Saving the environment while you’re out shopping somehow sounds contradictory, if not pointless. In fact, according to a 2007 study by the Australian Conservation Foundation, shopping habits represent a large part of greenhouse emissions.
But aside from greenhouse emissions and water consumptions to produce and transport the goods we buy, other factors such as packaging, contribute to serious damage to our planet.
When you’re out at the mall or supermarket, remember these four small steps you can take to be eco-friendly.
Reduce plastic
Most plastics are non-biodegradable and may take a thousand years or more before they break down into small pieces. Sadly, however, majority of goods sold in the market have plastic packaging, from water bottles to processed foods. To help reduce plastic, bring reusable, durable ecobags whenever you go shopping. SM Supermalls’ recyclable Green Bag is ideal for shopping as it is made from 100 percent polypropylene, a non-toxic material that is safe for all skin types. The bag is made to last for at least two years, making it quite cost-efficient. You may also bring whatever reusable ecobag you have at home.
You may also join eco-friendly initiatives such as replacing plastic straws with metal, glass, or bamboo straws and going for package-less products such as shampoo bars.
Don’t be a litter bug
Dispose properly your garbage at all times. Better still, join clean-up activities like the annual coastal cleanup organized by SM by the Bay in support of the International Clean-up Day on Sept. 15.
Recycle
If you do not have time to recycle at home, bring your trash to establishments that do. SM has a program called “Trash-to-Cash Recycling Market” where individuals can join and learn proper disposal and waste management while earning extra cash. Check out the details of this program, which happens every first weekend of the month, at your nearest SM mall.
Support green businesses
Supporting sustainable businesses helps create a greener world. SM, for instance, has adopted sustainable programs, such as the integration of transport terminals at malls to ease traffic and reduce air pollution. It also builds disaster-resilient malls with water catchment basins in flood-prone areas.
In addition, some of its establishments harness the power of solar energy. SM City North Edsa is the first mall in the Philippines to promote solar power energy. Alongside SM Mall of Asia and SM Seaside City Cebu, other SM malls that house solar panels are in Cauayan, Cabanatuan, lloilo, Trece Martires, and Tuguegarao.