Mangroves: Nature-Based Solutions for the Philippines Coastal and Coral Reef Sustainability

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The ocean and the coast play important roles in Southeast Asia as a residential area and a source of livelihood. The region’s coastline spans a total length of 234,000 km and its ocean supplies around 40% of the global fish supply; at the same time, it is also the home to a third of mangroves and coral reefs in the region. Out of that many, 36,289 km of coastline belongs to the Philippines, making it an integral part for the nations. However, ocean and coastlines’ conditions greatly impacted due to the rising global temperature and climate crisis, including in the Philippines.

The latest report from the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) states that the world is experiencing the fourth global coral bleaching event. This coral bleaching will certainly have an impact, including in reduced livelihoods and food sources due to disturbed fish habitats. The challenges in the Philippines are exacerbated by environmental degradation, including pollution, overfishing, and destructive fishing practice.

To prevent the coastal area from becoming more deteriorated, the Philippines has several approaches, including creating a network of marine protected areas. There is also focus on community based resources management that aims at sustainable fishing practices, mangrove reforestation, and coral reef restoration. One of them is the San Vicente Mangrove Forest and Marine Protected Area in Palawan, where the community is committed to safeguarding and restoring the mangrove area for 25 years since 1999, and extended to 12 more years.

Sustainable Mangrove Management by Communities in Indonesia

In Indonesia, similar to the Philippines, there has been a sustainable mangrove management by involving the community in Bali, specifically in Budeng Village.

Since September 2023, the Wana Mertha Forest Farmer Group (KTH Wana Mertha), that’s based in Budeng Village, has been assisted by Pesisir Lestari, a non-governmental organization (NGO) that focuses on coastal area management through Community-led Sustainable Natural Resources Management model approach. The program aims at enabling the community to preserve the mangrove forests and gain livelihood opportunities from it.

Based on a study conducted by Pesisir Lestari in early 2024, the mangrove ecosystem area in the Budeng Village spans a total ​​112.51 hectare (ha). From the total area, 25 ha is managed by the community who are members of the Wana Mertha Group.

In order to ensure proper management of the mangrove area, KTH Wana Mertha conducts regular check-ups on the mangroves’ health. Additionally, KTH Wana Mertha also creates an added value to the area by turning it into an eco-tourism culinary destination through the establishment of Warung Mangrove (restaurant) in 2021.

At the restaurant, residents of Budeng Village who are members of KTH Wana Mertha jointly manage the establishment, including managing the fish farm and other seafood such as shrimp, mangrove crabs, shellfish, and even the production and sale of mangrove chips, mangrove tea, mangrove herbal medicine and mangrove nurseries. The collaborative utilization and preservation of mangroves extends the benefits beyond Budeng Village but also for its surrounding villages.

"Warung Mangrove offers a unique dining atmosphere with a view of the mangrove forest and serves a variety of menus made from the community's catch and directly cooked by the women's group of Budeng Village," said I Putu Madiasa, Chair of KTH Wana Mertha, Budeng Village, Jembrana, Bali.

Beyond its presence as a unique tourist attraction, Warung Mangrove becomes an example of how sustainable environmental management can support creative ways to preserve the environment and strengthen community livelihoods. This case also highlights the importance of legal entity such as Wana Mertha which unlock opportunities for them to receive fiscal transfers and development funds from the government.

"The existence of the Mangrove forest makes us feel protected, we can now enjoy catching shrimps, crabs, and other seafood that contributes to our local economy," said I Kadek Sudiarsa, Secretary of KTH Wana Merta, Budeng, Jembrana, Bali.

Business Analysis and Community Engagement as Key to Sustainability

The community-led development approach carried out by Pesisir Lestari can be a complement of how communities can manage coastal areas in other Southeast Asian countries, especially the Philippines, including to develop existing potential to elevate the economy.

There should also be a balance between development and community empowerment. The government plays an important role in creating regulations that can protect coastal areas and encourage community involvement in managing coastal areas. The success of sustainable mangrove management will also impact various aspects including the marine industry, tourism, and coastal area resilience.

Pesisir Lestari hopes that the work they do can inspire other coastal communities in Southeast Asia, so that more appropriate methods for sustainable mangrove management will emerge. This is needed to ensure that Southeast Asia continues to have healthy coasts and oceans in the future.

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About Pesisir Lestari (YPL)

Pesisir Lestari is a local non-governmental organization (NGO) that focuses on marine conservation by prioritizing the Community-led Model in realizing the vision of building a sustainable future for coastal communities. Some of the programs currently underway include sustainable mangrove management through social forestry in Jembrana (Budeng Village), Banggai (Uwedikan Village), West Manggarai (Golo Sepang Village) and North Minahasa (Darunu Village), developing a tool box to identify opportunities for Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (OECM) and advocacy for the Octopus Fisheries Management Plan (RPP) in Indonesia.

Protecting and restoring ecosystems: Globe, WWF encourage in-depth environmental learning for Filipinos via Camp Kalikasan

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For an archipelagic country like the Philippines, many of our industries and livelihood are dependent on marine resources. In celebration of the Philippine Environment Month, World Wide Fund for Nature Philippines (WWF-Philippines) and Globe are encouraging Filipinos of all ages to be more proactive in learning about how we can help protect and restore ecosystems by signing up for Camp Kalikasan.

Globe and WWF recently hosted a webinar titled “Climate Change in the Classroom: Understanding the Urgency of Climate Education” with guest speakers from the Department of Education (DepEd), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), as well as youth environmental advocate Xia Vigor, and WWF-Philippines ambassador Karen Ibasco.

“One of the many things that we want Filipinos to take away from Camp Kalikasan is that our actions can greatly impact the environment – from our daily habits, to the waste we produce, and the carbon emissions we emit. Camp Kalikasan reminds us that we are part of nature. Whatever we do to the environment always has a way back to us,” said Apple Evangelista, Globe's Head of Sustainability and Social Responsibility.

Camp Kalikasan is an interactive online resource platform designed for students, teachers, and everyday citizens for a more in-depth take on environmental education. The platform and program is a collaboration between Globe and WWF-Philippines which aims to strengthen environmental stewardship among Filipinos in response to the growing risks of climate change.

As part of its sustainability strategy, Globe aims to empower communities through climate education to drive positive environmental impact. The company partnered with WWF-Philippines to encourage Filipinos to participate in the movement to care for the environment.

"Alongside our partners at Globe, we are very excited to bring Camp Kalikasan to more Filipino users as a one-stop digital resource for all things about the environment. Not only do we see it as a way for them to deepen their appreciation for the ocean, but also for them to develop a better understanding of how they play a part in enabling more sustainable living for Filipinos," said Dino Calderon, Environmental Education Program Manager of WWF-Philippines.

While there are already plenty of online resources on the environment and the ocean, Camp Kalikasan is unique because it offers a more immersive experience, including animated videos, games, quizzes, tutorials, and other exciting activities that make learning more enjoyable for everyone.

Registered members can access the book entitled “Daloy ng Pag-asa,” which highlights the implications of people’s actions to the environment and society.

Camp Kalikasan also offers different modules that can match one’s level of interest and expertise. The module on biodiversity provides lessons about mangroves, seagrasses, and coral reefs— all of which play a crucial role in maintaining the ocean's health.

Aside from biodiversity conservation, Camp Kalikasan teaches energy conservation and climate change. Upcoming modules include lessons that focus on sustainable lifestyle (i.e. waste management and water management), sustainable production, and sustainable consumption. It makes environmental education in the country more accessible to everyone while strengthening WWF-Philippines’ and Globe’s support for Republic Act 9512 or the Environmental Awareness and Education Act of 2008.

The program is also part of Globe’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly UN SDG No. 13, which underscores climate action’s importance in saving lives and livelihood to address climate emergencies, and UN SDG No. 14, which emphasizes Life Below Water.

To learn more about the ocean and help preserve it, join Camp Kalikasan today! Visit its website at https://www.campkalikasan.com/ to learn more about the different modules it offers.

Those interested may also watch the full webinar here: https://fb.watch/dGdPngHZat/

For more information about Globe, visit www.globe.com.ph.

Plastic pollution reaching Philippine waters equivalent to 14 Titanics. WWF’s three-year project with Grieg foundation, a Norwegian foundation, aims to reduce the waste by 50%.

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Plastic trash in the sea results in many problems for the environment, animals, and human settlements. A recent study found that there is a significant amount of plastic waste not adequately disposed of and end up polluting the environment. WWF-Philippines/Neal Roxas

Filipinos consume about 2.15 million tons of plastics in a year and from which 9% are recycled and 35% leaks into the open environment, according to a study conducted by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), in a project funded by Grieg Foundation.

That amount of total plastics is equivalent to the weight of 41 Titanics. And out of that total, 14 of those massive ships (35%) end up as plastic waste in the ocean every year. A key pathway in how plastic pollution ends up in oceans is through ports where there is a high level of activity and traffic.

“Plastics do not belong in our oceans. Sometimes we forget that we are part of a world that is a living breathing organism on which our own well-being and survival depend,” Katherine Custodio, WWF-Philippines Executive Director, said.

“There are three big important things we need to do together and at scale to truly address the problem of plastic pollution. First is to close the tap by reducing the amount of plastics we produce. Second is to close the loop by improving recycling, reuse, re-design and doing some very exciting innovative work looking at alternatives. Third is to stop plastic waste from leaking into the environment. We are very pleased to be working alongside partners such as the Grieg Foundation and Grieg Group of Companies in work that will contribute to end-changing impact for our country.” Custodio added.

WWF-Philippines has partnered with Grieg Foundation for a 3-year project that aims to reduce plastic wastes by 50% in three Philippine ports, namely Manila North Port, Port of Batangas, and Port of Cagayan de Oro, and to provide input to the national plan of action on marine litter. WWF also receives valuable input from the Grieg Group companies.

A key component of the partnership project called ‘Clean Ports, Clean Oceans: Improving Port Waste Management in the Philippines’ is the conduct of a Solid Waste Management Baseline Study in Philippine Ports which found that about 114,927 kg of plastic wastes are generated from ports and 128,970 kg of plastic wastes from vessels.

The study attributes the amount of plastic pollution to the waste leakage from ports that happens between collection and disposal - which is connected to the city waste management system. Ports, at least 552 in the country, are likely pathways for plastic waste going into the oceans.

With the national baseline study results, WWF-Philippines worked with the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), terminal operators, communities, and concerned LGUs in determining project interventions.

WWF-Philippines’ baseline study recommends several measures to reduce plastic pollution at ports:

• Stricter implementation and review of plans, programs, policies, and law
• Better coordination and teamwork among stakeholders
• Better data management framework
• Installation of properly designed and fully functioning Materials Recovery Facilities
• Installation of trash traps at drainage outfalls when necessary
• Monitoring and utilization of plastic wastes
• IEC campaigns
• Standardization of waste bin color- coding scheme

“Marine litter is one of the fastest-growing environmental problems in the world and threatens biodiversity, ecosystems and livelihoods. In the Grieg Group, we have committed ourselves to be part of the solutions in restoring our oceans. We are happy to have partnered with WWF, trying our best to solve a critical challenge to life below water. Hopefully, we are able to create solutions that can be used in ports worldwide”, says Gry Larsen, Leader Sustainability and Public Affairs, Grieg Group

With this project, WWF-Philippines will identify and implement solutions with the concerned PPA - Port Management Offices (PMOs) in Manila North Port, Port of Batangas, and Port of Cagayan de Oro. The project looks to document these solutions so that other Philippine ports can adopt these solutions to stop plastic pollution.

About Grieg Foundation and the Grieg Group

Grieg Foundation is a Norwegian foundation established in Bergen by the Grieg family in 2002. For generations, the Grieg family has been conscious of leaving footprints, by giving back, by supporting humanitarian, social and cultural aspects of life. They are committed to improving the lives of future generations through the support of national and international projects and initiatives that create meaningful change for individuals and communities. To learn more about Grieg Foundation and the projects they support see www.griegfoundation.com

The Grieg Group derives from a long and proud maritime tradition, which began with Joachim Grieg’s shipbroking firm in Bergen in 1884. Today, the Grieg Group operates within shipping, logistics, maritime innovation, finance, shipbroking, seafood and finance. The Grieg Group is owned by the Grieg Family (75%) and the Grieg Foundation (25%). For more information about Grieg Group activities, see www.grieg.no

About WWF

WWF is one of the world’s largest and most respected independent conservation organizations, with over 5 million supporters and a global network active in nearly 100 countries. WWF’s mission is to stop the degradation of the Earth’s natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by conserving the world’s biological diversity, ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable, and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption.

WWF-Philippines has been working as a national organization of the WWF network since 1997 and implements various conservation projects to help protect some of the most biologically-significant ecosystems in Asia. WWF-Philippines works to improve Filipino lives by crafting solutions to climate change, providing sustainable livelihood programs, and conserving the country’s richest marine and land habitats.

To learn more about WWF and the Solid Waste Management Baseline Study in Philippine Ports, please visit: wwf.org.ph/what-we-do/plastics/cleanportscleanoceans/.

WWF-Philippines continues to push for Extended Producers Responsibility Scheme

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An Extended Producers Responsibility roadmap was released by conservation group World Wide Fund for Nature Philippines (WWF-Philippines) on Thursday, highlighting the substantial impact of plastics in our environment and how adopting the EPR scheme can effectively change this worsening plastic problem.

The updated report entitled “Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Scheme Assessment for Plastic Packaging Waste in the Philippines”, WWF-Philippines proposes an EPR scheme where the responsibility of implementing the scheme for building high-quality recycling capacity should be assumed by an industry-led, non-profit Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO), acting as the system operator, with strict monitoring and control systems carried out by the government.

In the first edition of the EPR study, it was shown that in 2019, the number of plastic items consumed by Filipinos was 2.15 million tons per annum. Thirty-five percent (35%) of the consumed plastics leak into the open environment while 33% are disposed of in sanitary landfills and open dumpsites, with only 9% recycled because of our lack of capacity to recycle both high and low-value plastics.

WWF-Philippines pushes for an EPR scheme as a critical policy tool that holds producers accountable for the full life cycle of their products and packaging. EPR is an environmental policy approach that emerged in the 1990s and is now increasingly recognized globally as a useful tool for accelerating the transition to sustainable waste management and a circular economy. This scheme encourages waste reduction through the elimination of unnecessary packaging of products and the development of more environmentally friendly packaging design.

"We must take collective and immediate action. The proposed EPR scheme aims to build on the country's current waste management system, integrating ongoing actions, and have collaborative action from various stakeholder groups. This way, we can stop plastic waste leakage in our nature." says Czarina Constantino, WWF-Philippines’ National Lead for the No Plastics in Nature Initiative.

The proposed EPR roadmap incorporates the existing country’s solid waste management infrastructure such as Materials Recovery Facilities (MRF), junk shops, and recycling facilities that aims to recover recyclable wastes. The informal waste sector, an important contributor to the Philippines’ recycling rate, has also been integrated into the EPR system. Initiatives from the businesses and civil society organizations have been included.

For the past few years, EPR started gaining traction and support among the policymakers as the House of Representatives recently passed House Bill 9147 also known as the “Single-Use Plastic Products Regulation Act” as the proposed substitute bill for plastics that includes an introductory provision for EPR. Meanwhile, in the Senate, Senate Bill 2425 also known as the “Extended Producers Responsibility Act” is now on its Second Reading.

“The battle against unnecessary plastics will be successful only if we have concerted effort from all stakeholders – supported by an enabling policy environment. Let us therefore strengthen our call for the passing of EPR into law, with good implementation, so that we can stop plastic pollution together,” says Katherine Custodio, WWF-Philippines Executive Director.

The proposed roadmap is part of the No Plastic in Nature Initiative - WWF’s global initiative to stop the flow of plastics entering nature by 2030 through the elimination of unnecessary plastics, doubling reuse, recycling, and recovery, and ensuring remaining plastic is sourced responsibly. Through this initiative, WWF-Philippines has been working with cities on plastic leakage, policymakers to advocate for a global treaty on plastic pollution and EPR, businesses to transition to circular business models, and the general public to campaign and act.

To know more about WWF-Philippines and its initiatives, please visit https://wwf.org.ph/

Finding refuge amidst nature in Hamilo Coast

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WITH the onset of COVID-19, Filipinos and the rest of the world have had to deal with an unprecedented upheaval in their lives: lockdown. Being confined in one’s home for an uncertain duration, with limited movement and access, required drastic adjustment, with some people inevitably experiencing higher levels of anxiety.

Mechanisms for survival took many forms, including preserving as much of a sense of normalcy as strict quarantines allowed. For many, this meant relocating out of the city, away from urban congestion and higher risks of COVID-19 infection, to more open spaces. Communities like Hamilo Coast in Nasugbu, Batangas, a mere 90-minute drive from Manila, cradled between mountain ridges and the sea, provided ideal locations close to what has proven to be the most powerful antidote to modern chaos: nature itself.

Staying close to nature improves physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

For many Hamilo Coast residents like human resources manager Jessica Clara Belardo, relocating, for the time being, was not a difficult decision. “Due to the rapid increase in COVID-19 cases in Metro Manila, we decided to look for a secure and less crowded place nearby where we could stay for at least a year and avoid exposure. We found out that Hamilo Coast was the perfect fit for our family.”

Hamilo Coast is obviously on to something. In a February 2021 article on the website PositivePsychology.com, Madhuleena Roy Chaudhury wrote about “The Positive Effects of Nature on Your Mental Well-Being.” where she also cited that “staying close to nature improves physical, mental, and spiritual well-being; it makes us feel alive from the inside, and we should not compromise it for recent developments like urbanization, technology, or social media.”

Chaudhury, a psychologist, mentioned a host of other benefits of being close to nature, including emotional regulation and memory, fighting depression, reducing the stress hormone cortisol, and improving focus and creativity.

There are plenty of outdoor activities to do in Hamilo Coast such as biking while enjoying the views of nature.

This is validated by people who now live and work in their Pico De Loro Cove homes in Hamilo Coast after work-from-home arrangements became the norm. With the stress of traffic and commuting eliminated and the option to hold virtual meetings with a view now available, productivity and well-being have increased significantly. “As a working mom, one of the best benefits I have experienced and am still enjoying is the perfect work-life balance,” says Belardo. “I can do my work remotely and take care of my child and family while enjoying the beach and other facilities. Plus, my son is really having a great time here.”

“The free strong WiFi and internet connection are among the benefits,” says finance executive and general manager Willard Mosquito. “Then there are lots of places to work even outside the unit, such as the Beach Club. You can bike and swim during free time on weekends, enjoying the beauty of nature. There’s also a very nice chapel where you can pray, reflect, and meditate.”

Developed by SM Prime’s Costa Del Hamilo, Inc., Hamilo Coast is considered the first premiere sustainable community in Nasugbu, combining nature and man-made excellence in residential properties and amenities. Many homeowners had, in fact, chosen to settle here even before the lockdowns. When the pandemic came, extra safety and security measures adopted by the Property Management Team on a 24/7 basis, including seeing to homeowners’ needs, made life much easier.

Many homeowners had chosen to settle in Hamilo Coast because the ambience is relaxing, the security is tight, the place is less crowded, safety protocols are being strictly implemented, and the staff is very helpful.

“The ambience of the place is relaxing, the security is tight, the place is less crowded, safety protocols are being strictly implemented, and the staff is very helpful,” says Belardo. “More important, the guards, receptionists, and maintenance guys are very respectful, friendly, and firm on the rules and guidelines,” agrees Mosquito.

Indeed, despite all the chaos in the city, some people have fortunately found an ideal pandemic cocoon.

Hamilo Coast is a master-planned seaside residential community in Nasugbu, Batangas, developed and managed by Costa del Hamilo, Inc., a subsidiary of SM Prime. 

For inquiries, call (632) 7945-8000, check out www.hamilocoast.com, or follow them on www.facebook.com/hamilocoastph or Instagram @hamilocoastph.

Globe Bridging Communities goes to TikTok to promote mental health - Celebrities, influencers participate in #PlantHappinessPH to achieve #AtinAngSimpleJoys

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Globe Bridging Communities (Globe Bridgecom) rallies everyone to plant happiness and take pleasure in small things to improve mental health and well-being. Turning to the highly-popular social media platform TikTok, Globe encourages everyone to dance their way to better days and do their share for Mother Earth.

Globe Bridgecom is kickstarting a series of activities on TikTok, starting with its #PlantHappinessPH #AtinAngSimpleJoys dance challenge. Using artist Quest’s popular hit song “Better Days 2.0,” TikTokers will be dancing to inspiring lyrics about finding ways to celebrate life.

To make this activity more interesting and meaningful, Globe is inspiring participants to take on purposeful hobbies that further help alleviate stress and, at the same time, help the environment. Thousands of free seeds and seedlings await those who take on the challenge so they can create a positive and uplifting routine of caring for plants.

Langka and Guyabano seedlings will be given to participants in the Greater Manila Area while those in other locations get seed packs to grow Supa and Bignay trees. These are sourced from Globe’s partners in sustainability, the Philippine Native Tree Enthusiasts and Mead Foundation. 

To get these seeds or seedlings for free, people must visit the www.0917lifestyle.com website and check out using the promo code SIMPLEJOYS.

Popular TikTok star Cejeey Laqui, known for the viral Ever After dance challenge, choreographed the #PlantHappinessPH #AtinAngSimpleJoys dance challenge. Several celebrity talents and influencers including Sanya Lopez, Mark Herras, and Rodjun Cruz of GMA; Myx VJ Ai dela Cruz; and Joj and Jai Agpangan of ABS-CBN’s Pinoy Big Brother are also lending their support to the campaign.

And because it’s #GDayEveryday, especially this month with Globe’s 917 Festivities, Globe and TM subscribers who participate in the dance challenge may also win 917 Rewards points which they can redeem for freebies or discounts from their favorite shops. A total of 30 winners will be selected.

“Amid the challenges of the pandemic, we want to remind everyone that they are not alone in their fight against stress and anxiety,” shared Yoly Crisanto, Globe Chief Sustainability Officer and Senior Vice President for Corporate Communications. “There can be happiness even in life’s little surprising moments. Healthy hobbies and the pursuit of simple joys are ways for people to stay mentally healthy. And should anyone feel they need more help, then we have support channels like Hopeline and KonsultaMD to reach for.”

In recent years, mental health and wellness are among the things that Globe has put a premium on in the company’s quest to create a Globe of good for everyone.

The company strongly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly UN SGD No. 3 on good health and well-being and UN SDG No. 12 for sustainable consumption and production about achieving economic growth and sustainable development by urgently reducing our ecological footprint. Globe is committed to upholding the 10 United Nations Global Compact principles and 10 UN SDGs.

To see the Globe #PlantHappinessPH #AtinAngSimpleJoys campaign on TikTok, visit https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSe1vWGBn/.

To redeem a free seed or seedling, click here: https://0917lifestyle.com/products/philippine-native-tree-seeds-and-seedlings

Small Steps You Can Take to Help Save Mother Earth

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This Earth Day, learn to protect our planet and live more sustainably by purchasing products from Shopee's Shop Green sale

While not a major contributor to the global climate crisis, the Philippines is still part of the top 25% of low and middle income countries that produce significant greenhouse gas emissions. With Earth Day right around the corner—and carbon dioxide levels hitting an all-time high—it’s time to make a change.

Though there are larger entities that create a wider-scale impact, that doesn’t mean you can’t do your part to help curb the damage! The planet still needs a global solution in order to significantly reduce carbon emissions, but there are things that you can do on your own to lessen your ecological footprint.

First things first, educate yourself. They say knowledge is power. Before we can change the way we live, we need to understand why we need to do so. Read up and educate yourself on the consequences of the climate crisis on future generations and our individual and collective responsibilities. Share your knowledge when you can. This simple act can help us improve our relationship with Mother Earth. 

Here are other tips that you can easily do at home: 

Eat low on the food chain. 

Red meat is one of the biggest contributors to harmful emissions. We know giving up steak forever is hard, but once in a while, try swapping out red meat and processed food for plant-based meat. Even better, consider alternatives such as fish, fruits, and vegetables. Aside from reducing your personal carbon footprint, you can enjoy a healthier diet! It’s also a great way to support our local farmers and fishermen. 

Check out:

KM’s Organic Quinoa in Resealable Pouches, ₱66

Organic Coconut Sugar, ₱299

Organic Virgin Coconut Oil, ₱129

Use eco-friendly household products. 

Since most of us are quarantining at home, our household product consumption has increased. Unfortunately, many of these daily essentials, such as toothbrushes, shampoos, and cleaning materials, are made with toxic chemicals that harm the environment. Luckily, more brands have developed sustainable products that we can use as alternatives. 

Check out:

Colgate Natural Bamboo Charcoal Toothbrush, ₱133

EPSA Organic Shampoo, ₱108

Messy Bessy Natural Dish Cleaner, ₱162

Plant your own garden. 

Many of us recently unleashed our inner plantitos and plantitas. It’s fun, therapeutic, and one of the best ways we can practice environmental stewardship! Your plant babies can help get rid of toxic air released by furniture and electronics. Growing an urban garden and eating your own vegetables can also help reduce the impact of transporting produce, which takes up a lot of energy. Growing and caring for your plants will benefit your overall physical and mental well-being, all while helping fight climate change.

Check out:

4 Liters Rice Hull, ₱9

Shopleaf Organic Neem Oil, ₱249

Coco Log Orchid Planter, ₱36

Reduce consumption of single-use plastics.

Disposable utensils, straws, and plastic water bottles are convenient when you’re on the go, but they’re also bad for the environment. These single-use plastics all end up in landfills and waterways. However, the simple act of substituting these items with more sustainable options is already a big step towards positive change. Avoid using them and instead, purchase reusable products that can last you for years to come. 

Check out: 

Klean Kanteen Classic Insulated Tumbler, ₱1,755 

Just Green PH’s Set of 5 Glass Straw, ₱180

Shoulder Tote Eco Shopping Bag, ₱20

Change starts within us. Remember, even the smallest acts can yield big results in the long run. Together, let’s all do our part in the conservation of our home—Mother Earth. 

Until April 25, discover exclusive deals and discounts up to 25% off on these sustainable and eco-friendly products at Shopee’s Shop Green campaign. Visit https://shopee.ph/m/shop-green for more information. To enjoy more discounts on eco-friendly purchases, top up with ShopeePay! Get free shipping with a minimum spend of ₱199. You can also enjoy 8% cashback with a minimum spend of ₱1,000.

Download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play.

Shopee Supports Eco-Friendly Brands in Time for Earth Day

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Shopee shares how Messy Bessy, Unilever, and Klean Kanteen Philippines advocate for a sustainable future through different initiatives

Every year, people celebrate Earth Day to raise global awareness and inspire millions of individuals to take action to protect the environment. As part of the international efforts to drive action among the community, Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, launched Shop Green to encourage Filipinos to support sustainable products through Shop Green, an online sale from April 19 to 25. 

In 2015, the General Assembly adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which listed responsible consumption and production, climate action, and sustainable cities and communities as part of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, most nations are still far from reaching these goals, with the Philippines ranked 99th out of the 166 countries in terms of progress towards achieving these objectives.

Committed to creating a sustainable future, brands like Klean Kanteen Philippines, Messy Bessy, and Unilever are pushing for sustainable operations and actively choosing to  use organic materials as steps towards building a better and healthier planet. Therefore, Shopee launched its Shop Green campaign to support these brands in their advocacy for a more sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle.

Klean Kanteen Philippines

At Klean Kanteen Philippines, environmental responsibility is an ongoing journey that involves constant research on how to source better and more eco-friendly materials. The brand’s mission is to create durable, versatile, and affordable products for its consumers, and encourage the switch to drinking bottles that are more environmentally sustainable. Klean Kanteen Philippines saw Shopee’s extensive growth as a testament to the platform’s commitment to innovate and adapt to changing consumer needs. Through Shopee,  consumers can easily purchase their favorite Klean Kanteen bottles and join the movement to stop single-use habits. 

According to Klean Kanteen Philippines, “We don't just make bottles. We create solutions for social change.  We work hard to design durable, versatile and affordable products that can last a lifetime and replace mountains of single-use waste. Our partnership with Shopee allows us to tell our story and start important conversations with more consumers.”

Klean Kanteen Philippines is committed to donating 1% of their annual sales to organizations they believe in every single year. 

Messy Bessy 

Messy Bessy is a line of plant-derived home and personal care products. The social enterprise aims to change the world, one sustainable product at a time. By developing eco-friendly products made from organic ingredients, the brand creates sustainable livelihoods for Filipino students, at-risk youths, and abused young adults to help stop the cycle of poverty. All of their products make use of cleaning agents that are found in nature, such as deriving ethyl alcohol from sugar cane. Their surface cleaners, all-purpose scrubs, and liquid detergents also do not have harmful chemicals. 

 

The company is growing at a rapid pace and there is a demand for more convenient access to their products. By partnering with Shopee, Messy Bessy was able to reach more buyers nationwide, especially those looking for affordable, easily accessible, and effective environmentally friendly products. 

Krie Reyes-Lopez, CEO and Founder of Messy Bessy, said, “We believe that being mindful of the environment and its sustainability is important. Partnering with Shopee truly helped us expand our e-commerce business and allowed us to reach people nationwide. With Shopee’s coin cashback and free shipping promotions, our clients find it easier to purchase our refill bottles and this allows us to use less plastic bottles. Currently, we have collection points in our Metro Manila kiosks for these bottles since we are able to recycle and reuse them.”

Unilever’s Love Beauty & Planet
In 2019, Unilever brought its Love Beauty & Planet initiative to the Philippines, in line with its commitment to do small acts of love to make consumers and the planet a little more beautiful, everyday. With Shopee, Unilever could reach more consumers, convincing them to be more eco-friendly and pro-planet with their products. Shop Green is aligned with Love Beauty & Planet’s purpose of enabling consumers to do more for themselves and the planet by providing a convenient platform to make more sustainable choices when purchasing products.

Isab Galang, Assistant Brand Manager for Love Beauty & Planet, Unilever Philippines, said, “Shop Green sheds light on how easy it can be to do more for the planet. Being a part of this campaign solidifies our brand’s commitment for a better, greener and more sustainable planet. Through this initiative, Love Beauty & Planet can reach more Filipinos and help them create #smallactsoflove with just one click.”

Shoppers can also look forward to brands like Forever 21, P&G’s Herbal Essences, and Colgate-Palmolive. To find out more about the campaign and to show your support for sustainable brands, visit  https://shopee.ph/m/shop-green from April 19 to 25, 2021.

To enjoy more discounts on your eco-friendly purchases, you can top up with ShopeePay and get free shipping with a minimum spend of ₱199, while getting 8% cashback with a minimum spend of ₱1,000.

Download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play. 

Globe, ZSL Philippines partner on mangrove protection for climate resilient coastal communities

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Globe has sealed a five-year partnership with the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) Philippines for the protection and rehabilitation of local mangrove forests which are being threatened by the conversion of vast areas into ponds for commercial fish and shrimp farming.

Mangrove planting in the Philippines. Photo from www.zsl.org

ZSL Philippines is one of the primary organizations focused on mangrove rehabilitation through abandoned fishpond reversion, green-gray technology intervention, and close collaboration with People’s Organizations (POs). It was instrumental in the establishment of The Katunggan It Ibajay Ecopark in Aklan and another eco-park in Pedada, Iloilo which now serves as ecological tourist spots of Panay island. With an established eco-tourism, proceeds of both eco-parks go to the respective POs for their continuous operation, maintenance, and improvement.

As a long-time advocate of environmental protection and climate change prevention, Globe now focuses on mangrove conservation to step up its carbon sequestration efforts. This is aligned with its commitment to reduce its carbon footprint by actively supporting the Race To Zero global campaign spearheaded by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and COP26 Presidency and backed by the GSMA, the global mobile industry body, to lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to net-zero no later than 2050.

“For several years now, we have been actively protecting, restoring, and sustainably managing our forests to stop land degradation and biodiversity loss and to combat the effects of global warming. We are further stepping up our efforts to lessen the impact of our operations on the environment as we put into action our commitment to reduce our carbon footprint,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe Chief Sustainability Officer and Senior Vice President for Corporate Communications.

In line with this, Globe decided to partner with ZSL Philippines which has proven expertise in mangrove ecosystems, to help with the conservation efforts starting with Iloilo which is considered as one of the top areas for mangrove rehabilitation programs due to its vulnerability to typhoons. The province also has a number of abandoned fishponds which make it suitable for rehabilitation efforts.

Leganes Integrated Katunggan Ecopark, Leganes, Iloilo. Drone photo by Jason Aguilar,
MBFTC Batch 11

With the addition of ZSL in its list of partners, Globe will be able to further strengthen its reforestation efforts which started with the Cordillera mountain ranges and Arakan Valley and later on moved to Bukidnon and Zambales. The partnership with ZSL will bring Globe’s total forest supported areas to 161 hectares.

“ZSL Philippines welcomes the partnership with Globe Telecom as it provides the opportunity to promote the importance of sustainable mangrove rehabilitation and conservation through the participation of communities, government, business sector, and Globe’s subscribers. The application of ZSL-developed science-based protocols as guidance, the establishment of a long-term carbon off-set mechanism to measure, and the use of existing technology to develop and/or enhance the capacity of coastal resource managers are among the important features of Globe Telecom and ZSL Philippines partnership for conservation and sustainability,” said Godof Villapando, Jr., Country Director of ZSL Philippines.

Mangroves are tropical trees found in coastal saline or brackish water. They are needed for climate stabilization since they can capture and store up to five times more carbon from the atmosphere than terrestrial forests. They also play a vital role in coastal protection, especially during a storm surge. With mangrove forests in place, the damage brought about by strong wind and waves becomes less destructive compared to a coastline with limited vegetation.

Likewise, mangroves are a source of valuable plant and animal products used as food, traditional herbal medicine and other wood and forest products. They also serve as nesting grounds for hundreds of bird species, and are home to a wide variety of reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and aquatic animals.

However, ZSL Philippines stated that since 1980, an estimated 20 to 35% of global mangroves have been lost, with current losses at around 1% per year as a result of human impact and natural disturbances.

As a purpose-driven company, Globe remains committed to the 10 UN Global Compact principles and contributes to 10 of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals such as UN SDG No. 13 which underscores the importance of climate action to save lives and livelihoods to address climate emergencies, and UN SDG No. 15 which promotes the protection, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems. Globe joins over 9,600 companies demonstrating a commitment to environmental transparency by disclosing through CDP, a global non-profit organization that runs the world’s leading environmental disclosure platform.

To know more about Globe’s sustainability initiatives, visit https://www.globe.com.ph/about-us/sustainability.html