CHAPTER I

THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE

INTRODUCTION

Rationale for the Study

According to the Ocean Conservancy and McKinsey Center for Business and

Environment in 2015, five countries are accountable for up to 60% of the marine plastic

entering the oceans. The Philippines, among others, is responsible for the increased

risks associated with this alarming statistics on plastic pollution. In fact, the country is

yet the highest collector of garbage among the Southeast Asian countries. In 2017, the

Department of Public Services of Cebu City raised concern on the significant increase in

the generation of garbage from 260 to 500 tons per day in 2014 to close to 600 tons per

day in that year.

Plastic bottles are commonly made of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) which is

highly recyclable. Creating something useful out of waste can be the solution of this

problem. Recycling unwanted plastic into polyester fabric may be able to address this

issue. Countries like the United States, China, and Haiti have begun this practice.

Polyester fabric has useful properties including durability, wrinkle and abrasion

resistance, chemical resistance and many more. Its hydrophobic property makes it a

suitable material for jacket and quilted garments.

 With the knowledge that the process is possible and already employed in some

countries, the proponents decided to conduct this study to determine its feasibility and

sustainability. The study will focus on how to utilize waste plastic bottles at a maximum

and reduce those thrown in landfills and dumpsites particularly in Inayawan dumpsite. If

implemented, it will promote the improvement of Inayawan dumpsite and other

neighboring places and maximizing the livability of the areas.