Grow A Million Trees (Earth Day Y2013)

Trees are vital for a greener earth and healthy environment as they provide shade, clean the air and help cool the environment.

A commitment drafted and signed by SM Group of Companies and affiliates in the presence of DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources) representatives held last Monday, April 22 at The Block, SM City North EDSA on the occasion of Earth Day 2013.

"SM's campaign for healthier and greener earth has never been this big." - Mr. Joey Mendoza

For years, SM has been an advocate of environmental conservation. The structures have evolved as the way new structures are designed not for aesthetcis alone. They are designed  in such a way that it also contributes to SM's vision. 

SM has a well-planned waste disposal system in every SM facility. SM has always been at the forefront of protecting and rehabilitating the planet. Programs for reforestation, coastal clean-ups and other environmental efforts have been created.

SM Supermarket, SM Hypermarket and Savemore's "Join the My Own Bag (Join the MOB) Campaign" started year 2009 as part of the vision of the Sy family to intensify the institution’s commitment to the 3Rs – Reduce, Re-Use and Recycle.

This was a bold move for SM Supermarket to take but SM was determined and prepared to endure the birth pains of pioneering such a program that aims to change aims the shopping habits of SM customers in exchange for the welfare of the environment.

Encouraging people to bring their own reusable bags in exchange for incentives for doing this. SM charged the costumers for every plastic bag request with a super minimal fee. Sm pushed the campaign that the people see and feel a big change with a small adjustments in their shoppng habits. People can see the bigger picture and in the end it was all worth it.

There are already 13 million people who regularly use the SM Greenbags preventing 39 million plastic bags from being released in circulation.

“The campaign rests in our hands; you, me, everybody. The key to success is for us to work together towards one goal,” Mendoza said.

“The money we've raised from the plastic bag sales during the M.O.B days have already begun funding several tree plantings and clean-ups nationwide but this time we've dreaming bigger. Just try to imagine how much trees we're targetting not just to plant but to nurture and to ensure that they grew into full healthy trees. 1 million trees ! That's enough trees to fill 500 soccer fields or almost 8500 basketball courts.” 

To ensure the longevity of the trees, SM will be planting them in DENR protected areas located in provinces: Nasugbu, Benguet, Calatagan, Cagayan De Oro, Banatocan, Bulacan, Cebu and Davao.

To date, the SM Group of Companies and Affiliates have already reached a third of the goal since 2009. They successfully planted almost 300,000 trees.

SM Group of Companies and affiliates come together towards a common goal - to make the dream of one million trees to make a reality.

More photos @ Facebook.