Ditch single-use plastics, Supreme Court urges court personnel

MANILA, Philippines — The Supreme Court has urged judiciary officials and personnel to avoid using single-use plastics to reduce waste. 

Court procurement officers should also avoid purchasing single-use plastics in favor of reusable or recyclable materials, the SC said in Memorandum Order 74-2024 signed by acting Chief Justice Marvic Leonen.

Cloth bags, metal or bamboo straws, reusable cutlery and reusable or biodegradable containers must be used instead of plastics, the high court suggested. 

If plastic products are unavoidable, they should be reused, recycled and properly disposed of as per the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, the SC noted. 

“With the worsening global environment, this court reinforces its responsibility and authority to adopt and encourage sustainable practices. The extreme heat of the past months and the expected severity of the upcoming rainy season portend future consequences,” the SC said.