EcoWaste to poll winners: Do away with ‘thank you’ tarpaulins
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MANILA, Philippines — Zero waste advocacy group EcoWaste Coalition has urged winners of the 2025 midterm elections to refrain from using “thank you” tarpaulins, following the Commission on Elections’ (Comelec) disclosure that over 60 tons of election-related waste were collected across Metro Manila.
In a statement on Wednesday, EcoWaste mentioned Comelec’s site inspection in Payatas, Quezon City on Tuesday, wherein 64.5 tons of discarded campaign tarpaulins were temporarily kept pending final disposal.
Cris Luague, a zero waste campaigner from EcoWaste, condemned the installation of tarpaulins by politicians thanking supporters for their votes, even as the post-election campaign clean-up remains unfinished.
READ: Over 6 tons of garbage collected on election day — MMDA
“We might see more ‘thank you’ tarpaulins on utility poles and on trees in the coming weeks as poll winners prepare to assume their posts on June 30,” Luague said.
“As we come to terms with the environmental impact of the last electoral exercise, we ask all poll winners to do away with the customary hanging of ‘thank you’ tarpaulins, and express their gratitude to the voters in a way that will not cause further stress and harm to Mother Earth,” he added.
Noting that tarpaulins are often made of polyvinyl chloride and contain toxic additives, Luague urged newly elected officials to avoid contributing further to the growing problem of plastic and microplastic pollution in society.
“We urge everyone, especially our duly elected local and national leaders, to view campaign waste not as an inevitable byproduct of our democratic practices but as a challenge requiring preventive solutions,” he said.
Instead of using “thank you” tarpaulins, the Quezon City-based waste and pollution watchdog suggested that election winners express their gratitude through social media or by organizing meaningful activities for their constituents.
READ: EcoWaste urges bets not to use ‘toxic’ election materials
The Quezon City-based waste and pollution watchdog also urged winning candidates to take meaningful action by planting trees, leading community clean-up drives, and providing free meals to waste and sanitation workers removing campaign materials. Winners were also encouraged to support the upcoming Brigada Eskwela school clean-up and repair efforts, and to donate back-to-school supplies to underprivileged children and youth.
The group also encouraged newly elected officials to donate segregated waste bins in high-traffic areas; sponsor community art projects such as murals using lead-safe paints; organize free medical and dental missions; support community pantries or feeding programs; advocate for better public services; and assist initiatives that address economic, environmental, climate, health, and gender justice issues.
