MANILA, Philippines -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources reminded the public on Wednesday to celebrate Christmas Day and the rest of the holiday season in an environment-friendly way.

Environment Secretary Lito Atienza, in a statement, advised the public to dispose of gift wrappers and holiday residue properly, use electricity efficiently, and be careful in lighting fireworks.

?As in recent Christmases, let us dispose of gift wrappers, leftovers and other residues of the season properly. Let us use electricity efficiently, and firecrackers and fireworks responsibly. Our environment deserves our concern amid our exultations,? he added.

With the looming economic slump, Atienza said Filipinos should turn to proper waste management at the source and adopt the 3R principle: reduce, reuse and recycle.

?Before buying or consuming anything, it would be sensible to consider first if it is a necessity or a luxury,? he said.

Less consumption also means less stress on the Earth?s resources and will also result in reduced strain on the environment brought about by the manufacturing processes, and minimize the amount of garbage, Atienza said.

The Metro Manila Development Authority has estimated that residents of Metro Maila could generate an additional 4,000 to 7,000 tons of garbage per day during the Christmas season.

?Let us give due respect to the little things that were once taken for granted: clean air, refreshing water, tidy surroundings and our heritage of natural resources,? Atienza said.