HEARD IT THROUGH THE GRIPE-VINE: OUR NEW ABNORMAL
On April 4, 1988, Proclamation No. 237 declared June as Philippine Environment Month. Think about that for a moment, as that represents 36 years of lawmakers recognizing that a higher level of awareness, and actively participating in the protection and development of the environment, here in the Philippines, was in order. And that this could be reenforced by devoting June to activities and communication promoting a green consciousness.
Whether much has actually been accomplished in those 36 years is the more pertinent question left to ponder. In a year when we’ve already experienced scorching months of summer, periodic water shortages, and schedules of rotational brownouts; plus facing the prospect of a rainy season that’s bound to stymie mobility within the metropolis — only an obstinate fool will tell you we’ve licked the issues surrounding environmental protection, or that we are a nation highly resilient to natural disasters.
That’s why I’ll salute any and all efforts to prod the general public, and remind us about the significance of June as Philippine Environment Month. At SM Supermalls, working with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), has resulted in a private-public partnership that effectively raises the awareness on environmental issues. The multiplicity of touch points, the diversity of the issues; they've all helped pave the way for a more comprehensive agenda to be brought forward for the general public to consider, and be aware about. Looking back at this month of June shows us how this was accomplished.
World Bike Day ushered in the month of June, promoting sustainable urban mobility; benefitting both the environment and community health. The Bike Friendly SM Program is a cornerstone of SM Supermalls’ sustainability efforts, with over 6,500 bike parking slots nationwide, and bike repair stations conveniently located across the SM malls. While the genesis of this program may have been a pandemic response, it’s wonderful to observe how this has been sustained post-health crisis.
At SM Masinag, the DENR launched their Loop Forward exhibit and learning sessions. This happened last June 5, World Environment Day; and it’s a collaboration between the DENR-EMB Central Office, and SM Supermalls. The aim of the exhibit and sessions is to make concrete the various ways mall-goers can make a positive environmental impact, by arming them with knowledge and best practices.
On the same day, June 5th, over at the Mall of Asia, the pressing of a symbolic “MOA globe” button signaled the start of SM’s journey towards an #SMWasteFreeFuture. While MOA was the site of the pilot launch, this involves a rollout across all SM malls within the year; and will apply to all properties owned and managed by SM Prime — including SM Supermalls, SMDC, the SM Leisure Resort Residences, the Commercial Properties Group, and SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. SM employees and tenants were the first wave of the efforts in communication and educating, so that the initiative can be fast-tracked, and it’s “lead by example.”
The primary objectives of the Waste Free Future initiative is two-fold; to reduce overall waste generation by strictly implementing waste segregation practices, and to enhance waste diversion rate by diverting a greater proportion of waste away from landfills through recycling, composting, and other sustainable disposal methods. Primary among these methods would be the RDC system, which segregates waste into three major categories — recyclable, disposable, and compostable. Recyclable would be plastic and glass bottles, aluminum cans, and cartons. Disposable would include food and drink containers, utensils and straws, and pet diapers. Compostable is leftover food and drinks (without their packaging).
June 8 was World Oceans Day, and SM Supermalls, SM Cares and the DENR partnered for a Coastal Clean-up drive. The effort on that day alone resulted in the collection of over 15,000 kilograms of trash, accomplished with 2,500 volunteers, spread across 15 SM Supermalls nationwide. These coastal clean-up’s have been going on since 2014, and have grown significantly, demonstrating that the spirit of volunteerism is alive and well. Community participation and commitment to the advocacy remains strong as there are immediate and visible results to show the volunteers — I’ll devote a column going more in-depth with these clean-ups in the near future.
It’s good to appreciate that when we are talking environment and SM Supermalls, it’s not some one-dimensional, single-issue topic. As these activities at SM Supermalls ably demonstrate, under this “umbrella” of environment, are a significant number of issues — each as important as the next, if we’re to truly make a positive impact, and bring about meaningful change.