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| The Department of the Environment and Natural Resources has launched a mobile game, Basura Buster, to promote proper waste segregation. Photo: DENR |
QUEZON CITY — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has released the "Basura Buster" mobile gaming application as an alternative tool for teaching proper waste segregation to children aged 5 to 8.
Basura Buster is a web-based gaming application that teaches players proper waste separation in a fun and educational way.
It is one of the projects launched as part of the DENR's Solid Waste Management Advocacy Campaign, which aims to instill better environmental behavior in Filipinos.
The DENR will enlist the youth through the campaign by strengthening partnerships and collaborations, technology, as well as information, education, and communication.
"In the midst of the pandemic, solid waste management is undeniably one of our country's most pressing issues today." And, because technology is clearly valuable in the education of children, we created this educational game app to lay a solid foundation on solid waste management while they are still young," said DENR Secretary Roy A. Cimatu.
"I'd like to encourage parents and children to download the Basura Buster game app to their smartphones and tablets." We hope to spread awareness, change behavior, and train kids on environmental protection that they can practice at home through this app," said DENR Undersecretary for Solid Waste Management and Local Government Units (LGUs) Concerns Benny D. Antiporda.
Basura Buster is available for free download from the Google Play Store. It's a simple drag-and-drop game in which players must place "falling" trash in the appropriate trash bin.
To educate children on proper waste segregation and disposal, trash bins are color-coded according to nationally accepted standards: green for biodegradable waste, black for residual, blue for recyclable, and yellow for household healthcare.
Built with fun animation, each correct match allows players to earn points and advance to the next level, while incorrect matches cause them to lose "lives" and have to replay the level.
Each level increases in difficulty as the number of colored trash bins to match and the speed of the game increase.
The app also includes a leaderboard where players can see top scores and compete with kids from all over the country and even from other countries.
The DENR's Strategic Communication and Initiatives Service and the DENR-Environmental Management Bureau's Solid Waste Management Division collaborated on the Basura Buster App. (DENR/PRESS RELEASE)