sari stores and reuse-and-refill zero waste stores— have shown that reuse and refill practices are still very much alive in our communities and with the right and adequate support, it is possible to scale these reuse and refill solutions not only to end plastic pollution but also to address climate concerns. It is high time that different sectors come together to play a part in creating enabling environments for these solutions and zero-waste systems to thrive and become the norm again. Sound policies, standards, investments, and corporate accountability could pave the way for a complete shift from single-use throw-away plastics to a reuse economy that benefits all sectors.” – Faye Ferrer, Network Organizer, Break Free From Plastic

“Frontline communities and waste workers are crucial to building effective reuse systems. The Philippine Reuse Consortium’s 10-point action plan integrates training and fair compensation for these groups, while also drawing from local reuse models that are already working. By leveraging these existing solutions, we can reduce plastic waste and scale up sustainable practices.” – Froilan Grate, Regional Coordinator, GAIA Asia Pacific

“Malaking tulong ang reuse saming mga waste workers, mababawasan ang mga kalat na walang pakinabang saming mga waste workers tulad ng single use plastics at mga sachets. Sa pagsali sa PRC, madami kaming matututunan at maitutulong. Kami ang mag sisilbing modelo sa mga komunidad sa pamamagitan ng IEC at paghikayat sa kanila sa Reuse system. Makakatulong din kami sa pag aaral dahil kami din ang unang makakakita at maapektuhan kapag nabawasan na ang mga plastic.” (“Reuse is a great help for us waste workers, as it reduces useless trash like single-use plastics and sachets. By joining the PRC, we will gain knowledge and be able to contribute more. We will serve as models in our communities through information and education campaigns (IEC) and encourage them to adopt reuse systems. We can also contribute to research, as we are the first to see and be affected by the reduction in plastic waste.”) – Aloja Santos, President, Philippine National Waste Workers Association

“Back to Basics Ecostore is honored to be a member of the newly-formed Philippine Reuse Consortium. We look forward to contributing to the development of the Philippine Reuse Roadmap.  The collective actions of diverse stakeholders bring hope that we can make real and attainable solutions readily accessible to the public to help address the plastic pollution problem at its core.” – Laarni Cancio, Owner, Back-to-Basics (BTB) Ecostore

“It was amazing to see the different reuse and refill solutions that are already existing and working in the Philippines. It helped me think of ways to apply it in our own barangay. Especially if you are a sari-sari store/carinderia owner, REUSE IS POSSIBLE. Government officials can make this happen if we support the transition of these businesses while creating and implementing policies that would ban single-use plastics.” – Khate Nolasco, Barangay Kagawad Potrero, Philippine Zero Waste Cities Network

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