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As different campuses prepare for the upcoming Brigada Eskwela 2022, a waste and pollution watchdog has urged principals, teachers, parents, students, and community volunteers to ensure a chemical-free and zero waste conduct of the so-called annual “Bayanihan sa Paaralan”.

According to the EcoWaste Coalition, Brigada Eskwela offers an excellent opportunity to raise awareness and promote practical measures that will contribute to a healthy, toxic-free school environment.

“We encourage our school administrators and the rest of the school community to keep chemical safety and zero waste in mind as they make preparations and excitedly take part in the actual clean-up, repair, and renovation of our public schools,” said EcoWaste Coalition National Coordinator Aileen Lucero, as the group releases a set of guidelines for a toxic- and waste-free implementation.

For a start, the group encouraged Brigada Eskwela participants to avoid the use of plastic tarpaulins, which may contain toxic cadmium and/or lead, for public announcements; simply opt for coconut or taffeta cloth for banners; and maximize the social media to reach out to school stakeholders. Bringing single-use plastics into the school is also discouraged.

“In lieu of disposables, bring food and water in reusable containers that can be washed and safely reused,” the group noted.

The EcoWaste also emphasized the importance of proper waste handling segregation by encouraging the participants to facilitate reuse, recycling, or composting, and to cut the volume of garbage for disposal.

“Compost biodegradable discards such as grass clippings and fallen leaves to produce natural fertilizer or soil enhancer for the school garden,” it added.

The group also reminded everyone to avoid burning, which is an illegal act.

“Say no to open burning, an illegal act, which releases greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, methane, and particulate matter, persistent organic pollutants such as dioxins, and heavy metals and other toxic chemicals,” it stated.

The group also provided guidance guidance when it comes to managing the school’s Materials Recovery Facility.

“Spruce up the school’s Materials Recovery Facility; clean the containers or segregators for properly-labeled recyclable and compostable discards; assign a separate container for hazardous waste such as fluorescent lamps and other e-waste,” it maintained. “Handle busted fluorescent lamps with care to prevent mercury spill; do not burn or mix such lamps with ordinary trash; properly store and dispose of them as hazardous waste.”

As for the selection of lights, the EcoWaste advised, “Go for mercury-free and more energy efficient LED lights and only pick those with ICC stickers or PS marks.”

It was also noted how the importance of choosing the right cleaning products matters, especially in shunning unsafe substances.

“Choose safer cleaning products and refrain from using hazardous cleaning agents that are corrosive to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract such as oxalic and muriatic acid; read product labels carefully, be mindful of hazard pictograms and precautionary warnings, and follow safety instructions,” it was explained. “Do not mix bleach with other cleaning products such as ammonia and acids to prevent the formation of extremely injurious toxic vapors, which can poison or kill.”

The group also gave warnings on the use of unsafe paints, particularly the ones that contain lead.

“Use only lead-safe paints, as required by DepEd D.O. 4, s.2017, for school interiors, exteriors, furniture and fixtures, gymnasium, play equipment, and other school amenities,” it stated, noting further that scraping is not advised, especially when there are children and pregnant women in the area.

“Refrain from dry sanding or dry scraping painted surfaces as it might contain lead and thus disperse lead dust into the surroundings; keep children and pregnant women out of the work area (lead is hazardous to babies in the womb),” it continued.

The guidelines also recommended the use of a moist mop or rag in getting rid of the dust on floors, windows, window frames and sills, chairs and tables, and other surfaces of dust.

Observing proper hygiene is also important, the group maintained, reminding participants to hands properly with soap and water before meals and after the Brigada Eskwela conduct.

Meanwhile, keeping the school premises smoke-free by not smoking or vaping is highly encouraged, as well.

“Implementing the essential tips we have crafted will surely help in minimizing waste and pollution, including avoiding toxic exposures, during the Brigada Eskwela and beyond,” Lucero stressed.

Next week, the EcoWaste Coalition will release another set of tips focusing on reducing lead-based paint hazards in the school setting.

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