As part of its ongoing commitment to sustainability, Mondelēz International recently held a two-day workshop on marine litter with advocacy group Save Philippine Seas for the 27 public elementary schools in its home City of Parañaque. 

This initiative is central to the company's Southeast Asia-wide flagship sustainability program “Trash Right,” aimed at fostering a circular economy for plastic and empowering communities, especially the youth, to adopt responsible waste management practices.

More than an environmental campaign, "Trash Right" demonstrates the organization’s mission to lead the future of snacking by providing the right snack, at the right moment, and made in the right way. The program collaborates with local waste management experts like Save Philippine Seas to address pressing waste issues, educate the public on proper waste segregation, and facilitate sustainable waste solutions through recycling and upcycling. 

“As the global leader in snacking, we recognize our responsibility in driving meaningful change in our communities. Through our ‘Trash Right' initiative we are empowering individuals, especially the youth, to adopt responsible waste management practices,” said Caitlin Punzalan, the corporate and government affairs lead of Mondelēz International in the Philippines. 

Central to the initiative is its focus on education. By engaging students, families, teachers, and surrounding communities, Mondelēz International seeks to instill a culture of waste-sorting that begins at the grassroots level. The initiative also emphasizes the importance of facilitating waste collection and segregation, with a particular focus on schools. Through these efforts, the Company hopes to encourage communities to adopt sustainable practices, contributing to a circular economy for plastic waste.

Anna Oposa, executive director of Save Philippine Seas, highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating, "The Marine Litter Learning Kit workshop is a significant step towards empowering our communities to adopt sustainable waste management practices. We’re happy to be part of Mondelēz International’s Trash Right program by providing information to teachers, who help guide our youth. By engaging the younger generation, we are not only addressing immediate waste issues but also fostering a culture of environmental stewardship that will benefit future generations.” 

Save Philippine Seas, a non-profit organization dedicated to conserving coastal and marine resources, plays a crucial role in this initiative. Through their advocacy, they engage and inspire individuals to take collective action in preserving the environment, aligning closely with the program's goals.

Running from August to September 2024, the "Trash Right" program reflects Mondelēz International's broader goal of enhancing sustainability within the snacking industry and creating a more sustainable and environmentally conscious society. The program will culminate in a one-month plastic collection drive in the aforementioned twenty-seven schools, engaging thousands of children to learn the habit of proper waste management. 

By helping reduce plastic waste and empowering communities to make lasting changes, the company is paving the way for a more sustainable future that will continue to inspire positive change.