Of all the trash we generate, plastics likely have the strongest chokehold on us. They are produced massively and at a pace which human consumption cannot keep up. This material offers convenience (and profit, of course, for the top plastic polluters) at the cost of a warming climate. What a horrible deal.

To help mitigate the grave impacts of climate warming, several initiatives now aim to reduce emissions from plastic production. A forum and expo was launched at a mall in Mandaluyong to tap green advocates and contribute to the fight for an ideal sustainable planet.

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) partnered with SM Investments Incorporation (SMIC) to launch the "Tactics for Better PlasTIK” (Technology, Innovation, and Knowledge) expo and forum at the Megatrade Hall 3 of SM Megamall on Thursday, Oct. 10.

DOST signed a memorandum of understanding with SMIC to “help advance the development of sustainable plastic materials and improve plastic waste management strategies.” This means collaboration on “sustainable plastics initiatives,” including joint research and development, training programs, and conferences.

“We're one of the top plastic producers. So this occasion is really very important for DOST as we step up our efforts to really provide solutions to existing problems. We can develop solutions that can help solve disaster and climate issues in the Philippines,” said DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr.

The expo displayed products and services that aim to curb plastic use and achieve a circular economy. Some highlights included waste management company Green Trident PH, plastic manufacturer Sentinel, Center for Sustainable Polymers, and Bamboo Textiles PH.

"We hope that our green technologies will make their way to the hearts and minds of our citizens through this expo and forum. DOST will be at the forefront of making innovations work for the Filipino," said Dr. Enrico Paringit, executive director of the DOST Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development.

Meanwhile, SM has partnered with Japanese waste management company GUUN “to develop infrastructure for systematic waste management and resource recovery.” It said this partnership will implement the Japanese technique of reducing landfill impact, which converts non-recyclable and hard-to-recycle packaging into alternative fuel.

“We measure and track all of our plastics production across all the different businesses. We have a number of initiatives and a different business by business in order to reduce our footprint. In some cases, we're moving to alternative forms of packaging,” said Timothy Daniels, investments consultant and head of sustainability and investor relations at SM.

In response to campaigns against single-use plastic or sachet products, he said SM has a program called "Green Finds" that highlights biodegradable packaging and encourages consumers to choose sustainable products.

“We want to be a very responsible company. We're very interested in collaboration, particularly practical solutions and things we can implement that would make a difference in our business. We can really make a dent in the fight against plastic and help achieve a circular economy,” he added.

Winning the fight against the plastic and climate crisis requires collective efforts to change our unsustainable lifestyle. But starting small, lest we overwhelm ourselves, by building a habit of bringing our own bag when buying items, repurposing “waste” as resources, and minimizing and preventing plastic use, we help create a world where plastics no longer plague the planet and its people.