In the bustling metropolis of Manila, a new initiative is taking root, aiming to tackle the city’s severe plastic pollution problem head-on. The circular economy has been promoted as a solution to plastic pollution, but cities and communities bear the brunt of plastic pollution. According to a newly published research on [Community Science research] , the Circularity Assessment Protocol (CAP), developed by the Jambeck Research Group, is a systems method designed for collaborative and open data collection, enabling communities to make informed decisions and policies regarding waste management.
The CAP has been implemented in 51 cities across 14 countries, with Metro Manila being the latest to join this global effort. The protocol’s application in the Philippine capital has yielded eye-opening results, revealing that a staggering 77% of products are encased in single-use multi-layer film packaging. Despite the presence of a small but growing formal refill and reuse system, the city faces a significant challenge: 10% of to-go food containers are made of paper-based alternatives, and there’s a snapshot leakage concentration of plastics into the environment that accounts for 1.8%–2.7% of current waste generation.
These findings have sparked a movement within the community, with narratives emerging from collaborative workshops that are now informing circularity, future actions, and policy. This approach is seen as a scalable way to create systems change for plastic pollution from the ground up.
The CAP’s success in Manila showcases the power of community involvement in addressing environmental challenges. By identifying manufacturing and parent companies responsible for the plastic products flooding the market, the protocol has brought key stakeholders to the negotiation table. The data collected serves as a foundation for discussions on optimizing circularity at the local level, where the real impact of global policy and industry adjustments is felt.
As Manila confronts its plastic problem with the help of the CAP, there is a sense of cautious optimism. The path to a sustainable, less polluted future is complex and requires the concerted efforts of individuals, communities, and businesses alike. However, with the CAP’s framework providing a clear direction and the community’s growing engagement, Manila is poised to become a leading example of how cities can effectively combat plastic pollution and move towards a circular economy.
This news report is a testament to the city’s commitment to environmental stewardship and the potential for community-driven initiatives to bring about tangible change. As the world watches, Manila’s journey may well inspire other cities to follow suit, turning the tide against plastic pollution through collaboration, innovation, and action.