OBJECTIVES
Identify and explain some important environmental laws
Demonstrate ways on how they can take care of and protect the environment
Exhibit ways of being a leader and an advocate in protecting the environment and its laws
Display creativity and skill in recycling, reducing, and reusing of different materials to save Mother Earth
SUCCESS CRITERIA
Distinguish the pictures that show care for the environment and obedience to its laws from those that show disobedience and lack of concern for the environment
DISCUSSION
Obedience means to do what a law says that you
must do. A law is a rule that forbids or requires certain
conduct and behavior that is prescribed and in accordance
with moral principles. Obedience to environmental laws
and regulations helps us protect the environment and
assure its sustainability.
The earth is full of natural resources. We can derive many benefits from it such as the air we breathe, the food we eat, the water we drink, and other things needed in our daily activities in order to survive. At present, our environment has often been abused and over exploited. Rather than losing our natural resources, it is important to practice a wise and sustainable use of our environment and be obedient to its laws, which will allow us to replace and replenish our resources. Proper managing and care of the environment will provide more benefits and improve our quality of life.
As urban centers and factories grow, population increases to alarming proportions — the beauty and the abundance of our natural resources gradually disappear. Man is responsible and accountable to what is happening at the moment. Drought, floods, severe winters, and earthquakes are manifestations that Mother Nature is suffering.
Improper waste disposal is dangerous for it may cause untoward incidents that can affect the entire community or country. It is also harmful to the health of everyone especially the infants. If we continue clogging our waterways, unnecessary loss of human lives brought about by strong floods will happen.
Due to our own destructive ways of treating our environment, it becomes our responsibility to do something to the lives of those victims of calamities that befall our country. A conscious effort and cooperation are demanded to save the lives of those innocent victims. More than anything else, it becomes every one’s duty and responsibility to restore the environment to its former state so that future generations may also enjoy its beauty.
People all over the world are more vigilant about the state of our environment and persistent and consistent offenders of environmental laws should be held accountable. The Philippine environmental laws and government regulations are in place with the intent of protecting the environment and aid people from all walks of life in their pursuit of a balanced and healthful environment.
The environment has become such a relevant issue. It is right that people should be fully informed on what the relevant environmental laws are, so that they may be completely aware what are allowed and what are prohibited in relation to the actions they take toward the environment.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gaK_odNTyh8
Some Philippine environmental laws are:
1. Republic Act (RA) 8749: Clean Air Act (CAA) of 1999
Provides for a comprehensive air quality management policy and program which aims to achieve and maintain healthy air for all Filipinos.
The Clean Air Act covers all potential sources of air pollutions such as:
a. Mobile sources (example: motor vehicles)
b. Point or stationary sources (example: industrial plants)
c. Area sources (example: wood or coal burning)
Smoke-belching vehicles on the road will undergo emission testing. Violators will be subject to fines and penalties.
2. RA 9275: Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004
The law aims to protect the country’s water bodies from land-based pollution sources (industries and commercial establishments, agriculture and community/ household activities). It provides for a comprehensive and integrated strategy to prevent and minimize pollution through a multi-sectoral and participatory approach involving all stakeholders.
VOCABULARY
comprehensive – complete
stakeholder – person or group of people who has concern in an organization
3. RA 9003: Philippine Ecological Solid Waste Management Act (PESWMA) of 2000
It provides the legal framework for the country’s systematic, comprehensive, and ecological solid waste management project that shall ensure protection of public health and the environment.
4. RA 9729: Climate Change Act of 2009
It aims to systematically integrate the concept of climate change in the policy formulation and development plans of all government agencies and units, so that the government will be prepared for the impact of climate change.
What can we do to help protect our environment?
1. Recycle – Sort trash and dispose of recyclable items on the proper bin. Some of these items can be made into new useful products.
2. Walk – Walk short distances rather than take a ride. It creates less pollution.
3. Save on power – Switch off the lights when not in use.
4. Reuse – Use a clean drinking bottle that can be washed and reused. Reusing items means less waste
5. Say “No” to plastic bags – Bring your own reusable bag when shopping. Plastic bags take years to degrade and can affect one’s health.
6. Reduce trash – Put food scraps or leftovers in a compost bin. Composting fertilizes the soil and reduces landfill.
7. Replant or plant trees – Help plant more trees in your community. This is about replenishing the resources which have been depleted for so many years.
8. Save water – Turn the faucet off when you are done using it. Saving water is important because everything/everybody needs water.
9. Rethink – Rethink about the waste you produce by using alternative products. Consider how to further reduce your waste.
EVALUATION
TRUE OR FALSE
1. The preservation and restoration of the country’s natural resources and environment is solely dependent on one or just a few persons.
2. Our family joins the entire nation in observing Earth Hour campaign by putting off all the lights and other electrical appliances.
3. Bring your own reusable bag when shopping.
4. Children like you can be instruments for protecting our environment from the harmful effects of improper disposal of waste materials.
5. Report to authorities any violators of the Anti-smoke Belching Program through your parent’s assistance.
6. Smoking is being banned because it is bad for the health.
7. The Clean Air Act provides for a comprehensive air quality management policy and program, which aims to achieve and maintain healthy air for all Filipinos.
8. Putting leftover food into bins or containers marked “nonbiodegradable” is correct.
9. Regular cleaning of canals and manholes will not cause heavy floods during continuous rains or typhoons.
10. People who use drugs (bad) are always in their good senses and can obey well the laws of our country.