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SM Goes Beyond Earth Day: Leading the Way Towards Sustainability

• 4 min. read

SM marked Earth Day 2024 with a series of initiatives designed to promote environmental responsibility and empower the next generation.

The Earth Day Every Day Project student participants recycled plastics from their homes by bringing them to designated SM Plastic Waste Collection bins.

In a groundbreaking partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Nestle Philippines, Boy Scouts of the Philippines, and Girl Scouts of the Philippines, SM Cares has initiated the “Earth Day Every Day Project.” This innovative program empowers young people to become environmental stewards by focusing on plastic waste reduction. Students are encouraged to collect plastics within their communities and deposit them at designated collection facilities within SM malls nationwide.

 

Additionally, the SM Plastic Waste Collection Program, a partnership with the non-governmental organization (NGO) Friends of Hope, aims to reduce plastic waste in landfills and oceans through proper plastic segregation.

Recognizing the pressing issue of electronic waste (e-waste), SM Cares has partnered with PLDT and Smart to enhance the reach of its Electronic Waste Collection (EWC) Program. This collaborative effort expands access to safe and responsible e-waste disposal solutions for Filipinos nationwide while promoting responsible consumption habits among consumers.

SM, PLDT, and Smart are working together to make e-waste disposal easier. (L-R): PLDT Home Ambassador Denise Laurel, PLDT and Smart Chief Sustainability Officer Melissa Vergel de Dios, PLDT and Smart Senior Vice President and Head of Consumer Wireless Business Alex Caeg, SM Supermalls’ Senior Vice President for Marketing Joaquin San Agustin, PLDT and Smart Senior Vice President and Head of Sales and Development John Palanca, SM Supermalls’ Vice President for Corporate Compliance Group Engr. Liza Silerio, and SM Supermalls’ Vice President for Sponsorship and Cyberzone Patrick Pacla.

Made from 8,400 pieces of used beverage cartons, the newly redesigned SM Electronic Waste Collection Drop Box will soon be available at SM Cyberzone located at 85 SM Supermalls nationwide.

Internally, SM launched the #SMWasteFreeFuture program, aiming to revolutionize waste management practices across the company. This program emphasizes a shift in mindset towards waste reduction and responsible disposal, fostering positive behavioral changes among employees and creating a company- wide culture of sustainability.

Hans “Chico” Sy, Jr., President of SM SMEDD) encourages the SM community to take part in the waste management journey.

Dr. Rea Villa of Mind You; Willie Garcia of JunkNot, and Antoinette Taus of CORA join the SM Prime Sustainability Technical Working Group (TWG) leads during the #SMWasteFreeFuture launch event.

“At SM, we believe that sustainability is not just a responsibility, but an opportunity. Through programs like these, we are committed to creating a positive impact on the environment and inspiring others to join us in building a greener future,” said Liza Silerio, SM Cares Program Director for the Environment.

These initiatives underscore SM Cares’ unwavering dedication to environmental sustainability, transcending Earth Day to embody a continuous effort towards creating a more sustainable future for all.

SM Prime remains steadfast in its commitment to spreading social good. This dedication extends to SM’s forthcoming endeavors, which will be led by its future property development, with a focus on enhancing positive social impact in the communities where SM operates.

To learn more about programs building a greener future, including SM Prime’s commitment to incorporating these sustainability initiatives into its future developments, visit www.smsupermalls.com/smcares.