Tree · Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines
Mother Earth Foundation
Helping Filipino barangays and islands build zero waste systems from the household up
Since 1998Works nationally
- zero waste
- composting
- barangay
- materials recovery
- waste workers
- brand audit
A Quezon City non-profit started in 1998 by 15 volunteers during a garbage crisis, now guiding barangays, cities and islands to set up community zero waste (Walang Aksaya) systems. They train households in segregation and composting, revive barangay materials recovery facilities, support waste workers and run brand audits on plastic pollution.
MEF's partnerships show measurable change: on Isla Verde, Batangas, waste diversion rose from 852 kg a day in 2019 to 13,763 kg a day in 2022 and segregation from 30 to 70 percent, and it supported Apo Island to become the country's first recognised Zero Waste island barangay. Programmes include Zero Waste Cities and Islands, Plastic-Free Philippines, OrgaNEXT for organic waste, a Zero Waste Academy with GAIA, Waste Workers Appreciation Day, and the JuanaZero refill store that funds scholarships for waste workers' children.
What they need
Can you help? We'll take it to them.
- More local government partners
- A Magna Carta for waste workers
- Funding for island and city programmes
What they offer
Ask us to connect you.
- Zero waste community training
- Household composting guidance
- Waste assessment and brand audit tools
- Zero Waste Academy