Toxic Gratitude: Zero Waste Group Urges Newly Elected Leaders to Rethink ‘Thank You’ Tarpaulins

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In a mountain of discarded plastic lies an inconvenient truth: our democracy, while vibrant, leaves behind a trail of waste that chokes not only our landfills but also our hopes for a sustainable future.

At the heart of this environmental crisis is an all-too-familiar sight—colorful tarpaulins bearing smiling faces and promises of change, now rotting in heaps and dumps, their purpose served, their consequences lingering. Yet just as these relics of campaign season are being gathered and hauled away, a new wave is rising—this time, in the form of “thank you” tarpaulins.

But a loud and urgent plea rises above the din.

The EcoWaste Coalition, a staunch advocate for a zero waste and toxics-free society, is calling on all winners of the recent May 12 midterm elections: Don’t say “thank you” with plastic. Say it with impact. Say it with purpose. Say it without polluting the planet.

A Toxic Aftermath of Democracy

Following a recent Commission on Elections (COMELEC) inspection at Payatas, Quezon City, piles of election waste await their final fate. According to COMELEC Chairman George Erwin Garcia, 64.5 tons of election-related trash were collected from Metro Manila alone—most of it plastic tarpaulins that are neither biodegradable nor safely recyclable.

Worse, these tarpaulins are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC)—a plastic laced with toxic additives such as cadmium and phthalates, which pose health risks and resist decomposition for decades, if not centuries.

This grim scenario, says EcoWaste Zero Waste campaigner Cris Luague, could become even more disturbing as a new wave of “thank you” tarps begins appearing on utility poles, public walls, and even trees, just weeks before newly elected officials assume office on June 30.

Stop the Plastic Praise

“The post-election campaign clean-up has yet to be completed, and we’re already seeing more tarps thanking voters,” Luague lamented. “We must not celebrate victory by polluting the very communities we vow to serve.”

The EcoWaste Coalition's message is clear: ditch the plastic gratitude.

Rather than contributing further to the toxic load already plaguing urban centers, newly elected leaders are urged to explore sustainable, creative, and meaningful alternatives.

12 Ways to Say “Thank You” Without Trashing the Planet

To spark a shift in culture and consciousness, the group offers 12 alternatives to the wasteful “thank you” tarpaulin:

E-greetings via social media, websites, and video messages.

Tree-planting drives to offset campaign-related carbon footprints.

Community clean-ups, especially in clogged urban waterways.

Feeding sanitation workers, the unsung heroes of post-election cleanups.

Joining Brigada Eskwela to repair and clean schools (June 9–13).

Distributing school supplies to underprivileged students.

Donating waste bins to public spaces for proper segregation.

Sponsoring art murals using non-toxic, lead-safe paints.

Providing free health services in underserved areas.

Supporting community pantries and feeding efforts.

Improving local public services—from transport to healthcare.

Championing justice-based projects addressing poverty, health, climate, and gender issues.

Each of these actions not only expresses gratitude but also uplifts communities in tangible and lasting ways.

Gratitude with Responsibility

“Campaign waste must no longer be treated as a necessary evil of democracy,” the group emphasized. “It is a challenge that demands foresight, creativity, and above all, accountability.”

The group also underscored the urgency of adopting environmentally acceptable materials as defined in Republic Act No. 9003 and COMELEC Resolution No. 11111, which encourage the use of reusable, biodegradable, non-toxic, and recyclable materials.

In a world teetering on the edge of climate catastrophe, even a small shift—from PVC tarpaulins to tree seedlings or school kits—can resonate powerfully. It’s not merely about reducing waste. It’s about reframing the very essence of leadership: to serve, not just constituents, but the Earth they stand on.

A Call to Action

The Wazzup Pilipinas founder joins EcoWaste in urging all poll winners to rise above the plastic politics of the past and usher in a new era of eco-conscious governance.

The real “thank you” the people deserve isn’t printed in vinyl—it’s etched in action. It's time to turn gratitude into green deeds. Let our first promise to the electorate be one of stewardship, sustainability, and respect—not only for votes cast, but for the planet we share.

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