Living a more environmentally friendly life has become much more manageable in recent years. There are numerous easy yet effective ways to make our daily lives more sustainable, and many organizations eager to assist us in taking that first step toward a greener future. Only by working together to preserve our world for future generations can we make a difference by living a personal sustainable lifestyle.
Reducing your carbon footprint is one of the best ways to live sustainably. Many seemingly innocuous daily actions can contribute to increased carbon emissions or other greenhouse gases (GHG) in the atmosphere, resulting in drastic climate change. High electric usage, short-distance transportation, and the excessive use of aerosols and air conditioners, to name a few, all contribute to an increased carbon footprint. If you can, try to identify and reduce these activities, or hunt for more eco-friendly alternatives if they are available.
You can also reduce your carbon impact by conserving energy. Use energy-efficient appliances, LED lighting to replace old fixtures, and turn off energy-consuming devices when not in use. Doing so reduces energy waste in your home and benefits the environment.
The 2020 Climate Transparency Report disclosed that the Philippines generated 1.18 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per capita in 2017. The country will need to reduce its emissions to below 132 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2030 and below -198 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2050. It is to meet the 1.5°C-compliant climate change mitigation goals of the Paris Agreement, of which the country is a signatory.
Together with the Plastic Credit Exchange, SM Cares helps gather empty, clean, and dry plastic waste at select SM Supermalls nationwide. Plastic waste may be dropped off every day from 10AM to 5PM.
Another way to make your lifestyle more sustainable is to correctly manage and segregate your garbage. Sort and separate your waste by type (e.g., paper/carton, plastic, glass, metal, electronics, etc.). It helps to find out more about your community’s waste collection and management policies. You can even make extra cash if you dispose of your non-organic waste through the proper channels.
You can also minimize the waste you generate at home. There are many simple ways to do this. It includes reusing plastic bags, opting for eco-bags when shopping, and avoiding single-use items. By being mindful of our food consumption, we can also significantly reduce food waste and packaging.
According to the 2020 Ocean Conservancy and McKinsey Center for Business and Environment, the Philippines is the world’s third-largest producer of plastic garbage, with 2.7 million metric tons produced each year.
SM’s Trash to Cash recycling market happens every first Friday and Saturday of the month from 10 AM to 2 PM across all SM Malls and select SDMC Malls nationwide.
SM has continually introduced programs to motivate Filipinos to be more sustainable, teaching them on the importance of sustainability and how to help safeguard the environment as a responsible member of the community. It includes the long-running Green Film Festival, which offers free screenings of environmental documentaries to students as well as other program collaborations that promote plastic-free alternatives.
SM also offers projects concentrating on solid waste management that directly engage mall visitors. The monthly Trash to Cash recycling market and collection of used lead-acid batteries (ULABs), the Electronic Waste Collection program, and the Plastic Waste Collection program, all of which are held in collaboration with the Plastic Credit Exchange, are among them. SM Supermalls has collected around 11,600 kilograms to date. 2,000 kg of plastic garbage 908,000 kg of electronic garbage a variety of recyclable waste.
Customers can drop off their electronic waste at bins in the Cyberzone and selected locations of SM Supermalls nationwide.
In addition, SM has been looking at sustainable energy sources for its malls. For example, solar roof panels put in 10 different malls around the country generated 9,620 MWh of electricity in 2020. Other malls have also had solar panel retrofits undertaken by the company. By the end of the year, SM hopes to have obtained 50 percent of its energy from renewable sources.
“We have always been an advocate of sustainable living. Proof of this is the numerous environmental initiatives that the company has implemented. We build our malls with the environment and community in mind, and we make sure that our developments contribute to environmental protection,” said Engr. Liza B. Silerio, SM Supermalls’ Corporate Compliance Head. “More importantly, we know that personal sustainability is key to achieving the green future that we want. We will continue to implement programs that encourage positive change within our community partners.”
SM Cares is SM Prime Holdings’ Corporate Social Responsibility arm, including projects to help communities, promote social inclusion, and protect the environment. Environment, Persons with Disabilities, Women & Breastfeeding Mothers, Children & Youth, Senior Citizens, and the Bike-Friendly SM Program are among the company’s CSR initiatives.
Visit www.smsupermalls.com/smcares for additional information on these programs.
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