Textiles are used to make fashionable pieces, from clothing and bags to curtains and bedding, but they account for 10 percent of global emissions. Rethinking of ways these items are produced (massive and frequent consumption of non-renewable sources) and bought (spending habits and eco-friendly choices) is needed now that human-driven climate change looms large.
The Philippine Sustainability Pavilion, an enterprise crafting items made from bamboo and natural fibers, dominated the spotlight at the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) five-day National Trade Fair (NTF) on August 21, 2024, at the Megatrade Hall of SM Megamall.
Instead of the usual textiles seen at fairs, the NTF highlighted a range of eco-friendly and artisanal goods, including handwoven bags and caps, tribal jewelry, wall art, and homegrown delicacies for buyers aiming to support sustainability and local businesses.
"This event offers a unique opportunity to celebrate the ingenuity and creativity of our local entrepreneurs. It is a vital platform for empowering the growth and development of MSMEs in the Philippines,” said DTI Acting Secretary Cristina Roque.
Apart from the PH Sustainability Pavilion, the fair featured the Coconut Philippines Pavilion, the Kapetirya Coffee Pavilion, the Rural Agro-Industrial Partnership for Inclusive Development Growth Project, and the Innovation and Services Cluster for government and private sector partners.
The NTF reflects the department's goal of supporting sustainable growth and expanding market opportunities for local sellers, offering a platform to promote the use of eco-friendly materials and contribute to a greener future.
"Every product we support and every partnership we forge contributes to a larger movement: one that uplifts and builds a more vibrant economy. We will be opening nooks and areas in all Philippine embassies around the world to showcase and promote Philippine products for retail and wholesale buyers," she added.
Meanwhile, last year’s fair generated ₱42.06 million in sales and welcomed over 23,000 visitors.
The greatest gift that we can give the Earth is our commitment to preserving it. This requires us to approach sustainability with a heightened sense of urgency, but we can start gradually by supporting eco-friendly options, keeping our consumption habits in check, and ultimately, learning how to live more with less. When done collectively, these actions cast a ray of hope for our shared and only home.