LNU Commits to Sustainability with Plastic-Free Campus Policy

Responsible Consumption and Production

Lyceum-Northwestern University (L-NU) has a formal, university-wide policy that directly minimizes and regulates the use of plastics across its campus. This mandate is established through Executive Order No. 01, Series of 2024, issued and signed by University President Dr. Luz T. Duque-Hammershaimb on July 20, 2024, under the Enhancement of the Waste Reduction and Management System.

The policy aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the University’s Ecological Solid Waste Management Program. It outlines specific and enforceable measures designed to significantly reduce single-use plastics within the university community. Key provisions include: 

  1. University-Wide Plastic Reduction Rule

L-NU adopts and implements a comprehensive plastic reduction framework as part of its Solid Waste Management System, requiring strict monitoring by the Pollution Control Officer (PCO).

 

  1. Campus-Wide Ban on Single-Use Plastics

The Executive Order mandates the University-wide prohibition of single-use plastic containers, bags, bottles, and Styrofoam, promoting a Plastic-Free Campus. This ban applies to:

∙Students

∙Employees

∙Offices and departments

∙Third-party vendors

∙Visitors

  1. Required Use of Reusable Containers

The University strongly encourages students, employees, and visitors to bring and use their own reusable food and drink containers to reduce plastic waste generation.

  1. Restrictions on Vendors and Suppliers

∙All vendors are required to use biodegradable or paper-based alternative packaging.

∙Third-party suppliers delivering goods to L-NU must ensure all packaging is plastic-free or biodegradable.

 

  1. Disciplinary Measures for Non-Compliance

Anyone caught disposing of or using prohibited plastic beverage containers within campus is subject to disciplinary action. This reinforces the University’s commitment to long-term behavioral change.

 

  1. Institutional Processes and Implementation Rules

The Executive Order requires the creation of detailed Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) addressing:

∙Waste reduction policies

∙Segregation procedures

∙Plastic-use minimization practices

∙Ethical sourcing policies

∙Waste disposal guidelines

∙Monitoring and enforcement

 

These IRRs ensure systematic, accountable, and sustainable implementation across all levels of the institution.

[ theme_builder_area=”post_content” /]