Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) broke new ground when it made headlines as the first resort-airport in the world. Now, it’s set to become the first plastic-free PH airport.
Andrew Acquaah-Harrison, the Chief Executive Advisor of GMR Megawide Cebu Airport Corporation (GMCAC), announced the latest breakthroughs of the “Going Green Campaign.” Through their efforts to minimise plastic waste, GMCAC is paving the way for cleaner, responsible air travel.
“We took this step forward starting with our commercial partners as our commitment to environmental sustainability,” said Harrison.
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GMCAC, the private operator of MCIA, prohibits all concessionaires in Terminals 1 and 2 from using non-biodegradable single-use plastics and polystyrene containers.
Instead of packaging food in plastic, dining establishments are encouraged to use eco-friendly and reusable substitutes.
Currently, 80% of MCIA’s shops and restaurants have already switched to biodegradable alternatives. Some of these include paper cups and straws, plant starch utensils, wood stirrers, paper bags, and carton boxes for takeaway meals.
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In 2018, the Cebu-based airport was generating a monthly average of 3,500kg of plastic waste from restaurants and shops. Now, this figure has gone down by nearly 30% — and GMCAS is looking at a decrease of around 12,000kg of plastic per year, according to Harrison.
GMCAC plans to continue strengthening their commitment to sustainable travel solutions. They will also educate their stakeholders and concessionaires about the harmful effects of plastic on the environment.
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By pushing eco-friendly alternatives, Mactan-Cebu International Airport is making great strides against plastic pollution. Here’s to hoping others follow suit!
