I couldn’t remember the exact moment when I decided I want to save the environment. I know I liked Captain Planet when I was a kid and I wanted to be a planeteer. Does it count? 😄 Anyway, all I remember is that I like joining tree planting and coastal clean-up activities as much as possible which never failed to give me a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment.
In college, I have joined the coastal clean-up in Manila Bay along Roxas Boulevard organized by the Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineers (Yes, I am a chemical engineer. I even took up environmental engineering and hazardous waste as my elective subjects. More on this in a separate blog post).
During my working years, I have also joined tree planting activities thru the Haribon Foundation. The location I have gone to is usually in Laguna and through this activity, I have learned that there are only certain types of native trees that you can plant for reforestation. It’s because these native trees will be more effective in promoting biodiversity and will be more adaptable to local climate conditions. It really is a fun activity that I want to share with my family in the future. Here’s a picture of me in one of the tree planting activities:
The most recent one is a coastal clean-up in LPPCHEA (Las Pinas Paranaque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area) organized by Earth Island Institute Philippines. LPPCHEA consists of Freedom Island and Long Island with 175 hectares of mangrove forests, ponds, lagoons, mudflats, salt marshes and beaches. It is also a sanctuary for migratory birds. I was actually amazed because there are still mangrove forests in the city and it’s a refreshing sight to see. However, walking towards the beach, I could see the problem that’s plaguing the area – lots and lots of trash. Even if we clean it everyday, there’s still more trash coming from the ocean. Oh how I wish I can magic it all away. Below are the photos taken during the activity. That’s me in blue long-sleeves blouse.
Do you also want to be a planeteer? You can visit the websites of Haribon and Earth Island Institute or visit their social media accounts to learn more about their activities and how you can help. Hope to meet you in one of their activities!
Haribon Foundation
Website: http://www.haribon.org.ph
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoHaribon/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goharibon
Earth Island Institute Philippines
Website: http://www.earthislandph.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/earthislandph/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/earthislandph
