EDITORS DESK
In an era marked by heat waves, super typhoons, and rising sea levels—all realities Filipinos faced in the first half of 2024 alone—the urgent need to address the root causes of these issues is clear. The World Risk Index 2023, a report by Bündnis Entwicklung Hilft in partnership with the Institute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict at Ruhr University Bochum, ranked the Philippines as the country with the highest disaster risk, with a score of 46.86.
Furthermore, according to a 2021 report by Greenpeace East Asia, the City of Manila could be submerged by 2030. The damage could be catastrophic, potentially endangering 1.54 million people and affecting the city’s GDP by $39 billion. Greenpeace Country Director Lea Guerrero mentions that coastal cities in the Philippines are “at high risk from rising sea levels and intensifying storms, impacting our homes, safety, and livelihoods.”
In light of this, the call to adopt a sustainable lifestyle has become imperative. However, this is easier said than done. How does one begin living an eco-friendly life? Does buying “green” products genuinely help the planet?
“These days, we're all being encouraged to live more sustainably, which puts a lot of pressure on companies to keep up. Unfortunately, some companies, feeling the heat, have turned to greenwashing—making their products look eco-friendly without making a difference. This can leave people feeling confused and unsure about what's truly sustainable,” says Rodolfo Romarate II, EnP, managing partner of EnviSynergy, an environmental consultancy firm.
“Just because something comes in a green or brown package doesn't mean it's genuinely good for the environment,” Romarate continues. “It's essential to dig deeper and think about the real impact of the products we're buying. Being mindful about what and how much we consume is a vital part of living sustainably, but ensuring we're not just buying into clever marketing is even more crucial.”
For Ludwig Federigan, founding executive director at Young Environmental Forum, he says people can begin with smaller, everyday steps that “collectively can make a significant impact on the environment.”
Federigan shares several practical tips:
1. Waste reduction: “We reduce single-use plastics by carrying reusable bags, water bottles, and containers. We consider buying second-hand items to extend their lifecycle and reduce demand for new products.”
2. Energy conservation: “We conserve energy and make energy-efficient choices by switching to LED bulbs, unplugging electronics when not in use, and utilizing natural light. When buying, we choose energy-efficient appliances and, if feasible, consider investing in renewable energy sources, like solar panels.”
3. Transportation: “We opt for public transportation, carpooling, biking, or walking whenever possible. These choices reduce carbon emissions and minimize the ecological footprint associated with personal vehicles.”
4. Go local: “We eat local and plant-based food. With this, we support our local farmers by choosing their local produce and, at the same time, we reduce the carbon footprint associated with transportation. We incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet so we can decrease environmental impact, as animal agriculture is resource-intensive.”
5. Water consumption: “We must be mindful in using water. We can conserve water by fixing leaks, taking shorter showers, and using water-efficient appliances. We can collect rainwater for gardening and washing our vehicles and avoid running the tap unnecessarily.”
6. Education: “We can educate and advocate to our friends, neighborhood, and the larger community. We must stay informed about environmental issues and engage in conversations within our community. We must support policies and initiatives geared toward sustainability. Our eco-friendly lifestyle will define the health and future of this planet.”
(Rey Robes Ilagan is the editor of Manila Bulletin’s Environment and Sustainability section.)