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Zero Waste at the World Meeting of Families 2003 , Philippines

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Read Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin's Letter>>

The Roman Catholic Archbishop of Manila
121 Arzobispo Street, Intramuros
P.O. Box 132
Manila, Philippines

09 January 2003

My dear people of God,

In accord with our mission to care for the earth and dwell in harmony with it, I exhort all parishes and communities in the Archdiocese of Manila to fully support the effort of the Church and the Civil Society to make the 4th World Meeting of Families in January 2003 a “Zero Waste” celebration of life. The initiative involves the implementation of a waste reduction and segregation scheme at the sites of the World Meeting of Families events, particularly at the Philippine International Convention Center and the Rizal Park, to make easy the recycling and reuse of discards.

Towards a “wasteless” World Meeting of Families, I enjoin all the faithful to pay attention and observe the following steps:

• · Minimize the creation of waste by using as few resources as possible at the various events.
• Avoid using plastic and disposable items.
• Separate your waste and dispose your waste at the designated resource recovery stations.
• Put your waste into the proper containers to facilitate recycling and make simpler the work of cleaners and collectors. Place your biodegradable (nabubulok) and non-biodegradable (hindi nabubulok) waste into their respective bins.

By doing the above, we affirm the role of the Family and the Church as stewards of His creation (Gen 2:19-20) and proclaim our oneness in choosing life so that our heirs and we will live (Dt 30:19-20). By ensuring that nothing is wasted (Jn 6:12), we make it known that the Christian Family is an active participant in healing and restoring the beauty of our ravaged land.

I impart my prayers and blessings for the success of “Zero Waste” 4th World Meeting of Families. I renew my call on everyone to redirect his/her attitude towards the goal of resource recovery and utilization for sustainable environment. As stewards of Mother Earth, I ask all citizens and institutions to work together towards a safe and healthy future without waste and pollution in our homes, streets, marketplaces, malls, schools, hospitals, offices, factories, churches and communities.

May God bless you always!

Devotedly in Christ,

(Signed) Jaime Cardinal L. Sin, DD