Plastics are a common sight in the Philippines. However, the colorful bags, although convenient and often durable, are an immense contributor to environmental pollution.
According to a market study by the World Bank, the Philippines produces a staggering 2.7 million tons of plastic waste each year, with 20 percent ending up in the ocean.
Due to the alarming rate of plastic use and waste, several companies, institutions, and local government units began initiatives to lessen the amount of material in the environment, mitigate its harmful effects, and slowly convert people to a more sustainable lifestyle.
To strengthen its sustainability efforts, Puregold continues to incorporate eco-friendly practices in relevant aspects of its business.
Last July 25, Puregold launched its “Walang Plastik Mondays” to minimize pollution and protect water resources in the country.
“Puregold’s intent is to be a mindful company that reuses, recycles, and reduces whatever resources are available, and as a retailer, encourages its customers to do the same. We are very much invested in doing business sustainably and helping the younger generations look forward to their future,” said Puregold President Vincent Co.
Whenever shoppers drop by Puregold on Mondays, the retail brand encourages consumers to bring their own bags or boxes. All Puregold stores in the National Capital Region adhere to the sustainability effort. And to further encourage consumers toward a sustainable lifestyle, the supermarket chain also offers P1 cashback for every eco bag used by Perks and Tindahan Ni Aling Puring members. They can earn up to P5 cashback for every transaction.
It is part of a bigger goal to reduce the excessive use of plastic bags and encourage customers, especially those who buy in bulk, to change how they consume goods and consider how their packaging can impact the planet.
“Aside from plastic use, Puregold’s concern is the production of single-use plastics, which requires a lot of energy and resources. It may be impossible to [completely] eliminate plastic from the retail industry, but we can take steps to reduce the amount we are using,” Co said.
The Tindahan Ni Aling Puring program is also doing its part to educate Puregold’s consumers, composed of sari-sari store owners and retail buyers.
Yet Mondays aren’t the only days when Puregold engages in sustainable actions. Aside from its “Walang Plastik Mondays,” Puregold is also working towards a 100 percent conversion to LED main lighting to reduce energy consumption. Moreover, Puregold’s 135 wastewater treatment facilities comply with the government’s regulations as it ventures into rainwater catchment, gray water reuse, and other similar measures to lessen the company’s impact on water resources.
Puregold is also eyeing to reduce its carbon emissions by 36 percent by migrating its logistics requirements to optimum cross-dock operations efficiency.
Creating an environment-friendly society requires the assistance of the public to become effective. Puregold, through its sustainability efforts, not only takes the necessary steps to secure the company’s corporate social responsibility but raises awareness among its consumers so they too can play a role in preserving the planet.
Visit www.facebook.com/puregold.shopping for more information.