TURNING INVASIVE WEEDS INTO GREEN GOLD

TURNING INVASIVE WEEDS INTO GREEN GOLD There’s an old saying that goes, “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” But in this case, it’s more accurate to say that one country’s aquatic menace could become another country’s environmental solution. In Kenya, a young engineering student named Joseph Nguthiru came up with a brilliant idea—one that could potentially clean up both pollution and poverty. Through his company HyaPak Ecotech Limited, he has developed a way to turn water hyacinths into biodegradable plastic. Yes, you read that right—those pesky floating plants clogging waterways can now become eco-friendly seedling bags, wrappers, straws, tumblers, and even party plates. These biodegradable products decompose within 3 to 12 months, leaving zero plastic waste behind. Now, I ask you: Why can’t we do that here in the Philippines? From Problem Plant to Planet Protector Water hyacinths are no strangers to us. We see them blanketing our rivers and lakes, particularly in Laguna de Bay, where they choke marine life, stall boats, and destroy livelihoods—especially for fishermen. Local governments and even well-meaning NGOs have tried to turn this invasive plant into raw material for furniture, bags, and handicrafts. That’s all good. But let’s be honest: the supply always outpaces the demand. The hyacinths grow faster than we can turn them into anything useful. That’s why this Kenyan innovation caught my attention. It doesn’t just “use” water hyacinths—it turns them into biodegradable plastic, a material we can use daily and repeatedly. And better yet, it replaces petroleum-based plastic, which is one of the biggest polluters in the world. If Kenya can do it, why can’t we? We already have the raw materials floating around by the ton—literally clogging our lakes and rivers. What we need is the political will to explore, adopt, and adapt this technology. A Few Simple Steps Could Spark Big Change I respectfully propose a few simple actions that can get this ball rolling: 1. Talk to the Innovator. Let’s have the Philippine Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya contact Mr. Nguthiru. A simple conversation could lead to a collaboration. We don’t need to reinvent the wheel—we just need to bring it here. 2. Get the DENR on Board. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) should craft a roadmap to integrate this technology into our environmental programs—especially for waterway rehabilitation and solid waste management. 3. Public-Private Partnerships. Let’s encourage collaboration with startups and social enterprises who are ready to take this on. Think of the jobs this could create in local communities—collecting, processing, producing. Circular economy in action. 4. Back it Up with Science. The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) can lead the research to fine-tune the process for local conditions. Our climate, our water hyacinths, our market—all of these can help shape a uniquely Filipino version of HyaPak. 5. Enable It Through Policy. Perhaps the LLDA (Laguna Lake Development Authority) and relevant local government units can craft ordinances that facilitate the collection and transport of water hyacinths, rather than treating them as waste. From Weed to Wealth, from Waste to Wonder To President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., this is the kind of innovation your administration should champion. You’ve often spoken about sustainability, climate resilience, and inclusive growth. This checks all the boxes. It fights pollution, supports biodiversity, boosts local economies, and aligns perfectly with your goal of creating a “fierce and intense” government that delivers results. As citizens, we often feel helpless when facing environmental degradation. But here is one clear, practical, and achievable solution. Let’s not miss the boat—again. It’s about time we viewed our problems as potential, our weeds as wealth, and our waste as opportunity. In the words of HyaPak's slogan: “Nature to Nature.” The answer to our plastic problem may just be floating in our lakes. Ramon Ike V. Seneres, www.facebook.com/ike.seneres iseneres@yahoo.com, 09088877282, senseneres.blogspot.com 07-23-2025