Quirino LGU goes plastic-free with paper signages

Most tarpaulins are made from plastic-based materials.

A bamboo planting activity in Quirino Province is drawing attention online after event organizers opted to use paper signages instead of the tarpaulin banners commonly seen in government activities.

The choice was highlighted by environmental advocate Ethan Hernandez during the province’s observance of Philippine Environment Month. Photos from the event showed paper-based signages being used in place of traditional tarpaulins, a move that some environmental advocates viewed as a practical way to reduce waste generated by short-term activities.

Tarpaulin banners have long been a fixture in public events because they are inexpensive, weather-resistant, and easy to produce. However, most tarpaulins are made from plastic-based materials such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which can remain in the environment for decades after disposal.

According to environmental studies, plastic materials may take hundreds of years to decompose, with some estimates placing the breakdown period of certain plastic products at up to 500 years. Rather than completely disappearing, many plastics gradually fragment into smaller particles known as microplastics, which can persist in soil and water ecosystems.

Hernandez noted that paper signages can be a practical alternative for short events, particularly when recycled or previously used office paper is available for printing. He added that reducing unnecessary waste can be part of environmental initiatives, especially during activities centered on conservation and sustainability.

The discussion also raised questions about the materials used in public events and environmental campaigns. While paper may be suitable for one-time activities held in fair weather, durable tarpaulins may still be useful when reused across multiple events.

As local governments continue to organize environmental programs throughout June, Quirino’s use of paper signages has added to the conversation on how event materials can align with broader waste-reduction efforts.

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