Christmas brings cheer as much as it generates garbage. Disposable shopping bags, packaging paraphernalia, gift wrappers, and takeout trays are just some of the resulting waste of the season of giving and get-togethers.
But this is a problem that can be managed by observing and shifting to eco-conscious practices.
To help lessen waste especially those that end up in the oceans, SM Cares, through its #aweSMseas campaign, encourages everyone to celebrate an #aweSMChristmas by following these tips:
Always bring reusable shopping bags
Always bring reusable shopping bags when shopping outside. At SM City Bacolod, SM Cares, in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Philippine Reef and Rainforest Conservation, Inc., is giving away free reusable shopping bags to the first 1,000 shoppers to visit the #aweSMseas booth. Each bag has a unique QR code to track its usage.
Give green
Check out Earth-friendly products such as food, reusable cutlery, food containers, and homemade items to give this year. Give plants or plant-care essentials to “plantitos” and “plantitas” on your list, or pick up reusable food containers or tumblers for those who always go out and have to eat in their office or at restaurants.
Choose sustainable gift wrappers
Gift-giving does not have to be bad for the planet. Instead of buying gift wrappers that will just be tossed immediately, consider tote bags that can be reused or use recycled paper and ribbons or other natural strings.
Opt for reusable food containers, cutleries
Too many parties often mean too many disposables—single-use plastics that will go to trash bins after use. Instead of using paper plates and plastic cutleries and cups, choose reusable food containers and tumblers instead. Best to have one with you that you can use at get-togethers to help lessen waste and risk of transmitting viruses.
