The use of e-commerce and social media platforms to sell dangerous skin lightening products with high mercury content has not ceased despite the full enforcement of Republic Act 11967 or the Internet Transactions Act, according to toxics watchdog group EcoWaste Coalition.
Often sold without any labeling information and warning, these pretty ornaments from recycled plastic could be packed with some of the most harmful substances found in electronic waste or e-waste.
On the eve of the “2.”2 online shopping sales, the toxics watchdog group EcoWaste Coalition reprimanded online shopping sites for their failure to rid their platforms of products containing hazardous substances such as mercury.
The toxics watchdog group EcoWaste Coalition has deplored the continued sale by online merchants of unauthorized cosmetics contaminated with mercury, a perilous chemical banned in cosmetics such as skin lightening products.
Through an open letter, over 150 diverse groups called on online shopping sites to take concrete steps to cut their packaging footprint as the country and whole world grapple with increasing plastic waste and pollution crisis.
Environmental health groups EcoWaste Coalition and Greenpeace have nudged the Philippine government to ban the importation of electronic waste, or e-waste, like what Thailand has recently done.
