SM pursues environmental programs

MANILA, Philippines – The SM group of companies, a staunch advocate of environmental initiatives and eco-friendly pro-grams, reaffirmed its commitment to protect the environment and nurture the country’s natural resources at the recent commemoration of Earth Day at SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City.

At the Earth Day event, the SM group underscored the urgency of pursuing long-term environmental programs amid the increasing threat of climate change and the adverse effects of global warming.

In keeping with its environ-mental initiatives, the SM group pledged to pursue corporate social responsibility programs that promote solid waste management, recycling, clean air, water conservation, and energy efficiency. SM will continue to promote environmentally sound practices among tenants, retailers, consumers, communities, and the general public.

SM Supermalls’ Trash to Cash program encourages the public to sell recyclable materials such as paper and cardboard, empty ink cartridges, plastic bottles, and used batteries to buyers accredited by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). Through SM Supermalls’ Trash to Cash initiative, waste segregation and the collection of recyclable materials are achieved responsibly and profitably.

Backed by over 8,000 tenants, SM has saved approximately 20,000 seven-year-old trees as a result of its recycling programs.

SM Supermalls’ Sustaining the Future project is taking concrete steps to improve waste manage-ment, water conservation, air quality, and energy efficiency.

SM Supermalls also launched a conference that generates aware-ness of eco-friendly products, practices, and solutions. Dubbed Green Retail Agenda, this envi-ronmental awareness campaign encourages stakeholders to go green through the use of sustai-nable materials.

Anchored on the theme “Tubig at lupa buhayin, hangin linisin, batas tuparin”, the Earth Day commemoration at SM Mall of Asia was attended by DENR Secretary Lito Atienza, United States Ambassador to the Philippines Kristie Kenney, Earth Day Network Philippines chairperson Elisea Gozun, and SM Supermalls vice president for operations (central) Lisa Silerio.

Silerio said “Earth Day marks another milestone in SM Super-malls as we reinforce our commit-ment in promoting programs that care for, protect, and enhance the environment. Earth Day reminds us that we have responsibilities that extend beyond our business, beyond our own backyard. It chal-lenges us to take seriously our role as caretakers of the natural envi-ronment.”

The Earth Day celebration was highlighted by the signing of a memorandum of agreement by the DENR and the city government of Mandaluyong, Quezon City, San Juan, and Caloocan City.