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/.

Teleperformance joins the Philippine Business Coalition for Women Empowerment

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Teleperformance (TP), a leading global group in digitally integrated business services, strengthens its advocacy of advancing gender equality in the workplace by joining the Philippine Business Coalition for Women Empowerment (PBCWE). 

This partnership was formalized through the recent virtual signing ceremony attended by Jeffrey Johnson, Senior Vice President for Human Capital Resource Management of TP Philippines, Tanya Famador-Japitana, Executive Vice President for Operations of TP Philippines and Chairperson for TP Women Philippines, and Maria Aurora Boots Geotina-Garcia, Chairperson of Philippine Women’s Economic Network and Co-Chair of PBCWE.

PBCWE was established in 2017 as an inaugural project of the Philippine Women’s Economic Network (PhilWEN) in partnership with Investing in Women, an initiative of the Australian Government. As the newest member of PBCWE, Teleperformance joins other 18 member companies in leading efforts towards building a business case for gender equality, creating knowledge on best practices in the workplace, communicating the benefits of empowering women in the workforce, and institutionalizing policies based on best practices.

“I thank PBCWE for the opportunity to be part of this partnership. There is so much that the society can contribute when we are all welcome and empowered. I am personally committed to seeing all levels being represented in the organization – not just women – but other areas that may be underrepresented. I am proud to be working side by side with PBCWE and I look forward to the success that we’ll see in the coming months as we take this partnership to the next level,” shared Jeffrey Johnson.

“It’s truly an honor to be part of PBCWE. We believe that it’s high time that we tie up with organizations like PBCWE to help provide the structure in our diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts so that we can measure how far we’ve gone since we’ve launched TP Women and truly pave the trail for the next phase of our cause. I look forward to and fully support the plans of PBCWE and TP Women together,” Tanya Famador-Japitana added.

TP’s global commitment to the principles of diversity, respect, fairness, empowerment, and equality are reflected through its TP Women initiative which seeks to maintain an overall equal gender distribution in the TP Group’s workforce and in management positions, and to increase the proportion of women in governing bodies. Currently, TP’s global employee base is comprised of 52% women. By 2023, TP committed to its global target of 30% women in the senior leadership roles.

As part of its membership package, TP will undergo the Gender Equality Assessment, Results and Strategies (GEARS), a tool developed in partnership with Investing in Women. GEARS provides companies with the information and resources necessary to start the change process towards gender equality. It evaluates the company’s current gender equality strategies, plan future gender equality objectives, and track their progress over time.

“Gender equality in the workplace plays an important framework in facilitating business productivity, operational efficiency, and financial resiliency. Today, many companies are eager to set clear targets and metrics to create sound policies and programs. In PBCWE, we offer a unique and one-of-a-kind opportunity for companies to undergo a simple and streamlined workplace gender equality assessment tool that can help them take concrete steps in their current practices on talent recruitment, succession planning, and employee retention. We are happy to know that Teleperformance is committed to pursue this as a core business strategy,” said Aurora “Boots” Geotina-Garcia.

TP stands firm with members of the LGBTQIA+ community. In June 2020, TP Philippines celebrated diversity and inclusion through its TP Pride initiative which sought to strengthen employee engagement, promote a diverse and inclusive culture in the workplace, and recognize the contribution and influence of each and every individual.

In 2021, TP Philippines was re-certified as a Great Place to Work® and is the only organization in the country to receive this certification from the Great Place to Work® Institute for four years in a row. This 2022, TP will be celebrating its 26th year of continued excellence and leadership in the country. This milestone highlights the company’s commitment to steadily provide the best employment experience for Filipinos, proactively support the nation’s IT-BPM sector, and uphold its socio-civic engagements to create a difference in the lives of the Philippine community.

NEW PRODUCT ALERT: Cherry Home Smart Swivel Camera S2

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Wherever you are, make sure you don’t miss out on any of life’s special moments at home with the new Cherry Home Smart Swivel Camera S2. With its 1080P Full HD video quality, you can see your family’s activities inside your abode just as if you are there. It also supports live streaming and lets you watch recordings so different time zones won’t hinder you from catching up on gatherings and occasions. 

It also features a wide viewing angle so you’d have a better picture of every simple joy and achievement—from your toddler’s first step at the living room to your significant other’s new dish. It likewise supports intelligent auto-tracking so you can constantly monitor every movement. It also enables two-way audio between your smartphone and camera, made possible through the Cherry Home application. This way, you can communicate in real-time with your family members even while watching them from the opposite part of the globe. This smart security device also supports 24/7 video recordings so it is easier for you to backtrack on the different milestones under your roof. These recordings can be stored via a micro SD card that is up to 128GB.

The Cherry Home Smart Swivel Camera S2 is powered by a universal adapter and highlights flexible installation using only easy-access wall screws.

What are you waiting for? Feel closer to home by getting the Cherry Home Smart Swivel Camera S2 for only P1,499 at:

Cherry Shop PH: www.cherryshop.com.ph

 

Rex Orange County announces new album, Who Cares? New single and video “Keep it Up,” out now!

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Rex Orange County by Alexandra Waespi Rex Orange County returns to announce his forthcoming album WHO CARES?, which is due March 11th via Sony Music. Along with the announcement, Rex also shares the new album's lead single and its accompanying video in "KEEP IT UP." In the video, Rex is seen dancing his way through Amsterdam's busy city center as he performs the track alongside musician Benny Sings, with whom he created WHO CARES? over the course of a few sessions in Sings' Amsterdam studio. Today's release is Rex's first since 2020's Live at Radio City Music Hall EP taken from his two sold-out shows at the venue in 2020 just before his international Pony tour was cut short in Berlin due to Covid-19. As it turns out, however, that tour being cut short is part of the genesis of this album. After spending the bulk of 2020 quarantined back home in the UK, Rex made the trek to Amsterdam that fall to record with Benny Sings, with whom he crafted the 2017 platinum selling breakout single "Loving Is Easy."  What started as sessions without expectations turned into an incredibly productive 48-hour window of recording with Benny, prompting a follow-up trip to Amsterdam. The subsequent 10 days of work together produced his fourth album, made in close partnership with Benny, that is a playful record by an artist in a playful mood. The album also finds Rex reunited with one of his earliest champions, Tyler, The Creator, who contributes a verse to "OPEN A WINDOW," which marks the first time the two have collaborated since Tyler's 2017 album Flower Boy. Listen to and watch "KEEP IT UP" above, find full album details below and stay tuned for more from Rex Orange County coming soon.

WHO CARES? album artwork   WHO CARES? Rex Orange County March 11th, 2022 Sony Music   1. KEEP IT UP 2. OPEN A WINDOW (Feat. Tyler, The Creator) 3. WORTH IT 4. AMAZING 5. ONE IN A MILLION 6. IF YOU WANT IT 7. 7 AM 8. THE SHADE 9. MAKING TIME 10. SHOOT ME DOWN 11. WHO CARES? "KEEP IT UP" WATCH: https://ROC.lnk.to/KEEPITUPVid WHO CARES? PRE-ORDER/SAVE: https://www.rexorangecounty.com/

 

Connect with Rex Orange County: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | TikTok Amazon Music | Apple Music | Pandora | Spotify | YouTube

 

American Standard™ advocates for continued hygiene vigilance with HygieneClean™

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The American Standard HygieneClean™ System offers powerful flushing and rimless technologies, innovative antibacterial technology, and an award-winning anti-stain technology to ensure ultimate hygiene protection.

LIXIL, the maker of pioneering water and housing products, continues to advocate for the need for hygiene vigilance. Through its American Standard™ products, one of LIXIL’s portfolio global brands, and its complete bathroom solution, the HygieneClean™ System, it is looking to remind consumers to practice good personal hygiene as part of continued all-round hygiene protection.

With its new HygieneClean campaign launched for 2022 and the tagline “Protect What Matters Most, Start with HygieneClean”, it looks to provide consumers with a start point for protection in the bathroom where bacteria such as E. coli are known to propagate, and which requires regular cleaning. To help consumers with this, the HygieneClean™ System offers consumers powerful flushing and rimless technologies, innovative antibacterial technology, and award-winning anti-stain technology to ensure ultimate hygiene protection.

Satoshi Konagai, Leader, LIXIL Water Technology, Asia Pacific, highlighted, “We are committed to delivering pioneering products that will provide continuous protection for families as they spend more time at home in this new normal. The American Standard HygieneClean™ System ensures a safer and cleaner bathroom environment while also saving consumers time and resources when it comes to regular cleaning and maintenance. By placing hygiene and safety at the heart of our technological innovations, we hope to introduce this new standard of safety in the bathroom.”.

Innovation’s Role in Hygiene

Through material science and innovation, the American Standard brand has created product lines that have cleaner and safer toilets for consumers. An example of this is the innovative ComfortClean™ technology featured in the Acacia SupaSleek™ one-piece toilet. It comes with a ceramic glaze with zinc oxide that effectively inhibits the growth of E. coli bacteria inside the toilet bowl, as proven in tests conducted by the Industrial Microbiological Services Limited (IMSL).

Design elements can also be used in tandem with other innovations to create solutions that reduce water usage without compromising hygiene needs. The one-piece toilets in the Acacia SupaSleek™ collection are also equipped with the powerful Double Vortex™ flushing system for maximum flushing performance with minimum water usage.

The one-piece toilets in the American Standard collection are also equipped with SiphonMax™ Flushing System to remove both heavy and light waste with minimum effort or Double Vortex™ Flushing System for maximum flushing performance with minimum water usage.

In addition to this, such innovations and designs also provide other benefits such as time savings from not having to clean as often, without having to worry about the implications on hygiene for consumers.

The Acacia SupaSleek™ one-piece toilet features the PowerRim™ technology – a rimless water channel design engineered for a powerful clean performance. The Acacia SupaSleek™ Collection toilets also feature thin and sleek lines to make cleaning even easier. And when it comes to tough stains, the award-winning Aqua Ceramic™ harnesses the power of water to penetrate between contaminants and the toilet surface, ensuring that waste is lifted off easily with every flush.

A Safer Bathroom Environment

Unfortunate incidents such as accidental burns and scalding can arise with the use of ordinary shower mixers.

With the EasySET™ 3-Way Exposed Auto Temperature Shower Mixer, the ThermoComfort™ feature allows users to shower at a constant and comfortable temperature even when cold water is used elsewhere in the house. With a safety feature like ThermoSafe™, there is no risk of hot water burns as it has a safety temperature control up to 49°C, with an auto shut-off function when cold water supply fails. With the Coolshield™ feature, the body of the faucet stays cool to the touch and further prevents scalding shocks from accidental contact with the shower faucet.

When sharing bathroom spaces, contact points become a hotbed for potential cross contamination. The EasyFLO™ faucet which comes with a simple push-button and turns on easily with just a push of a finger, minimizes the surface area of contact with dirty hands. Built to be lead free, the EasyFLO™ faucet’s ease of use allows consumers of various ages to easily use the faucets without any inconvenience.

Meeting All Your Personal Hygiene Needs

To meet the growing needs for integrated shower toilets, the American Standard Aerozen G2™ integrated shower toilet elevates personal comfort and convenience without impacting hygiene. Packed with the latest innovations for personal cleansing and suitable for everyone in the family, the Aerozen G2™ integrated shower toilet features an auto-flush feature for a germ-free and hands-free experience. The built-in Air Deodorizer activates when the user is seated, ensuring a fresh-smelling bathroom at all times. Its SIAA-certified[1] seat features an antibacterial resin for added protection.

The Aerozen G2™ integrated shower toilet also incorporates dual nozzles that are antibacterial and self-cleaning, so there is little worry about cross contamination among users. Nozzle tips are easily changeable and a nozzle shutter provides added hygienic protection against potential backsplash. ComfortClean™ effectively eliminates E. coli and other harmful bacteria that may be lurking in the toilet bowl.

For over 140 years as a pioneer in the design and innovation sector, the highly dependable offerings of American Standard™ have been providing consumers with inviting bathrooms to relax in. Over the decades, innovative breakthroughs and technologies have further placed the brand at the forefront as it endeavors to raise the standard of living by delivering bathroom solutions that are beautiful, purposeful, and safe for everyone.

For more information, kindly visit  https://www.americanstandard.ph/hygieneclean-24-7-with-you.

 

ABOUT AMERICAN STANDARD

As one of the most iconic brands in sanitary ware, American Standard has earned the trust of its customers by constantly delivering style, quality and reliability to their bathrooms. Today, backed by more than 140 years of pioneering legacy, American Standard continues to raise the bar in delivering dependable bathroom solutions that combine thoughtful designs and innovative technologies to create inviting bathroom sanctuaries offering ultimate comfort and performance to its customers.

ABOUT LIXIL

LIXIL makes pioneering water and housing products that solve everyday, real-life challenges, making better homes a reality for everyone, everywhere. Drawing on our Japanese heritage, we create world-leading technology and innovate to make high-quality products that transform homes. But the LIXIL difference is how we do this; through meaningful design, an entrepreneurial spirit, a dedication to improving accessibility for all, and responsible business growth. Our approach comes to life through industry leading brands, including INAX, GROHE, American Standard, and TOSTEM. Over 60,000 colleagues operating in more than 150 countries are proud to make products that touch the lives of more than a billion people every day. Learn more at www.lixil.com.ph