As featured on BusinessMirror: Transforming individual actions into a collective movement
A discarded food container or a piece of litter left on the street often may seem inconsequential. Small actions are often dismissed because they appear insignificant on their own, raising an important question: How much harm could these actions possibly cause? The increasing incidence of extreme flooding due to clogged drainage systems and bodies of water being contaminated by waste highlights the consequences of improper waste disposal. These challenges do not emerge overnight but are often the result of countless small actions that compound over time. This same principle also applies to positive change. By taking responsibility for our own waste and making conscious choices, we can transform individual actions into a collective movement.
The rapid growth of waste generation has become a significant global challenge, particularly as efforts to manage and reduce waste become increasingly important. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), municipal solid waste generation is projected to increase from 2.3 billion tons in 2023 to 3.8 billion tons by 2050. As economies develop, growing industrialization, urbanization, and consumption, along with greater access to consumer goods, contribute to an increase in municipal solid waste generation per person. As the volume of waste continues to rise, the pressure on existing waste management systems also increases, making effective waste collection, treatment, and disposal difficult. The implications of this growing waste burden extend beyond the capacity of waste management systems.
Beyond its environmental impact, poor waste management also poses significant social and public health risks. The Institute for Environmental Research and Education (IERE) highlights that waste contributes to the depletion of natural resources, biodiversity loss, and climate change through greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Inadequate waste disposal practices can also create conditions that facilitate disease transmission and generate air pollutants that negatively affect respiratory health. These consequences emphasize the importance of effective waste management strategies in mitigating the impacts of growing waste generation and safeguarding both environmental sustainability and public well-being.
From a local perspective, waste management continues to be a growing environmental challenge in the Philippines. According to the World Bank, the country produces 14.6 million tons of municipal solid waste annually. The consequences of improper waste disposal become particularly evident during extreme weather events, when waste builds up in waterways and drainage systems. Recently, heavy rains and flooding in Metro Manila caused significant waste buildup in local waterways, prompting the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-National Capital Region (DENR-NCR) to intensify cleanup operations and remove approximately 1,255 sacks of waste. This event shows the importance of responsible waste management in protecting communities, reducing flood risks, and preserving environmental quality.
The adverse effects of improper waste management stress the importance of individual and collective responsibility in protecting the environment. By adopting sustainable habits such as proper waste segregation, recycling, and responsible consumption, we can help reduce waste generation and minimize its impact on our communities.
Every 20 September, people from around the world come together for World Cleanup Day. A global initiative that encourages communities to take action against the growing waste problem, with this year’s theme being “From Clean Plates to Clean Cities”. The initiative began in 2008 when 50,000 volunteers in Estonia participated in a nationwide cleanup campaign that later inspired similar activities worldwide. Ten years later, the first official World Cleanup Day was held uniting millions of participants across countries in a
shared commitment to a cleaner environment. The event aims to raise awareness and promote everyday practices that help reduce waste, while encouraging responsible production, purchasing, and consumption behaviors. In 2025, more than 25 million people across 190 countries and territories united in support of a cleaner and healthier planet, representing 86% of UN member states. This global effort demonstrates that collective action, no matter how small, can contribute to meaningful and lasting change.
Even the smallest actions can create a ripple effect, influencing communities, the environment, and future generations. While recognizing that individual responsibility remains important, addressing waste management challenges also requires coordinated action at a broader level. In response, the Philippine government, through the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), has implemented various policies and programs to improve waste management practices nationwide. Together, these efforts contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable future.
Environmental challenges are interconnected with economic and social outcomes. Hence, waste management is a sustainability imperative that supports long-term community resilience. The growing waste crisis serves as a reminder that environmental sustainability is a shared responsibility. At R.G. Manabat & Co., we support clients in identifying and implementing opportunities to reduce waste through circular economy principles. By optimizing resource use across the value chain through improved product design, reuse, recycling, and regeneration, organizations can enhance operational efficiency, reduce environmental impacts, and advance their decarbonization goals. Sustainability assurance provides stakeholders with confidence that an organization's reported sustainability information is accurate, reliable, and aligned with relevant standards and frameworks. In support of this objective, multiple fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies have engaged the firm to provide assurance over their Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) compliance reports, with a particular focus on plastic footprint disclosures and waste diversion performance. Through these efforts, businesses can create long-term value while contributing to strengthening environmental resilience.
World Cleanup Day highlights the role of collective action in addressing environmental challenges and promoting more sustainable practices. The impact of waste can be increasingly visible in our communities, and meaningful change depends on the willingness of individuals and organizations alike to adopt more responsible and sustainable practices.
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This article is for general information purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice to a specific issue or entity. The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily represent KPMG International or R.G. Manabat & Co.