Mothers of the Earth: How Filipino Women Lead the Circular Economy

Celebrating the role of women in building a sustainable future this Mother’s Day

When we think of superheroes, we often picture capes, masks, and dramatic music. But in truth, one of the most powerful forces for good in our world is... Mom.From planning meals to stretching the household budget, Filipino moms make hundreds of choices every day—and those choices can shape not just our homes, but our planet.

Whether it's choosing reusable containers, avoiding overpackaged goods, or repurposing leftovers, many of these decisions naturally align with the principles of a circular economy—where we reduce waste, reuse resources, and recycle what we can. And moms, especially those in the informal sector, are quietly leading the charge.

Everyday Circular Heroes

In a circular economy, nothing is wasted. It's a system built on thoughtful consumption and resourcefulness—something many moms already practice instinctively. Think of the yogurt cups turned pencil holders, the hand-me-down clothes passed through siblings, or the repurposed jars for bagoong and suka.These may seem like small acts, but when practiced daily across households, they create a powerful impact.

Majority of the waste pickers, recyclers, and washers in Baseco are women. Here we can see them washing the PET bottles and single use plastic along the Baseco Beach.

Mothers in the informal sector, who often juggle tight budgets and environmental risks firsthand, are especially resourceful. Their choices directly influence household buying habits and community norms around waste.

According to the Global Network of Women Peacebuilders, there are an estimated 6.6 million Filipino women working in the informal sector, engaging in activities like small-scale vending, home-based enterprises, and waste picking.

The Struggle: Green but Costly

Despite their best efforts, moms often face a tough trade-off: eco-friendly products are typically more expensive or less accessible. Sustainable packaging, refill stations, and organic options can feel out of reach for many Filipino families.Without wider support, these choices remain aspirational rather than practical.

That’s why teaching mothers about the long-term benefits of sustainable choices - and working to make them affordable - is key to making circular living possible for everyone.

Women at the Heart of Waste Management

In our coastal cleanups in Baseco, we've observed that a significant number of waste pickers and Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) staff are women. This mirrors national trends where women play a crucial role in waste management. The Philippines relies on over 100,000 informal waste workers, mostly women and children, for waste collection.

Nanays of Kabalikat leading the way to cleaner oceans by assisting volunteers at the recent coastal cleanup we did at Baseco Beach. They oversaw trash picking, sorting, and eventually showcased washing at the MRF.

Organizations like Kabalikat are instrumental in this space, providing support and advocacy for these women, ensuring they have access to resources and recognition for their vital work.

Community Support Makes It Work

But moms can’t do it alone. Local governments (LGUs) and barangays play a huge role in making sustainable systems easier to adopt. Enforcing waste segregation, supporting businesses that use better packaging, and setting up Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs) help communities live out circular economy values.In lower-income areas, these systems can even provide livelihood opportunities—particularly for women in waste collection and sorting.

Storytellers Make It Stick

People follow stories, not instructions. And that’s where storytellers—whether vloggers, eco-advocates, or even your chatty kapitbahay—make a difference. By sharing relatable wins and community-driven solutions, they help normalize circular habits.A mom seeing another mom composting or setting up an eco-brick station might be inspired to do the same.

As highlighted by HungryTravelDuo.co:

"By investing in education, infrastructure, and financial support, the Philippines can tap into the full potential of the informal sector, driving a circular economy that benefits all. Let’s empower those who have always been the backbone of our waste management system."

The Boost from NGOs and Funders

Behind many of these grassroots efforts are NGOs and funding partners who provide the training, seed capital, and support needed to get circular economy projects off the ground.By backing programs that involve mothers and women-led groups, these organizations help scale impact and build skills that benefit both the environment and household economies.

This Mother’s Day, Let’s Celebrate the Real MVPs

Moms aren’t just nurturing families—they’re helping heal the planet.So today, let’s honor the mothers who wash out plastic for reuse, who walk instead of ride to save fuel, who remind us to turn off the lights, and who stretch every peso and every piece of packaging.

Let’s support them with systems that work, products they can afford, and stories that uplift.

Because when Mothers of the Earth lead, everyone follows. 🌏💚