Lamaw, the local term for food and biodegradable wastes (otherwise, swill), has been part of the linguistic profile of peri-urban dwellers in some parts of the country. The people who collect “lamaw” normally come from the same peri-urban neighborhoods. 1 These people normally use it as feed for animals. This practice, although it needs much improvements, can be a foundational benchmark for the rest of rural zones and urban zones that aim to reduce many other biodegradable wastes (food and green wastes) through circular economics.
Economic Forum)
Circular Economics is defined as the sharing, leasing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing, and recycling existing materials for as long as it can be utilized. 2 Closing the circular loop is an evolving project. For example, one of the prevailing problems in some urban areas is the low collection percentage of garbage. Although people can simply follow the collection schedules of non-biodegradable wastes, the collection schedule of biodegradable wastes can be challenging especially with its fast decomposition time. One of the solutions, with further research and development, is the creation of local biodegradation centers. These centers, which can be established through cooperatives or through private start-ups, can bank on the monetization 3 of biodegradable wastes by buying it from households and adjacent zones. This way, these institutions can create enough manpower needs in the neighborhood and provide local employment. Much like junkshops in the recycling industry, which has a whopping $377 value by 2024, 4 these biodegradable wastes can be turned into value-adding products with the use of some decomposition techniques.
Black Soldier Fly
Black Soldier Flies can be used to decompose biodegradable wastes. It produces maggots, the protein of which can be turned into feeds for the fish and poultry industry. 5 These insects have been used in the different countries already, especially in high-density zones.
Vermiculture
Classic use of earthworms can be beneficial as well, especially that the soil can be used in urban gardening. 6 Vermiculture is much useful, especially near the horticulture industries across the country.
Enzymes
Organic liquid fertilizers are used in organic food production. Some of these were sourced out from scrap fruits and vegetables. Additionally, scientists in Japan have discovered mutant enzymes that can breakdown plastics. 7 This must be co-studied by our scientists as well, especially that our country is part of the high producers of plastic pollution.
Southeast Asian countries have been called out for its contribution to plastic pollution. 8 With the biodegradation centers, the biodegradable by-products can be integrated in other industries. Thus, monetization of biodegradable wastes should have its grading systems. For example, biodegradable wastes like eggshells, which are highly used in the orchid industry, can be bought at a higher price by the biodegradation centers. Many other biodegradable wastes can be graded in the future, but what matters for now is the integration of practices that act as prefiguration of circular economics.
REFERENCES (URL, Retrieved on February 14, 2021)
1. https://www.google.com/amp/s/pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1034001.amp
3. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/monetize
4. https://www.statista.com/statistics/239662/size-of-the-global-recycling-market/
6. https://www.agriculture.com.ph/2019/04/11/a-guide-to-vermicomposting-part-2-steps/
8. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-asia-plastic-idUSKBN1XN1QL
Vincent Carlo Duran Cuzon 