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Manila Bulletin devider Environment and Sustainability devider #SMWasteFreeFuture aims to promote good practices for better waste segregation

#SMWasteFreeFuture aims to promote good practices for better waste segregation

Published Aug 16, 2024 08:16 am

When it comes to proper segregation of waste, every small action counts. This is what leading integrated property developer SM Prime Holdings, Inc. aims to promote through its #SMWasteFreeFuture program which it launched in June, in celebration of the World Environment Day.

The program is designed to reduce overall waste generation through effective waste segregation, and enhance waste diversion rate by diverting waste away from landfills through recycling, composting, and other sustainable disposal methods.

1 Generation Restoration_ A young community working towards a #SMWasteFreeFuture. Girl Scouts of the Philippines members sign their commitment for their future..JPG
Girl Scouts of the Philippines members sign their commitment for their future.

Bin it right

Data from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) reveals that two billion tonnes of municipal solid waste is generated each year. Unmanaged waste results in a blockage in major drainage and water systems and consequently contributes to massive urban flooding especially during the monsoon season in the country.

Effective waste segregation starts with the ability to responsibly separate high-value recyclables from the disposables.

SM Prime introduced a new segregation scheme with simple and easily remembered labels: Recyclable, Disposable, and Compostable. Shortened as “RDC,” it is a straightforward scheme to understand that all high value recyclable waste goes to one bin to make segregation practical, fast, and easy.

2 Full house. The SM Mall of Asia Music Hall was packed during the June 5, World Environment Day, #SMWasteFreeFuture launch.JPG
The SM Mall of Asia Music Hall was packed during June 5, World Environment Day, #SMWasteFreeFuture launch.

Recyclables that are considered high value are plastic bottles, aluminum cans, glass jars, cardboard, and paper. When properly segregated, they may be spared from ending in landfills. Single-use plastic water bottles made from PET, or polyethylene terephthalate, are easily recycled and are considered high value.

With every thoughtful toss, reducing waste and conserving natural resources support a sustainable future.

The power of collective effort

“This is a learning process and it will not be perfect. Being open to new ways of doing things and of putting into action every little step is crucial in advancing waste management solutions. We highly encourage all of you to give us feedback. We are taking a small step toward a long journey,” said Sustainability Champion and SM Engineering Design and Development Corporation President Hans "Chico" T. Sy, Jr. during the launch held at SM Mall of Asia last June.

3 RDC is as easy as ABC! The use of simple and easily remembered labels_ Recyclable, Disposable, and Compostable, is a straightforward scheme to understand which waste goes to which bin to make segregation practical, fast, and easy..JPG
The use of simple and easily remembered labels: Recyclable, Disposable, and Compostable, is a straightforward scheme to understand which waste goes to which bin to make segregation practical, fast, and easy.

Sy further emphasized the power of collective effort and encouraged everyone to turn this initiative into a habit. “Now it’s up to you and every individual here in attendance, to embrace the cause of change. We are given the opportunity to work on the biggest problems of our community when the planet truly needs it. Let’s not waste this opportunity,” he added.

About #SMWasteFreeFuture

#SMWasteFreeFuture is one of SM Prime’s programs on environmental sustainability to encourage green practices in resource management, environmental impact, and the social wellbeing of the community for a waste-free world.

Screen Shot 2024-08-16 at 9.31.15 AM.png
Head to your nearest Cyberzone in any SM mall to dispose of old gadgets and electronic waste properly.

SM Prime remains committed to its role as a catalyst for economic growth, delivering innovative and sustainable lifestyle cities, thereby enriching the quality of life of millions of people. SM Prime is pursuing the next horizon on integrated property development and onward to building sustainable cities of the future.

Related Tags

waste segregation MBEnvironment SM Prime Holdings United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) Hans "Chico" T. Sy Jr.
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