In La Union, Creative Trash Bins Entice Tourists, Locals To Go Green
By: Justin Paul D. Marbella, PIO | Photos By: Provincial Government of La Union | Date: June 13, 2024
Creativity meets environmental sustainability in La Union, as the Provincial Government installed in key tourist destinations some giant trash bins that do not only spark imagination but also foster environmental consciousness among tourists and locals alike.
Inspired by art installations, these trash bins take the shape of giant fish to symbolize the rich marine biodiversity in the province. They come with signages that encourage individuals to put their empty drink bottles and other recyclables.
The giant trash bins were installed in some of the popular destinations in the province namely Urbiztondo surfing area in San Juan; Bilagan Road in Santol; Baluarte Watchtower in Luna; Immuki Island in Balaoan; San Carlos beach in Caba; and Agoo Eco Park.
“We did not only place these trash bins to encourage visitors to properly dispose of their trash, but also to underscore our thrusts on environmental sustainability,” said Governor Raphaelle Veronica "Rafy" Ortega-David.
Annalyn Valdez, the Provincial Government’s Environment and Natural Resources Officer, said cleanliness and orderliness were observably maintained in the sites since the waste bins were installed.
“These destinations were already clean and litter-free even before, but the garbage receptacles were instrumental in the sustainability of the sites despite the continued influx of visitors,” she said.
“We installed them in December 2023 in time for the anticipated high foot traffic during the holidays, and it was noticeable that the areas remained orderly even when the influx subsided,” Valdez noted.
Tourists were quick to notice these interesting structures. “Unlike the normal trash bin, this piece of art is not an eyesore here at the beach, which preserves the beauty of this place we keep coming back to,” said Katrina Dionela, 21, who frequents the Urbiztondo beach as a respite from her busy life in the metro.
Locals, meanwhile, expressed delight at this innovation. “These are added attractions in our tourist sites, and we locals are all the more excited to welcome more tourists without the worry of waste mismanagement,” said Elizabeth Bumatay, a local of Luna.
The La Union local government is keen to install more of these creative solid waste facilities in the future. “Through this simple innovation, we wish to foster a stronger sense of environmental responsibility and accountability here in our province La Union,” said Governor Ortega-David.
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