EDITORS DESK
For many, living more sustainably can feel like a daunting, even overwhelming, task. With constant news about the climate crisis and an avalanche of tips on what to do (and what not to do), it’s easy to feel stuck before you even begin.
But this is exactly why starting your own sustainability journey matters now more than ever.
The good news? You don’t have to do it alone. Online communities and groups are proving to be safe spaces—places where like-minded individuals share knowledge, swap practical tips, and support one another through the highs and lows of more mindful living.
It’s not just about eco-friendly product recommendations or clever hacks (though those are always welcome). These spaces celebrate small wins, welcome honest questions, and encourage progress over perfection. They remind us that sustainability isn’t about getting it 100 percent right—it’s about showing up, making the effort, and simply getting started.
A quick online search brings up a wide range of Facebook groups focused on everything from decluttering and composting to zero-waste living and neighborhood cleanups. Among the most active are Zero Waste Philippines, Buhay Zero Waste, and Eco Friends PH. Over the years, they’ve grown into digital communities for Filipinos who want to live a little lighter and gentler on the planet.
Community power
The saying goes, “a rising tide lifts all boats”—and that holds true for sustainable living. When people come together to support and uplift each other, the entire movement grows stronger.
Take Zero Waste Philippines, for example. The group focuses on “mindful conversations” and personal stories around low-impact living. It encourages its members to take small but significant steps—at home, at work, and in the wider community—to reduce waste and reframe consumption habits.
Buhay Zero Waste, meanwhile, is all about keeping its members grounded in the fundamentals: refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle, and rot. The reminders are constant, but so is the encouragement to keep moving forward.
Then there’s Eco Friends PH, a nurturing space for both beginners and seasoned green advocates. “Treat this space like you would care for a tree,” the group says, encouraging members to lead with love, care, and a genuine commitment to do no harm. Expect regular tips, personal experiences, product finds, and monthly check-ins that keep the community engaged and inspired.
Real impact
In a time when climate anxiety feels heavy, these groups offer hope. They show that sustainable living isn’t just a concept—it’s already happening through people quietly making changes and sharing what they learn.
And while the conversation may begin online, the ripple effects go far beyond the screen. Because when people start helping each other live better, that’s when real change takes root.
(Rey Robes Ilagan is the editor of Manila Bulletin’s Lifestyle, Environment and Sustainability sections.)