Siquijor Goes Zero Waste: Eco-Friendly Travel Guide

Siquijor has positioned itself as an environmental leader in the Philippines, declaring itself a zero-waste province. This isn’t just marketing—it’s a serious commitment that affects how you’ll travel here. Understanding and respecting these policies helps preserve the pristine environment that makes Siquijor special.

What “Zero Waste” Means

Siquijor’s zero-waste initiative aims to eliminate single-use plastics and ensure proper waste management across the island.

Prohibited Items

The following single-use plastics are banned:

• Plastic bags (shopping bags, packaging)
• Plastic straws
• Styrofoam containers
• Disposable plastic utensils (spoons, forks, cups)
• Single-use sachets (shampoo, coffee, etc.)

What’s Encouraged

• Reusable water bottles
• Cloth or woven shopping bags (bayong)
• Metal or bamboo straws
• Biodegradable packaging
• Refillable containers

Why Siquijor Went Zero Waste

Environmental Pressure

Like many Philippine islands, Siquijor faced growing waste problems:

• Limited landfill space
• Plastic pollution on beaches
• Marine life affected by waste
• Tourism threatening natural beauty

Proactive Solution

Rather than wait for crisis, Siquijor’s provincial government implemented strict policies:

• Provincial Ordinance banning single-use plastics
• Waste segregation requirements for all households and businesses
• Community education programs
• Tourism guidelines for visitors

Results

The initiative has shown visible results:

• Cleaner beaches
• Reduced marine debris
• Community pride in environmental stewardship
• Model for other Philippine islands

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Practical Guide for Visitors

Essential Items to Bring

1. Reusable Water Bottle

   • Most important item
   • Refill at accommodations, restaurants, and refill stations
   • Collapsible bottles save space

2. Eco-Bags

   • Bring 2-3 cloth bags
   • Needed for any shopping
   • Markets won’t provide plastic bags

3. Reef-Safe Sunscreen

   • Regular sunscreen damages coral reefs
   • Check ingredients: avoid oxybenzone and octinoxate
   • Available in some Siquijor shops, but better to bring

4. Reusable Straw (Optional)

   • If you use straws, bring metal or bamboo
   • Many places now offer paper or bamboo alternatives

5. Reusable Food Container (Optional)

   • Useful for takeaway food
   • Some places still use styrofoam (though not allowed)

Water Solutions

Staying hydrated in tropical heat is essential. Here’s how to do it sustainably:

At Your Accommodation:

• Most hotels and hostels have water refill stations
• Some provide filtered water in your room
• Ask about refill options when booking

On the Go:

• Refill before leaving your accommodation
• Many restaurants will refill bottles for free or small fee
• Water refill stations exist in towns (around PHP 5-10 per liter)

If You Must Buy Bottled:

• Some stores still sell bottled water
• Choose larger sizes to reduce plastic
• Look for glass bottles when available

Shopping

At Markets:

• Bring your own bags (essential)
• Vendors use paper or banana leaves for some items
• No plastic bags provided

At Stores:

• Same rules apply
• Some shops sell woven bags (bayong) if you forgot yours

Souvenirs:

• Many local crafts use sustainable materials
• Avoid items with excessive packaging
• Support artisans using traditional, natural materials

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Waste Segregation

Siquijor practices strict waste segregation. You’ll see color-coded bins:

Color	Type	Examples
Green	Biodegradable	Food waste, leaves, paper
Blue	Recyclable	Plastic bottles, metal cans, glass, cardboard
Black/Gray	Residual	Non-recyclable, non-biodegradable items

At Your Accommodation

• Follow segregation guidelines in your room
• Ask staff if unsure which bin to use
• Some places have additional categories (e-waste, hazardous)

At Attractions

• Bins available at most tourist spots
• If no bins, carry waste until you find one
• Never litter—it’s both disrespectful and harmful

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Environmental Attractions

Marine Sanctuaries

Siquijor’s marine sanctuaries benefit directly from reduced plastic pollution:

Tubod Marine Sanctuary

• Protected reef ecosystem
• Snorkeling with healthy coral
• No-touch, no-take policy

Rules at Marine Sanctuaries:

• No stepping on coral
• No feeding fish
• No collecting anything
• Use reef-safe sunscreen
• Minimal disturbance

Waterfalls

The island’s famous waterfalls stay pristine through community care:

• Pack out everything you bring in
• Don’t leave trash on the trails
• Respect roped-off areas
• Don’t use soap or shampoo in the water

Beaches

Clean beaches are everyone’s responsibility:

• Take all trash with you
• Collect any litter you see
• Avoid single-use items on the beach
• Report illegal dumping

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How Businesses Participate

Accommodations

Most hotels and resorts in Siquijor have adopted sustainable practices:

• Water refill stations
• Reduced single-use toiletries
• Waste segregation programs
• Renewable energy (some properties)
• Local sourcing of food

Restaurants

Dining establishments are adapting:

• Paper or bamboo straws
• Reusable or biodegradable containers
• Locally sourced ingredients
• Reduced packaging

Tour Operators

Responsible tour operators:

• Provide reusable water bottles
• Brief guests on environmental rules
• Avoid overcrowding sensitive sites
• Support marine sanctuary preservation

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Beyond Plastic: Sustainable Travel Tips

Transportation

• Rent a motorcycle — More fuel-efficient than cars
• Combine activities — Reduce unnecessary trips
• Walk when possible — Best for short distances in towns

Energy

• Turn off AC when out — Energy is precious on islands
• Minimize hot water use — Often heated by electricity
• Unplug devices — Standby power adds up

Water

• Short showers — Water is a limited resource
• Report leaks — Help conserve water infrastructure
• Use refill stations — Support the system

Wildlife

• Don’t touch marine life — Including “harmless” species
• Keep distance from animals — Respect their space
• Don’t buy wildlife products — Shell jewelry, dried seahorses, etc.

Culture

• Support local businesses — Keep money in the community
• Buy local products — Reduce shipping impacts
• Respect traditions — Environmental stewardship is often cultural

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Challenges and Realities

Imperfect Implementation

Let’s be honest: Siquijor’s zero-waste policy isn’t perfectly enforced everywhere.

• Some stores still use plastic bags
• Styrofoam containers appear occasionally
• Enforcement varies by barangay
• Habits take time to change

What You Can Do

• Lead by example with your own practices
• Politely decline plastic when offered
• Support businesses that follow the rules
• Don’t complain about minor inconveniences

Progress Takes Time

Remember: Siquijor is a developing province implementing policies that challenge ingrained habits. Progress is real, even if imperfect. Your support—through compliance and patience—helps the initiative succeed.

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Packing Checklist for Eco-Travel

Essential:

• Reusable water bottle (1L or more)
• 2-3 cloth shopping bags
• Reef-safe sunscreen

Recommended:

• Metal or bamboo straws
• Reusable food container
• Bar soap and shampoo (less packaging)
• Solid toiletries

Optional:

• Collapsible cup
• Beeswax wraps
• Portable water filter (for extended travel)

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The Bigger Picture

Siquijor’s zero-waste initiative is part of a growing movement in Philippine tourism. Other islands are watching and learning. By supporting these policies, you’re not just helping Siquijor—you’re encouraging sustainable tourism across the archipelago.

The beaches and reefs you enjoy today exist because communities decided to protect them. Every reusable bottle filled, every plastic bag refused, every properly segregated piece of waste contributes to keeping Siquijor the magical place it is.

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Final Thoughts

Traveling sustainably in Siquijor isn’t difficult—it just requires a little preparation and awareness. Bring your reusables, respect the rules, and embrace the slight inconveniences as part of responsible travel.

The reward is clear: pristine beaches, healthy reefs, and the knowledge that your visit helped rather than harmed this special place. Siquijor is proving that tourism and environmental protection can coexist. By following their lead, you become part of the solution.

Pack that reusable bottle, bring your eco-bags, and enjoy a cleaner, greener island experience. Siquijor’s future—and the future of island tourism—depends on travelers like you.