Go Green initiative seen to sustain jewelry sector

Highlighting the timely and relevant issue on promoting a sustainable environment, the Fashion Accessories Manufacturers and Exporters Foundation (Cebu FAME) initiated a program dubbed Go Green Philippines.

Go Green Philippines is a program aimed to revitalize the Philippine ecosystem and sustain the Philippine fashion accessories industry.

 Formally launched October of last year at the Manila FAME International Show, the program was created as a response to the need to preserve the natural environment.

It was an initiative of Cebu FAME together with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region VII that holds a three-fold objective: recycling natural components to ensure continuing natural sources, replenish what was used to use what has been replenished and to revitalize nature to breathe new life to communities.

Cebu FAME president Janet Chua stressed the importance of contributing to the DENR's reforestation endeavor saying that, "the Philippine costume jewelry industry is dependent upon local indigenous materials like wood and other plant and wildlife by-products."  

She said that the three key areas identified by the project include forest management, coastal environment program and livelihood projects.

"By initiating the project we are contributing to a sustainable environment where we plant and harvest the resources we use. Planting and cultivating trees will ensure the continuity of the industry as well as provide a livelihood program for the rural communities," she further stressed.

Currently on its first phase, Go Green Philippines is focused on forest management and it aims to replenish 100 hectares of barren land with lush tree plantation by 2015.

Right now the entire Cebu province has 140, 000 hectares of public lands and only five percent of which, is covered with vegetation and DENR is targeting to increase vegetation-covered lands to 18 percent by year 2015.

Through Go Green, wild Mamalis commonly called as “Pangantuon” trees will be planted and cultivated and the first site for tree planting will be in Catmon, Cebu wherein 25, 000 seedlings will be planted this month.

"These trees currently grow only in the wilds and are not yet cultivated. They are prime source of white wood in the industry because they dye beautifully and can be used in a variety of ways," Chua explained.

The Go Green Philippines has been further supported by the international communities because it ties the purchase of products to the project.

For a minimum purchase made by buyers from any FAME member, 100 trees are donated to the project in the name of the buyer.