“BIRUIN MO, simple steps lang malaking bagay na ang magagawa (Imagine, simple steps can lead to big things),” said Sanggunian President Omi Castañar (V AB DS).

Castañar said this during “One change, big change,” a caf raid that officially launched the “Bring your own baunan” (BYOB) and the “Clean as you go” (Claygo) policies last August 8. The caf raid occurred from 11:15 am to 11:45 am at the college cafeteria.

“The launch is supposed to increase the awareness of the students regarding their use of disposables and how it affects our environment, the Loyola Schools,” said Vice President Ma. Assunta Cuyegkeng, Ph.D., who was present at the launch.

The BYOB and Claygo policies are part of the initiatives of the Ateneo Environmental Management Coalition (AEMC) to address the school’s waste management concerns and environmental problems.

Starting with a bang

The launch started with a short skit from Enterteynment para sa Tao, Bayan, Lansangan, at Diyos (Entablado). The skit illustrated the intensity of destruction that the environment is experiencing.

The skit was followed by a speech from Castañar and Council of Organizations of Ateneo (COA) President Koi Mejia III (V BS Ch MSE). Their speeches explained the importance of helping preserve the environment. “This [the new policies] will be the legacy that we will be leaving the Ateneo in the next few years,” said Mejia.

“Puwedeng-puwede po tayong magsimula dito sa cafeteria (We can start right here in the cafeteria),” added Castañar.

Mejia presented a plastic bag containing the usual waste products produced by the cafeteria: Styrofoam, plastic containers, and microwavable containers.

To lessen these waste products, the cafeteria will be using reusable plates, spoons, and forks, said Castañar. He explained that since these utensils will not be thrown out after use, they are safe for the environment.

Take-out, discount

Addressing the crowd, Castañar asked, “Eh paano naman kung gusto ninyo magtake-out (But what about the [food] you want to have taken out)?”

He and Mejia then introduced the AEMC baunan (meal boxes), which are for sale at the Loyola Schools Bookstore for P225.

“This [the meal box] comes with, of course, the container, tumbler, and it also comes with a thermos for your hot drinks,” Mejia said in a mix of English and Filipino.

Castañar and Mejia said that an incentive will be given to people who will use their own containers when taking-out food. A discount worth P5 for orders P60 and above will be given to buyers who use their baunan.

Buyers will also be given a P2 discount if they use their own glasses for drinks.

From the crowd

Emmanuel Tuason (II BS Bio-A) said he can understand the whole campaign better because of the launch. “It’s not such a hassle like I first thought,” he said.

Tonee Bayhon (I AB MEco) said, “I was not motivated. First of all, the presentation was corny, and I didn’t like the fact that they had a script.”

Carolyn Suzanne Barba (I AB Psy) also said she wasn’t encouraged to bring her own meal box after the launch. She said that the “higher people” should show that they are using meal boxes as well.

“Dapat action muna bago ang advertise-advertise nila ([They should] practice it first before they promote it),” she added.