The greatest gift that we can offer the Earth is our commitment to saving it. This doesn't require monumental efforts lest we overwhelm ourselves; rather, it can be achieved step by step, one by one, by altering our lifestyles to become more Earth-friendly.
The Filipino habit of buying items by “tingi” — opting for a shampoo packet instead of a bottle, a coffee sachet instead of a pack, or seasoning in a plastic packet instead of the whole package — contributes to the escalating waste dilemma. While individually these may seem insignificant, multiplied by millions of households, they collectively “gift” the planet with an alarming consequence — mountains of trash that eventually end up in landfills, far from ideal for a sustainable planet.
Several initiatives now aim to break the tingi culture in Filipino households, beginning at the source – in stores that distinguish themselves by not providing containers for the products you buy; you bring your own container if you wish to make a purchase.
Up north in the city of Baguio is Tingi Station, where its interior boasts a modern-maximalist design, inviting you to explore a carefully curated selection of eco-friendly and locally sourced products. If you're in Baguio now, this is your go-to destination for last-minute Christmas shopping.
Established in 2022 during Zero Waste Month, this refilling store takes inspiration from the Filipino "tingi" culture but with a sustainable twist: bringing your own containers is a prerequisite. Behind the store is a meaningful story. Elke Kayle Cadangen, Tingi Station’s owner, follows in the footsteps of her late mother's commitment to a low-impact lifestyle.
“She showed us how to maximize resources and prolong the usability of most things we have at home," Cadangen said, "But what pushed us was the lack of sustainable options in the market, especially refilling systems, that are in line with the low-impact lifestyle that we wanted to practice.” Driven by this, she seized the opportunity to open a store, a year in the making, to address Baguio City’s garbage problem.
The waste-free refilling store extends its impact beyond its walls by collaborating with Zero Waste Baguio, Inc., and other eco-organizations to raise awareness about climate change and single-use plastics.
Shopping meets sustainability
At Tingi Station, you can explore a diverse range of eco-products, including pantry essentials, nutrient-dense food items, household goods, best-selling loose-leaf teas, roasted nuts, and pet treats and shampoo.
“When we were choosing our main suppliers, there were three things that we had to consider: they had to be affordable, high quality, and sustainable. We usually return empty containers, and they send them back to us with refilled products,” explained Cadangen.
The store collaborates with local Cordillera suppliers for organic strawberry hand soap and tea, as well as with suppliers from Antipolo, Agusan Del Sur, and Laguna, ensuring a touch of sustainable variety.
“Our bestsellers include loose-leaf tea, sensitive dishwashing soap, ready-to-eat snacks like banana chips, veggie chips, and pastillas, roasted nuts,” she said.
Achieving a low-impact future
Looking ahead, the eco store plans to collaborate with other sari-sari stores and establishments to help them set up their own refilling stations, offering sustainable options for consumers.
“We are hoping that we can mobilize our store to reach as many communities as we can to truly make it accessible and convenient for all. Let's contribute in our own simple ways," said Cadangen.
In the midst of the Christmas shopping rush that will inundate the planet with more wasteful packaging, it is essential to recognize the importance of adopting a low-waste lifestyle. Although Tingi Station is a small enterprise located in Baguio and is just one that is different from the millions of sari-sari stores nationwide, that one light can hopefully shine in the dark and lead all the rest to a greener and more sustainable path.
