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MINDANAO HIGHLIGHTS SUSTAINABILITY ISSUES, INITIATIVES (RESEARCHED BY: MARY GUINEVERE BELAZA)

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URL:

https://nrcp.dost.gov.ph/latest-news/717-future-earth-philippines-mindanao-highlights-sustainability-issues-initiatives

TITLE:
MINDANAO HIGHLIGHTS SUSTAINABILITY ISSUES, INITIATIVES

AUTHOR:
National Research Council of the Philippines

DATE PUBLISHED:
May 06, 2021

KEY INFO:
To promote science-based approaches in sustainability implementation, different researches and case studies were presented by NRCP members. With his talk titled, “Sustaining the energy imperatives of Mindanao for development,” Dr. Randell U. Espina, Professor at Ateneo De Davao University, mentioned the potential of Mindanao for renewable energy sources. He enthused the need to optimize the utilization of free water from the river basins through small to medium-sized hydro power plants.

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Is the Philippines on track for sustainable development? (RESEARCHED BY: MARY GUINEVERE BELAZA)

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URL:
https://www.rappler.com/voices/imho/opinion-is-philippines-on-track-sustainable-development/

TITLE:
Is the Philippines on track for sustainable development?

AUTHOR:
Rappler

DATE PUBLISHED:
September 17, 2020

KEY INFO:
It is important to note that while the report claims that the country has achieved responsible consumption and production (SDG 12), the Philippines’s own review indicates that it needs to improve its policy implementation to improve waste management and reduce pollution. This indicates a disconnect between the numbers and our reality, indicating a need to improve the assessment of national SDG performance and policy implementation.

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Covid delivers recipe for responsible consumption (RESEARCHED BY: MARY GUINEVERE BELAZA)

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URL:
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/covid-delivers-recipe-for-responsible-consumption/articleshow/81158780.cms

TITLE:
Covid delivers recipe for responsible consumption

AUTHOR:
The Economic Times

DATE PUBLISHED:
March 02, 2021

KEY INFO:
“Our motto is cut wastage, not cost,” says Rohit Gambhir, executive chef, The Oberoi, New Delhi. The hotel serves ‘small plates’ and ‘Indian food platter’ that allows tasting of multiple dishes but the quantity and accompaniments ensure waste reduction. The focus is also on sourcing ethically grown local produce and cutting food waste through an efficient supply chain and better inventory management.

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ET Bureau

As the 2030 deadline to meet UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) nears, experts believe Covid-19 has presented an opportunity, especially in ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns.

"The strict phase of lockdown was when we realised that the resources on earth have an expiry date. And there is a need to conserve," says Parul Soni, global managing partner, Thinkthrough Consulting. "Responsible behaviour like avoiding unnecessary travel, less dependence on office space and more on technology, dependence on local food stores should be encouraged with adequate support."

So, how well is India poised to benefit from the consciousness created by the pandemic? By 2030, as annual consumption doubles to $6 trillion in India and $8.2 trillion in China, global material footprint is also growing exponentially. So, cutting wastage and reducing carbon footprint of our lifestyle become important.

"A lot of the action against climate change will require collaboration and cooperation to save ourselves," says Anirban Ghosh, chief sustainability officer, Mahindra Group.

There is hope. Sales of electric vehicles at Mahindra show a 255% increase in the last two years; 96,000 customers have participated in H&M's garment collection programme leading the company to collect and recycle 4.8 lakh kg of unwanted clothes in the last two years in India. With the aim to change consumer behaviour and the response they have got, the world's second largest clothing retailer aims to use only sustainable material by 2030.

While India Inc has already made the green switch for electricity, households and smaller businesses have also started following the path. "Awareness in India has caught on, and despite the widespread cost-sensitivity, customers are willing to pay for quality as they look at the long-term cost-benefit analysis," says Ritu Lal, head of institutional relations at Amplus Solar, whose B2C rooftop business, started in 2019, has been their fastest growing segment.

"We are conscious citizens of India, so we have installed innovative devices called 'chakra-shields' which cut 70% emissions of diesel generators," says Yogeshwar Sharma, chief executive officer of Select CITYWALK, one of the largest shopping malls in the capital. "Two-thirds of our electricity is from renewable sources".

The UN says the global population could grow to around 8.5 billion in 2030 and 9.7 billion in 2050, leading to the requirement of almost three planets for the natural resources needed to sustain current lifestyles.

"Technology and innovation have to be adopted to increase resource-efficiency and reduce wastage," says Nadir Godrej, chairman, Godrej Agrovet, highlighting his company's innovations since 1980s to increase crop and livestock yields along with sustainable farm practices with water and forest conservation at its core. "All our consumption has to be net zero carbon."

While it is not yet possible to estimate food waste at the retail and consumption stage, food lost after harvesting during transport, storage and processing stands at 13.8% globally, amounting to over $400 billion a year, shows UN's SDG Report 2020.

"From food sourcing, menu development, packaging, distribution to the running of our restaurants, we constantly work with our supplier partners to ensure efficient supply chain management and minimal waste along the way," says Rajeev Ranjan, senior director, supply chain management and quality assurance, Connaught Plaza Restaurants, the company that operates the McDonald's chain in north and east India.

"Our motto is cut wastage, not cost," says Rohit Gambhir, executive chef, The Oberoi, New Delhi. The hotel serves 'small plates' and 'Indian food platter' that allows tasting of multiple dishes but the quantity and accompaniments ensure waste-reduction. The focus is also on sourcing ethically grown local produce and cutting food waste through efficient supply chain and better inventory management.

Many blame the world's rich and upwardly mobile for the global material footprint and the 1.3 billion tonnes of annual food waste while nearly 2 billion go hungry or malnourished.

"To fully realise the 17 SDGs, we need to bridge the gap between the 'haves' and the 'have-nots'. The solution lies in empathy and introspection," says Shridhar Venkat, CEO, Akshaya Patra Foundation. He leads by example as he quit his corporate job to lead the Foundation that feeds 1.8 million children daily.

(This article is part of a series on sustainability in association with Mondelez India. The company had no editorial input.)

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Covid delivers recipe for responsible consumption

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By 2030, as annual consumption doubles to $6 trillion in India and $8.2 trillion in China, global material footprint is also growing exponentially. So, cutting wastage and reducing carbon footprint of our lifestyle become important. Experts believe, COVID brought into focus the need to conserve.

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Sustainability: Toward a greener future- How various campaigns and initiatives are putting sustainability at the forefront(RESEARCHED BY: MARY GUINEVERE BELAZA)

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URL: https://adobomagazine.com/sustainability/sustainability-toward-a-greener-future-how-various-campaigns-and-initiatives-are-putting-sustainability-at-the-forefront/

TITLE:
Sustainability: Toward a greener future — How various campaigns and initiatives are putting sustainability at the forefront

AUTHOR:
Adobo Magazine

DATE PUBLISHED:
October 05, 2021

KEY INFO:
Who says beauty can’t be sustainable? Garnier Philippines, in partnership with Lazada and CORA, takes their #OneGreenStep via the eco-friendly initiatives they have in place. Shoppers who order Garnier products from Lazada’s official store can now expect their orders to come in a Green Parcel, which is plastic-free packaging, and with every purchase of the Garnier All-Star Kit, a seedling will be donated and planted to protect the mangrove ecosystem in Baybay, Leyte.

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MANILA, PHILIPPINES - As more time passes, the more the world can see how evident the struggle against climate change and depleting resources is. However, that doesn't mean no one is putting up a fight. People around the world are doing their part in saving the planet, and that includes brands. In fact, lately, we can see more and more brands making sustainability a priority as they meet the needs of their consumers.

So, adobo magazine rounded up recent campaigns that promote the fight against climate change and highlight strategies best for the environment. Here are some eco-friendly initiatives from brands and organizations who have made moves toward a greener tomorrow:
1. Shining a spotlight on pollution from disposable face masks with Alibaba Group, WWF, and F5 Shanghai
With COVID19 came a new major pollutant that no one prepared for: face masks. In addition to the harrowing global pandemic itself, the millions of face masks polluting the earth have become a major eco problem. So, in partnership with WWF and F5 Shanghai, Alibaba Group launched a campaign shedding a spotlight on the issue, including an event titled "Fading Sea Creatures" that conveyed the severity of mask pollution consequences via performance art.
2. Samsung TV and BBH Singapore create a heartwarming global film to launch its new SolarCell Remote
Through a global film developed by BBH Singapore featuring an adorable toy monkey, Samsung TV launches its new SolarCell Remote. When the battery-powered monkey sees its owner using the new solar-powered remote, the toy then daydreams of the things they could do if they were also solar-powered, representing the many possibilities of greener energy alternatives in everything we do.
3. EDF shows how people can help drive UK emissions to nothing while they sleep in a new campaign by Havas London
Vehicles around the UK light up amidst the darkness while everyone else is asleep in Havas London's campaign for EDF. The film showcases how the company can help car owners reduce UK emissions to nothing while doing nothing with their overnight charging, backed by 100% zero-carbon renewable electricity, highlighting how your contribution to a greener future can come from the smallest steps with minimal effort.
4. Taking #OneGreenStep for the planet with Garnier Philippines, Lazada, and CORA
Who says beauty can't be sustainable? Garnier Philippines, in partnership with Lazada and CORA, takes their #OneGreenStep via the eco-friendly initiatives they have in place. Shoppers who order Garnier products from Lazada's official store can now expect their orders to come in a Green Parcel, which is plastic-free packaging, and with every purchase of the Garnier All-Star Kit, a seedling will be donated and planted to protect the mangrove ecosystem in Baybay, Leyte.
5. Save Philippine Seas and Coca-Cola collaborate to bolster great circular economy initiatives
It's crucial for brands to recognize their responsibility in doing their part to solve waste pollution which is why Coca-Cola and Save Philippines Seas collaborated for a good cause: seeking out three great circular economy initiatives to grant funding and support to. They did this through Reimagine Recycling, an annual program that includes workshops on waste solutions, stakeholder management, and more.
6. Holcim Philippines deploys Circular Explorer to help with the rehabilitation of Manila Bay
Holcim Philippines takes a step toward a cleaner planet starting with a project close to home - the Manila Bay. To help with rehabilitation efforts in Manila Bay, Holcim is deploying the Circular Explorer, a solar-powered catamaran that will help collect litter, study the pollution of the marine area, and raise awareness for caring for our waters. And this is just the start as the company also signed a partnership Marine Environment and Resource Foundation, Inc. (MERF) in order to advance research and against plastic pollution.
7. EcoMatcher becomes Procter & Gamble's newest partner in its tree planting campaign
With technological advancement comes the opportunity and responsibility to use them as tools towards building a more sustainable world. As part of their "Forests for Good" campaign to plant more trees that protect the earth's ecosystem, Procter & Gamble Philippines teams up with EcoMatcher. With EcoMatcher, P&G will be able to ensure sustainable growth and accountability in its tree-planting efforts.
8. Wala Usik finds the best zero-waste ideas and innovations through a circular economy hackathon
You never know what the next amazing project for sustainability could be, which is why hackathons like the Wala Usik challenge are an amazing way to find ingenious ideas that could help our planet. Last month, the Wala Usik Challenge: A Circular Economy Hackathon was held online where mentoring sessions and technical guidance on the circular economy were provided to the 18 selected teams who submitted their circular innovations.

These selections are just a few of the many ways and instances that brands and organizations everywhere are putting in the work to be more environmentally friendly. With brands advocating for sustainability and programs bolster new innovations to make the economy greener, it becomes evident that serving consumers doesn't just end in selling a product or service. Rather, these various projects and initiatives show that it's also about offering more sustainable solutions and making sure to do what they can to pull a green future closer to everyone's reach.

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Sustainability: Toward a greener future - How various campaigns and initiatives are putting sustainability at the forefront - adobo Magazine Online

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Share this postMANILA, PHILIPPINES - As more time passes, the more the world can see how evident the struggle against climate change and depleting resources is. However, that doesn't mean no one is putting up a fight. People around the world are doing their part in saving the planet, and that includes brands.

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'Coast PH' sells sustainable, biodegradable phone cases (RESEARCHED BY: MARY GUINEVERE BELAZA)

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URL:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LoWlfXbcbMY

TITLE:
'Coast PH' sells sustainable, biodegradable phone cases

AUTHOR:
CNN Philippines

DATE PUBLISHED:
December 04, 2020

KEY INFO:
Did you know there are more mobile phones on the planet than there are on humans?
And that means there's also a huge demand for phone cases which are meant to protect your gadgets.
Most of these cases are made of plastic or rubber.
But a brand called "Coast PH"  uses environment-friendly materials.

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'Coast PH' sells sustainable, biodegradable phone cases

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What Is Sustainable Development? (RESEARCHED BY: PHOEBE KAYE MARIANO) 

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URL:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WODX8fyRHA

TITLE:
What Is Sustainable Development?

AUTHOR:
United Nations

DATE PUBLISHED:
September 12, 2015

KEY INFO:
This September, countries will gather at the UN to adopt 17 Global Goals for Sustainable Development. So what exactly is sustainable development? As mentioned in the video, Sustainable Development is the progress that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. The United Nation‘s goal is for economies to grow, companies to thrive, to create non-dangerous technologies, and decent work for each individual.

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Sustainable livelihood towards a better, productive and peaceful Mindanao in the Philippines. (RESEARCHED BY: PHOEBE KAYE MARIANO) 

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URL:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLx9P6uiN9w

TITLE:
Sustainable livelihood towards a better, productive and peaceful Mindanao in the Philippines.

AUTHOR:
International Labour Organization

DATE PUBLISHED:
September 21, 2017

KEY INFO:
Armed conflict has fuelled poverty, affected employment quality and hampered economic development in Mindanao. So in response to that, The International Labour Organization (ILO), in partnership with the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) has implemented the Programme for Local Economic Development through Enhanced Governance and Grassroots Empowerment or PLEDGE in 2012-2016.

Sustainable livelihood was a major component along with community ownership and building the capacity of the BDA. Funded by the Mindanao Trust Fund (MTF), PLEDGE has supported confidence and peace-building efforts through local economic development. Its‘ goal was to enhance livelihood and create employment in the community. Aside from that, they also aim to enhance communities and eliminate discrimination, “beyond earning and sustaining enterprises PLEDGE further helped empower people and strengthen community relations towards peacebuilding“ says ILO.

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Sustainable livelihood towards a better, productive and peaceful Mindanao in the Philippines

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Living a Zero-Waste Lifestyle with Bea Johnson (RESEARCHED BY: PHOEBE KAYE MARIANO) 

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URL: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4LMKqXUeEt6PGWpFyvCY9x?si=4734c49c3d9b4b75

TITLE: Living a Zero-Waste Lifestyle with Bea Johnson

AUTHOR: A Sustainable Mind — environment & sustainability podcast

DATE PUBLISHED: September 2015

KEY INFO: Bea Johnson is a leading authority in the field of zero-waste living and voluntary simplicity in today's world. Through her book and blogs, she has helped individuals all over the world attain varying levels of voluntary simplicity and eco-friendly living. In this episode, she talks about living a waste-free lifestyle.

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006: Living a Zero-Waste Lifestyle with Bea Johnson

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Listen to this episode from A Sustainable Mind - environment & sustainability podcast on Spotify. Bea Johnson is one of today's foremost experts in the area of zero-waste living and voluntary simplicity. She is most well-known for being able to fit her family of four's trash for an entire year into a quart-sized jar.

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Everyday consumer actions you can take (RESEARCHED BY: PHOEBE KAYE MARIANO) 

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URL: https://www.britannica.com/explore/savingearth/everyday-tips

TITLE:
Everyday consumer actions you can take

AUTHOR:
Britannica

DATE PUBLISHED:
November 30, 2020

KEY INFO:
To promote an eco-friendly environment, Britannica gathered helpful environmental tips that everyday consumer actions can take. These include starting with small steps, understanding diet, helping to flourish nature, becoming a good homeworker, and becoming a better consumer.

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Everyday Environmental Tips | Saving Earth | Encyclopedia Britannica

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Whether you are just beginning to make Earth-friendly changes or are a lifelong environmentalist, your actions as an informed consumer have great power.

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Sustainable Water Use and Management: Examples of New Approaches and Perspectives (RESEARCHED BY: PHOEBE KAYE MARIANO) 

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URL:
https://1lib.ph/book/2486641/347c60

TITLE:

Sustainable Water Use and Management: Examples of New Approaches and Perspectives

AUTHOR:
Walter Leal Filho, Vakur Sümer (eds.)

DATE PUBLISHED:
Year 2015

KEY INFO:
Providing real examples of innovative approaches, concepts, arguments, methodologies, and discoveries that demonstrate how this might be achieved, as well as contributing to the rising debate on the need for sustainable water use and management, this book will appeal to a wide range of readers who are familiar with one or more of the topics it addresses, as well as the general public.

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Z-Library single sign on | Z-Library. Download books for free. Find books

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Green is In: The Rise of Environmental Sustainability in the Philippines | Priority Consultants (RESEARCHED BY: ALEENA SAMANTHA GUMAPAC)

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URL:
https://priorityconsultants.com/blog/green-is-in-the-rise-of-environmental-sustainability-in-the-philippines/

TITLE:
Green is In: The Rise of Environmental Sustainability in the Philippines

AUTHOR:
Priority Consultants

DATE PUBLISHED:
May 28, 2021

KEY INFO:
The Philippines is one of the countries most affected by climate change due to its geographic location. Typhoons will become more common and destructive as a result of global warming, sea levels will rise, and storm surges will have a significant impact on human lives as well as global, regional, and local economies, according to studies. Thousands of families were displaced as Super Typhoon Haiyan decimated the country's central area, resulting in thousands of casualties and disrupting the livelihood of millions of workers. However, the country can do more to achieve its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in terms of renewable energy, building sustainable communities and cities, and responsible consumption and production. Policies and programs to correct the course and improve the country's overall performance have been established.

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The discourse around environmental sustainability has exploded over the last few years. With rising sea levels, droughts, and destructive weather disturbances, the impact of global warming has become more evident. Greta Thunberg's impassioned speech at the UN Climate Summit and Bill McKibben's 350 Campaign are just some of the fervent calls raising the alarm about how weather-related catastrophes will get worse if societies fail to implement immediate and genuine changes to counter the effects of global warming.

Due to its geographical location, the Philippines is one of the countries most affected by climate change. Studies show that due to global warming, typhoons will be more frequent and destructive, sea levels will rise and storm surges will severely impact human life as well as global, regional and local economies. When Super Typhoon Haiyan ravaged the country's central region, thousands of families were displaced, casualties were in the thousands and the livelihood of millions of workers were disrupted.

Comprising 7,641 islands with a total coastline of 36,289 kilometres, the country holds two-thirds of the planet's biodiversity and 70% of the world's flora and fauna with many species of plants and animals only found in the Philippines. The country depends on its diverse ecosystem for food and water, raw materials for pharmaceuticals and manufacturing, and energy resources such as geothermal, biomass fuel, solar and wind. In addition, the country's natural beauty attracts tourists from all over the world, contributing significantly to the economy. Taking care of the country's ecosystem supports economic goals, helps deliver on national sustainability commitments and mitigates the impact of climate change on people's lives and well-being.

In 2009, the Philippine government enacted the Climate Change Act or Republic Act 9729 to ensure climate resilience, build a low-carbon economy, and increase the country's role in the global climate change dialogue. This act led to the establishment of the Climate Change Commission (CCC), which oversees the country's sustainability goals and since then various laws and policies have been implemented to promote ecological conservation programs and increase environmental awareness.
Investing on Green Energy
Currently, more than 70% of the country's energy consumption is derived from fossil fuels with renewable energy (RE) sources contributing less than 30% to the energy mix. Somewhat alarmingly, according to the Department of Energy's (DOE) 2019 , renewable energy technologies actually decreased to 20.8% due to the continuous drop in hydroelectric power and limited penetration of other RE technologies. To achieve the of increasing the RE share to 35 percent and support the sustainable energy agenda, the country needs to increase its RE capacity to more than 15,000 megawatts (MW) by the year 2030.

With a comprehensive National Renewable Energy Program (NREP), the government is working on addressing the challenges that delay the wider application of RE technologies, facilitating the participation of the private sector and encouraging investments in the development of renewable energy sources. Global conglomerate, joins the campaign for wider adoption of RE sources and push to generate power using sustainable methods. Through innovative technologies such as concentrated solar power and photovoltaic (PV) solar systems, GE aims to make significant power contributions in the rural areas of the country. On the other hand, partnerships with local companies open up opportunities for foreign companies looking to invest in the renewable energy sector of the country. Most recently, Singapore-based Arran Investment Pte. Ltd. forged a partnership with local renewables and thermal energy company, .
Pushing for Ecotourism
More than 8 million tourists arrived in the Philippines in 2019, bringing in a total revenue of USD 9.31 billion. However, the influx of visitors in the country brings associated problems such as environmental degradation, soil erosion, pollution and decreasing wild life. Recognizing the impact of tourism on the environment, the Department of Tourism (DOT) though the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) pushed for the rehabilitation of several tourist destinations within the country. Under TIEZA, the tourism department will grant incentives such as tax exemptions and duty-free importation of equipment and goods to businesses compliant with the government's sustainability guidelines. To promote sustainable tourism, DOT is working with local government units, communities and businesses through the Sustainable Tourism Development Project (STDP) which aims to make tourism development more sustainable and inclusive. The project was launched in El Nido, Palawan with initiatives focusing on improvements to the town's drainage, solid waste, ecosystem-based tourism site management, and enterprise and skills development for local businesses.
Sustainability in Action: Environmental Initiatives at Grassroots Level
As elsewhere in the world, the impact of climate change is most felt by the marginalized sector. From 2010 to 2019, the damage incurred due to natural and extreme events and disasters amounted to PhP 463 billion, with agriculture taking the largest share at 62.7% or PhP 290 billion. To alleviate the economic effects of natural disasters and create pathways to inclusive growth, citizens and non-government organizations (NGOs) are establishing social enterprises. Based on a by the British Council and PhilSEN, more than 160,000 social enterprises are currently operating in the Philippines and supporting environmental goals to protecting the environment, help small producers in agricultural value chains, and improve communities. International environmental groups such as Greenpeace, World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and Haribon Foundation have also established a strong base within communities and push their environmental advocacies by supporting social enterprises.

Climate activism is also gaining momentum among the Filipino youth and young environmental activists are at the forefront calling for climate justice and solutions to mitigate the climate crisis. When Fridays for Future staged its first global school strike, young environmental advocates were marching in support along the streets of Manila.
Get to know the diverse and vibrant region of Southeast Asia. Let Priority Consultants assist you in this journey. Reach us at enquiries@priorityconsultants.com.
The United Nations Sustainable Development 2020 ranks Philippines at 99 with a score of 65.5. While the country can do more towards achieving its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially in terms of renewable energy, building sustainable communities and cities, and responsible consumption and production, policies and programs are laid down to correct the course and improve the country's overall performance. Startups, investors and multinational companies can also explore the Philippine market and leverage the opportunity to contribute towards the conservation and protection of the country's natural resources. With the government, the private sector and communities contributing to the environmental conservation goals and sustainability, we are looking forward to a future where the environment flourishes and the next generation thrives.

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Green is In: The Rise of Environmental Sustainability in the Philippines | Priority Consultants

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The discourse around environmental sustainability has exploded over the last few years. With rising sea levels, droughts, and destructive weather disturbances, the impact of global warming has become more evident.

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DENR's solid waste management initiatives on right track-Antiporda (RESEARCHED BY: ALEENA SAMANTHA GUMAPAC)

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URL:
https://www.denr.gov.ph/index.php/news-events/press-releases/2285-denr-s-solid-waste-management-initiatives-on-right-track-antiporda

TITLE:
DENR's solid waste management initiatives on right track-Antiporda

AUTHOR:
Department of Environment and Natural Resources

DATE PUBLISHED:
March 23, 2021

KEY INFO:
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Undersecretary for Solid Waste Management and Local Government Units (LGUs) Concerns Benny D. Antiporda sees the recent inclusion of plastic soft drink straws and plastic coffee stirrers in the list of non-environmentally acceptable products (NEAP) in the country as a big boost in the government's solid waste management initiative. As Antipadora said, "We have LGUs that have started banning plastic coffee stirrers and plastic soft drink straws, such as in El Nido, Palawan. Though there have been challenges in this pandemic, I am glad that our LGUs already realized the damage of such unnecessary items to the environment and that they are our allies in our battle against improper solid waste disposal." The DENR-MIMAROPA plans to train students from universities in promoting environmental protection and conservation with a focus on the eradication of unnecessary single-use plastics in their respective schools and communities. Furthermore, their ultimate goal is to ban the use of unnecessary single-use plastics in all cities and municipalities in the region. All of it would be possible and we can defeat the problem of plastic pollution and save communities and the next generation if everybody works together.

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Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Undersecretary for Solid Waste Management and Local Government Units (LGUs) Concerns Benny D. Antiporda sees the recent inclusion of plastic softdrink straws and plastic coffee stirrers in the list of non-environmentally acceptable products (NEAP) in the country as a big boost in the government's solid waste management initiative.

Antiporda said the recent development makes DENR all the more determined to pursue its solid waste management initiatives through the Tayo ang Kalikasan (TAK) campaign.

"With the initial listing of these two items in the NEAP, we are all the more encouraged to uphold our mandate and advocacy on solid waste management despite the lingering pandemic in the country," he said.

Inspired by the inclusion of plastic softdrink straws and plastic coffee stirrers in the NEAP list, Antiporda said DENR regional offices, such as the DENR-MIMAROPA have been stepping up their TAK campaign, which primarily aims to enhance people's awareness on Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 with the end goal of substantially reducing the volume of plastic wastes and prevent these from polluting the environment.

The LGUs in the region, he said, also support the inclusion of the two plastic items in the NEAP list.

Some cities and municipalities already have their own local ordinances which include banning these two unnecessary plastic items, Antiporda said.

"We have LGUs that have started banning plastic coffee stirrers and plastic softdrink straws, such as in El Nido, Palawan. Though there have been challenges in this pandemic, I am glad that our LGUs already realized the damage of such unnecessary items to the environment and that they are our allies in our battle against improper solid waste disposal," he explained.

DENR-MIMAROPA also plans to boost its partnership with universities for the selection of students as Environment and Natural Resources (ENR) Ambassadors.

The students will be trained to promote environmental protection and conservation with a focus on the eradication of unnecessary single-use plastics in their respective schools and communities.

The Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) in Taytay, Palawan conducted training programs for selected ENR Ambassadors, who in turn share these learnings to other people.
The region's goal is to deputize groups of ENR Ambassadors for the 15 Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Offices (PENROs) and CENROs, with six ENR Ambassadors for each office.

It will also provide wi-fi modems and gadgets for the ENR Ambassadors to help in their tasks despite the closure of schools brought about by the pandemic.

Aside from the schools and LGUs as TAK local chapters, the DENR regional office is eyeing partnerships with the business and religious sectors to create policies that would prohibit the use of unnecessary single-use plastics in their establishments.

DENR-MIMAROPA also plans to incorporate income-generating opportunities in the creation of TAK chapters in the region.

Since 2018, the regional office has successfully established TAK local chapters in El Nido, Palawan; Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro; and San Jose, Occidental Mindoro.

It has also joined hands with the Girl Scouts of the Philippines in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro and the Apo Reef Natural Park in Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro.

The TAK campaign includes information, education, and communication activities, workshops, online campaigns, innovative solutions, and community involvement to achieve significant reduction of wastes, among others.

"Our ultimate goal is to ban the use of unnecessary single-use plastics in all cities and municipalities in the region. If we all work together, we can defeat the problem on plastic pollution and save communities and the next generation," Antiporda said.

Antiporda is concurrently the Supervising Undersecretary for Task Force Tayo ang Kalikasan. #

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DENR's solid waste management initiatives on right track-Antiporda

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Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Undersecretary for Solid Waste Management and Local Government Units (LGUs) Concerns Benny D. Antiporda sees the recent inclusion of plastic softdrink straws and plastic coffee stirrers in the list of non-environmentally acceptable products (NEAP) in the country as a big boost in the government's solid waste management initiative.

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URL:
https://prospernet.ias.unu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/ProSPER.Net-YRS-2018-Group-1-Research-Proposal.pdf

TITLE:
Effectiveness of implementing green building tools in five ASEAN countries

AUTHOR:
ProSPER.Net

DATE PUBLISHED:
the Year 2018

KEY INFO:
Five students (Vishanthini Kanasan (Universiti Sains Malaysia); Cuong Tran (Western Sydney University); Yuqing Yang (Tohoku University); Wai Yar Lin Zin (Mahidol University); Sunwoo Kang (Keio University) from different parts of the world conducted a study analyzing the effectiveness of existing Green Building Tools (GBTs) in ASEAN countries. It investigates relationships between Awareness of the Environment, Technology, Legislation, and Green Building Performance.  This proposal aims to develop a model to assess buildings’ life cycle cost, GHG emissions, and energy consumption that can be used throughout the region.

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Infographic: Green buildings get green light (RESEARCHED BY: ALEENA SAMANTHA GUMAPAC)

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URL:
https://www.proudgreenbuilding.com/news/infographic-green-buildings-get-green-light/

TITLE:
Green Buildings Get the Green Light

AUTHOR:
PROUD GREEN BUILDING

DATE PUBLISHED:
August 25, 2017

KEY INFO:
Countless organizations are taking steps and investing to enhance the efficiency of their facilities, save money on energy, and create healthier working environments for their staff. Hence, implementing green initiatives on buildings makes a difference in the workplace and provides a healthy, beneficial, and non-toxic place for the workers.

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Green buildings are becoming more commonplace around the world.

Countless business are making moves and investments to improve their performance of their facilities, bringing energy savings and establishing healthier environments in which their employees work. In fact, nearly half of workers these days say they work in a green building, according to research.

The infographic below from the University of Detroit-Mercy looks at the rise of green buildings and the benefits of going green.

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Infographic: Green buildings get green light

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Green buildings are becoming more commonplace around the world. Countless business are making moves and investments to improve their performance of their facilities, bringing energy savings and establishing healthier environments in which their employees work. In fact, nearly half of workers these days say they work in a green building, according to research.

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Plastic contributes to climate change, from the Philippines to the United States (RESEARCHED BY: ALEENA SAMANTHA GUMAPAC)

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URL:
https://www.greenpeace.org/international/story/49502/plastic-fossil-fuels-climate-change-philippines-united-states/

TITLE:
Plastic worsens the climate crisis, from the Philippines to the United States

AUTHOR:
Greenpeace

DATE PUBLISHED:
September 14, 2021

KEY INFO:
Plastic contributes to the deteriorating health of people living near petrochemical facilities, and to injustices that disproportionately affect marginalized and low-income groups. Marian claims that our country's use of plastics is increasing, resulting in increased greenhouse gas emissions and plastic pollution. To reach low-income markets, consumer goods firms continue to release single-use plastic sachets and smaller disposable packaging, eliminating reuse schemes and inventive local packaging that were once widespread. Meanwhile, these firms disregard pleas for customers to have access to reusable alternatives or reuse solutions. These should be provided with people-and-planet-centered solutions.

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From fires made worse by heatwaves and droughts, to floods and mudslides tied to increasingly severe storms, there is no doubt that the climate emergency is here - and everywhere. As the IPCC report made clear, the time for action to combat fossil fuel-driven climate change is now. To achieve the green and just future we need, we must work together to hold those responsible accountable.

At every step of its life cycle, plastic production accelerates climate change by releasing greenhouse gases and places vulnerable populations further at risk. Plastic comes from fossil fuels and the consumer goods companies pushing plastic on our communities from the United States to the Philippines are making the climate crisis worse. In addition to creating a global pollution problem, plastic also contributes to deteriorating health of people living near petrochemical facilities, and to injustices that disproportionately affect marginalized and low-income groups.

A report released by Greenpeace USA The Climate Emergency Unpacked: How Consumer Goods Companies are Fueling Big Oil's Plastic Expansion, reveals how consumer goods companies like Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Nestlé are driving the expansion of plastic production and threatening the global climate and communities around the world.

To learn more about the global and local impacts of the plastic pollution crisis, we've checked in with Marian Ledesma of Greenpeace Philippines and Graham Forbes of Greenpeace USA.

The Climate Emergency Unpacked report exposes business links between the world's largest brands and fossil fuel companies, and lack of transparency on emissions from plastic packaging. © Greenpeace

What's happening in your community as it relates to plastic production, use and end of life?

Marian: In the Philippines, plastic use and production has grown steadily, producing more greenhouse gas emissions and plastic pollution in a region already severely impacted by the climate crisis.

Consumer goods companies keep releasing single use plastic sachets and smaller disposable packaging to capture low-income markets, displacing reuse systems and resourceful local packaging which were common in the past. All the while, these corporations ignore calls to make reusable alternatives or reuse systems available to consumers.

Online shopping, food delivery and the influx of imported waste are also adding to plastic waste, and companies are exploiting this to promote false solutions like failed recycling schemes and waste-to-energy initiatives. Instead of providing people-and-planet-centered solutions, corporations are lobbying to institutionalize technologies which compound plastic pollution's impacts with more greenhouse gases and toxic emissions.

Graham: The climate emergency is being felt in every community in the United States, from fires and drought in the West to increasingly severe storms in the East. And the pain caused by this increasingly severe weather is not experienced evenly across the population with low-income and communities of color bearing the brunt of these impacts. Plastic comes from fossil fuels and is making the climate crisis worse.

The US has been found to be the largest per capita generators of single-use plastic waste in the world, second only to Australia, and a major producer of plastics and petrochemicals. The Irving, Texas headquarters for Exxon, the world's largest producer of single-use plastic, is just a short-two hour flight from the Atlanta, Georgia headquarters for Coca-Cola, which uses nearly 3 millions tons of plastic a year, sending tens of billions of single-use plastic bottles across the globe, securing the company's position as the biggest plastic polluter for 3 years running, according to global brand audits.

Despite abundantly clear evidence of the need to reduce plastic production and use to stem the plastic pollution crisis and prevent the worst effects of climate change, Exxon is reportedly planning to massively expand its plastic production capacity and Coke continues to defend its reliance on single-use plastic peddling the illusion that recycling can somehow capture its plastic that so often ends up polluting the natural environment. This is despite the fact they know that of all of the plastic waste ever produced only 9% has actually been recycled. The fossil fuel industry and the consumer goods sector are both working to preserve a broken system that maximizes corporate profits by externalizing environmental and social costs.

ExxonMobil petrochemical complex in Baytown, USA. As profits in oil and gas production decline, the fossil fuel industry is increasingly pushing petrochemicals and single-use plastics. © Aaron Sprecher / Greenpeace

Why does it matter?

Graham: The plastic pollution crisis harms people and this planet. The effects of plastic in our environment on wildlife, livelihoods and local economies, food systems and culture connected to nature are increasingly known. But lesser known impacts of plastic, such as those related to climate, human health and on communities living near plastic production facilities, have equal or greater consequences.

Despite the vast challenges ahead, there is reason to be optimistic about the future. It is clear that the climate and plastic crises are systemic failures that require a systems change. And for the first time, we are beginning to better understand the intersection between these two crises and the companies responsible.

This knowledge is power and enables a new perspective where we can see the intersections between these issues step back and reimagine the system more broadly. Taking a more systemic approach is instructive and empowers us to stop having the wrong conversations that delay meaningful action, and begin having meaningful conversations that can move us towards the more just and sustainable models that are desperately needed.

There is maybe no better example of this type of incremental, counterproductive debate than the one being pushed by the fossil fuel industry and consumer goods sector on plastic recycling. As long as these industries continue to keep recycling at the heart of our conversations around plastic pollution, they protect that status quo by distraction. The conversation we need to be having is how we shift the system towards models of product delivery that are based on reusing finite, sustainable resources that grow local economies, empower communities and build a new kind of resilience.

And this conversation is already underway with reuse based concepts being proven by small business, adopted by people and increasingly encouraged by governments.

Break Free From Plastic message, U.S. Capitol Building, Washington. With fossil fuel interests in plastic packaging, Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Nestle are key villains driving climate crisis. © Tim Aubry / Greenpeace

What is your community doing about it?

Marian: People, small businesses, civil society and local governments are responding with policies and solutions. Nearly 500 local governments in the Philippines have issued bans or regulations on plastic use, while Greenpeace Philippines, youth groups, and other allies call for a national plastics ban and the release of non-environmentally acceptable products including major plastic products.

To complement policies and plastic reduction, reuse systems are being implemented by small businesses and communities. They demonstrate reuse's viability in developing nations and people's acceptance of such models, challenging the claims of consumer goods companies.

Environmental activists march to Nestle's Philippine headquarters in Makati City demanding accountability for its role in abetting the country's plastic pollution crisis. © Basilio H. Sepe / Greenpeace

What needs to happen now?

Marian: National, regional and global policies that address the entire life cycle of plastic products need to be enacted. Southeast Asia and regions with developing economies can mandate plastic reduction, incentivize reuse and packaging-free systems, ban single-use plastic and promote slow circular economies.

Reuse and plastic reduction efforts need to be scaled up, too. Large companies can no longer be allowed to evade accountability for the climate emergency and plastic pollution created and perpetuated by their industries. They must have concrete, time-bound commitments to reduce single-use plastic production and transition to reusables. If small businesses and communities can phase out plastic and adopt reuse, multinationals have no excuse not to follow suit.

Graham: In the US, we need to immediately stop the expansion of petrochemical facilities to produce plastic and stop exporting oil and gas to make plastic. The US must fully adopt the Basel Convention and stop exporting its plastic waste abroad, pass the Break Free From Pollution Act and advocate for a strong, legally-binding global plastic treaty that addresses the entire lifecycle of plastic.

And corporations must stop their self-interested focus on recycling and help advance real conversations about shifting their business model towards reuse, including what they need from governments and people to make this happen. What might comprehensive reuse infrastructure look like in a community? How can reuse be incorporated into other efforts at the local level to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and build climate resilience? What would it look like for Coca-Cola to end its dependence on single-use plastic and become a leader in advancing new systems of reuse?

We don't have time to keep having the wrong conversations on plastic. With a new understanding of how the entire system of plastic production and use works, we are well equipped to begin having the right conversations that put science and the public interest first.

Take action now! Demand Coke, Pepsi and Nestlé ditch single-use plastics and switch to reuse and refill solutions.
Marian Ledesma is Zero Waste Campaigner with Greenpeace Philippines Graham Forbes is the Global Plastic Project Lead at Greenpeace USA

Call for a Plastic-Free Future

Join millions of people around the world to take action to stop plastic pollution.

Take action

The Climate Emergency Unpacked report exposes business links between the world's largest brands and fossil fuel companies, and lack of transparency on emissions from plastic packaging. © Greenpeace

ExxonMobil petrochemical complex in Baytown, USA. As profits in oil and gas production decline, the fossil fuel industry is increasingly pushing petrochemicals and single-use plastics. © Aaron Sprecher / Greenpeace

Break Free From Plastic message, U.S. Capitol Building, Washington. With fossil fuel interests in plastic packaging, Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Nestle are key villains driving climate crisis. © Tim Aubry / Greenpeace

Environmental activists march to Nestle's Philippine headquarters in Makati City demanding accountability for its role in abetting the country's plastic pollution crisis. © Basilio H. Sepe / Greenpeace

Call for a Plastic-Free Future

Join millions of people around the world to take action to stop plastic pollution.

Take action

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Plastic contributes to climate change, from the Philippines to the United States

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
From fires made worse by heatwaves and droughts, to floods and mudslides tied to increasingly severe storms, there is no doubt that the climate emergency is here - and everywhere. As the IPCC report made clear, the time for action to combat fossil fuel-driven climate change is now.

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Food waste memes (RESEARCHED BY: NIÑO SEBASTIAN)

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URL:
https://guelphfoodwaste.com/2014/12/16/food-waste-memes/

TITLE:
Food waste memes

AUTHOR:

Laura Penny

DATE PUBLISHED:
Dec 16, 2014

KEY INFO:
Food waste is a serious topic, but sometimes a little humor helps point out just how ridiculous it is that we waste food so flippantly. In addition to the funny and compelling images developed for WRAP's "Love Food Hate Waste" campaign,  now popular memes are pushing anti-food waste messages too.

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Food waste is a serious topic, but sometimes a little humour helps point out just how ridiculous it is that we waste food so flippantly. In addition to the funny and compelling images developed for WRAP's "Love Food Hate Waste" campaign, now popular memes are pushing anti-food waste messages too:

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Waste Management Hosts 100 Days of Recycling Social Media Campaign (RESEARCHED BY: NIÑO SEBASTIAN)

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URL:
https://www.nevadabusiness.com/2020/09/waste-management-hosts-100-days-of-recycling-social-media-campaign/

TITLE: Waste Management Hosts 100 Days of Recycling Social Media Campaign

AUTHOR: Abbi Whitaker

DATE PUBLISHED:
September 18, 2020

KEY INFO:
So much has changed this year, but the rules for recycling correctly are still the same. With distance learning becoming the norm, and more school-aged children staying home during the daytime, Waste Management of Nevada has some fun ideas to help you and your family test your recycling skills at home and challenge your kids to learn the right way.

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So much has changed this year, but the rules for recycling correctly are still the same. With distance learning becoming the norm, and more school-aged children staying home during the daytime, Waste Management of Nevada has some fun ideas to help you and your family test your recycling skills at home and challenge your kids to learn the right way.

Each week through the end of October, the Waste Management of Northern Nevada's Facebook page will have a new creative project for you and your child to work on together under a contest called Waste Management's 100 Days of Recycling.

With recurring activities for children on social media, Waste Management will keep families involved in recycling. Activities range from creating artwork or science projects, to writing prompts on how to properly recycle, and virtual field trips to the landfill and transfer station. Each activity is aimed to teach the importance of recycling and how kids can get involved and help recycle.

With each activity, users are encouraged to participate and submit photos of their families completing the activities. Each week, contest participants are entered to win prizes such as a package of passes to the Discovery Museum or a gift certificate to the Reno Puzzle Room.

Check the Waste Management of Northern Nevada's Facebook page each week to see the new prompt! Prompts are posted each Thursday and are open until the contest ends on October 30, 2020.

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Waste Management Hosts 100 Days of Recycling Social Media Campaign

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So much has changed this year, but the rules for recycling correctly are still the same. With distance learning becoming the norm, and more school-aged children staying home during the daytime, Waste Management of Nevada has some fun ideas to help you and your family test your recycling skills at home and challenge your kids to learn the right way.

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The position of social media in sustainability: An obstacle or a step in reaching the goals? (RESEARCHED BY: NIÑO SEBASTIAN)

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URL:
https://sdwatch.eu/2020/11/the-position-of-social-media-in-sustainability-an-obstacle-or-a-step-in-reaching-the-goals/

TITLE:
The position of social media in sustainability

AUTHOR:
Nur Eda Sertdurak

DATE PUBLISHED:
November 18, 2020

KEY INFO:

Today social media is not only a tool for communication and entertainment but also a platform where we socialize. More than half of the world now uses social media.

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The position of social media in sustainability: An obstacle or a step in reaching the goals? – The Sustainable Development Watch

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Today social media is not only a tool for communication and entertainment but also a platform where we socialize. More than half of the world now uses social media. (Kemp, 2020) Thanks to our social media activities, which is more than just an entertainment tool, a lot of data is transferred about u…

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Creative Ways to Promote Sustainability [Infographic] (RESEARCHED BY: NIÑO SEBASTIAN)

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URL:
https://www.lauradunkley.com/site/blog/2017/03/20/creative-ways-to-promote-sustainability-infographic

TITLE:
Creative Ways to Promote Sustainability

AUTHOR:

Laura L. Dunkley

DATE PUBLISHED:

March 20, 2017

KEY INFO:

Finding ways to communicate your sustainability initiatives to your boss, your employees, your customers, and investors can be a challenge.  Here are some creative ways to share your green story to help promote your efforts and build engagement.

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Creative Ways to Promote Sustainability [Infographic] - L. Dunkley Blog

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Finding ways to communicate your sustainability initiatives to your boss, your employees, your customers, and investors can be a challenge. Here are some creative ways to share your green sto

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Drawing on the Past to Prevent Food Waste Today (RESEARCHED BY: NIÑO SEBASTIAN)

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URL:
https://www.nrdc.org/experts/yvette-cabrera/drawing-past-prevent-food-waste-today

TITLE:
Drawing on the past to prevent food waste today

AUTHOR:
Yvette Cabrera

DATE PUBLISHED:
Sept 3, 2020

KEY INFO:
We all have a role to play in reducing food waste. While there are many changes that could be made across the supply chain to minimize waste, households are a critical piece of the pie. In ReFED’s 2016Roadmap to Reduce Food Waste by 20 percent, the #1 most cost-effective strategy cited for reducing food waste is to educate households. NRDC has long led a consumer awareness campaign on food waste called Save the Food. We hope that by alerting people to the simple actions they could take to reduce food waste, we will effect big change.

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Drawing on the Past to Prevent Food Waste Today

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We all have a role to play in reducing food waste. While there are many changes that could be made across the supply chain to minimize waste, households are a critical piece of the pie.