"The influential figure advocating for a waste-free world, Crispian Lao, has sadly passed away"
Crispian Lao, a significant advocate for plastic waste management in the Philippines, passed away on February 18 at the age of 58. Lao was the founding president of the Philippine Alliance for Recycled Materials (PARMS), a multi-sectoral industry organization that brings together corporations, environmental groups, and government regulators in the pursuit of sustainable environmental solutions.
Zedrik Avecilla, programme director at PARMS, described Lao as an "extraordinary visionary of a zero-waste future." Avecilla stated that Lao's vision included improving collection systems, supporting recycling entrepreneurs, and considering the social impact on waste workers and communities. Laureto, director of PARMS, added that Lao's ability to translate conflict into cooperation stands as a defining legacy of his work.
Lao's vision was not limited to PARMS. He also worked closely with environmental organizations like Greenpeace Philippines and the EcoWaste Coalition to promote zero-waste programs through partnerships between government, industry, and civil society in the Philippines. His efforts were instrumental in shaping national policies promoting waste reduction, recycling, and circular economy initiatives.
As a private sector representative and vice chairman of the National Solid Waste Management Commission under the Office of the President, Lao bridged the gap between corporations and civil society in addressing plastic pollution. PARMS includes corporate members such as Coca-Cola FEMSA Philippines, Nestlé Philippines, Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Universal Robina, Procter & Gamble, and Unilever Philippines. The Philippine Plastics Industry Association and environmental non-government groups like the Zero Waste Recycling Movement are also part of PARMS.
The waste sector in the Philippines is a complex landscape, according to Laureto. The solutions and interests of various stakeholders often diverge, despite a shared recognition of the problem and a common desire to resolve it. Lao's rare combination of scientific insight and political acumen enabled him to understand diverse perspectives and navigate competing priorities.
Lao's work was aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 12: Consumption and Production. He attended a waste management training in Japan which inspired him to find sustainable solutions for plastic waste. In a previous interview, Lao called for the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) law to include reforms to turn waste pickers' trade into a more formal, privately held business.
Crispian Lao is survived by his wife and two children. His passing marks a significant loss for the waste management sector in the Philippines and beyond. His legacy, however, continues to inspire efforts towards a zero-waste future.
This story is tagged under jobs, plastic, pollution, recycling, regulation, waste, and Extended Producer Responsibility.
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