Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – Northern Mindanao calls for global change to tackle plastic pollution as it joins other consumer organizations in celebrating World Consumer Rights Day this 15 March 2021.

This year’s celebration highlights the role of consumers and consumer advocacy in tackling plastic pollution and demonstrates that consumers everywhere demand change for our environment and our health.

The pressing issue on consumption and production of plastics is particularly important as we continue to see the effects of the global COVID-19 pandemic on plastic pollution, with the increased use of single-use products including plastic face masks, gloves, and food packaging.

The 2021 World Consumer Rights Day campaign will focus on 7Rs: Rethink, Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Repair, and Replace. By taking action, consumers can re-evaluate their consumption habits to minimize plastic use, refuse unnecessary plastic where possible and demand more sustainable alternatives from businesses and governments, reduce the amount of plastic they purchase and dispose of, extend the lifetime of plastic products by reusing them, dispose of plastic waste appropriately by following local recycling guidelines, repair items and appliances where possible, and replace plastic products or packaging with more sustainable alternatives.

To find out more about World Consumer Rights Day and sustainable consumption, visit the official Facebook page of DTI-Northern Mindanao at FB.com/DTI.Region10.♦

Date of Release: 12 March 2021