Earth Hour is the world’s largest grassroots movement for the environment, representing large-scale public clamor for a sustainable future and the protection of the environment.
On Saturday, 27 March at 8:30 p.m. local time, this global event will virtually bring together millions of people, businesses and leaders from around the world to shine a spotlight on the urgent need to address nature loss and climate change. With evidence pointing towards a close link between nature's destruction and rising incidences of infectious disease outbreaks like COVID-19, Earth Hour 2021 will unite people online to speak up for nature. This event comes ahead of key moments when world leaders will take critical decisions on nature, climate change and sustainable development, setting the course of our future.
As part of its support to Earth Hour, Globe has also established several initiatives that put the planet first such as WasSUP ('Wag Sa Single Use Plastic), a sustainability program that advocates a zero waste lifestyle and educates Globe employees on how avoidance of single-use plastics can protect the environment. Globe has collaborated with Green Antz Builders Inc. for proper disposal and processing of single-use plastic wastes within their office premises by purchasing a new plastic shredder. Clean and dry plastics are shredded and brought to the Green Antz facility in Arca South, Taguig for further processing and conversion to eco-bricks and eco pavers.
It also worked with Vending Experts Night and Day Philippines, Inc. (VEND Phils. Inc.) to come out with first vending machines that operate using the Quick Response (QR) code for cashless and contactless transactions via GCash. 28 machines have been installed in Globe offices and an automatic PhP1.00 GCASH rebate is given every time a Ka-Globe uses his or her own mug.
Globe customers may further take part in the zero-carbon initiatives. Here’s how:
1. Donate your Globe Rewards Points
Be part of the rainforestation advocacy by supporting Globe’s rainforestation initiatives through your Globe Rewards points. Globe supports Hineleban Foundation for the rainforestation of denuded primary forests in Bukidnon and Lanao del Sur. Together with its has already raised a total of PhP 15.6 million equivalent to 156 hectares of reforestation sites planted with Calliandra as pioneer species coupled with multiple native trees such as Narra, White Lauan, Balsa, Bitaog, and Ulayan.
Every 100 Rewards points donation is equivalent to one tree. To donate, just download the Globe Rewards app on your mobile device and click the “DONATE” banner. Tap “HINELEBAN100” and press “REDEEM”. Download the app via https://www.globe.com.ph/rewards.html#GRewardsApp
The company also engaged in a long-term partnership with The Mead Foundation for the reforestation of upland forests in Iba, Zambales in collaboration with the local IP community. To support, go to https://mead-foundation.org/trees/ and scan the QR code using your GCASH app. Every PhP100 donation is equivalent to 1 native tree planted.
2. Go Digital - Use GCASH and help reforest the country
Every successful GCash transaction earns you equivalent green energy in GCash Forest. You can collect these green energy by linking your health accounts, switching to online GCash transactions and reducing your carbon footprint. With enough green energy, you can plant a virtual tree and a real tree will be planted on your behalf by partner local communities. Help rebuild Philippine forests and protect our remaining watersheds! Download the app now via Google Play and App Store or go directly to https://www.gcash.com/gforest/
3. Enroll in Paperless Billing
Globe actively encourages its customers to shift to electronic billing in order to reduce paper consumption and decrease environmental footprint. In addition, by automating and migrating to a paperless process, the company was able to save over 781 tons of paper, equivalent to saving 18,753 trees in 2020.
4. Practice Zero waste at home. Donate your old, non-working electronic gadgets through Globe’s Ewaste Zero program
E-waste Zero is Globe´s environmental program focused on responsible disposal and recycling of electronic wastes. The program was formerly called “Project 1 Phone” and remains to be a platform for everyone to donate their old, non-working electronic devices via participating Globe Stores, select malls and offices of partner organizations.
Since its launch in 2014, Globe has worked with more than 66 corporations, private organizations, NGOs and schools nationwide. To date, more than 1.4 million kilograms of ewaste were donated, collected and recycled responsibly.
You may drop your e-waste items in more than 120 locations nationwide. This includes select Globe stores, participating malls and offices of partner organizations. To see the full list of drop of points or request for free door-to-door pickups, go to Globe’s Sustainability website - https://www.globe.com.ph/about-us/sustainability/environment.html
5. Together, let us reduce our carbon footprint. Switch to renewable energy or simply switch off lights when not in use
Conserve energy by being mindful of your power consumption. Turn off lights and home appliances when not in use and, if possible, shift to renewable energy by using solar panels.
Similarly, Globe is constantly finding ways to reduce its impact to the environment by shifting to renewable or clean energy sources. In 2020, a total of 7 key sites have totally shifted to clean energy sources which is a milestone for the company since it started its efforts on decarbonizing its facilities. It has also decommissioned legacy machines to ensure only energy efficient systems are in place for its operations.
Globe has been supporting Earth Hour since it was first held in 2007. This year, Globe will again participate by turning off lights and non-critical equipment in its offices and key facilities during the global event on Saturday. Through this action, the company hopes to encourage the public to continuously look for ways to live and operate sustainably.
All these are part of Globe’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals such as UN SDG No. 12—Sustainable Consumption and Production—which is about achieving economic growth and sustainable development by urgently reducing ecological footprint. It is also about decoupling economic growth from environmental degradation, increasing resource efficiency and promoting sustainable lifestyles by changing the way people produce and consume goods and resources; and SDG No. 13, which is to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
To learn more about Globe’s environmental initiatives, visit https://www.globe.com.ph/about-us/sustainability.html
