To promote positive behavioral change among Filipinos on plastic use, SM Supermalls has partnered with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Philippine Reef and Rainforest Conservation Foundation, Inc. (PRRCFI) to launch of the “AweSMseas” initiative, an information, education, and communication campaign that raises awareness of plastic pollution, its negative effects on the environment and how people can help by being responsible and mindful with their daily choices.
Through the partnership, SM, USAID and PRRCFI will facilitate meaningful discussions and spark concrete action on plastic pollution—specifically its impact on the world’s seas and other bodies of water—as well as conversations on the alternatives or responsible use of plastic.
USAID is the lead U.S. government agency for international development and humanitarian efforts to save lives, reduce poverty, strengthen democratic governance and help people progress beyond assistance. Among USAID’s work, the organization addresses the world’s biggest environmental issues.
PRRCFI, one of the campaign partners, has long-standing initiatives on plastic pollution such as SWEEP or Sea Waste Education to Eradicate Plastic, a two-year campaign also supported by USAID to help reduce the flow of plastic from land-based sources for cleaner seas and healthier fisheries. PRRCFI also heads several environmental programs that focus on biodiversity conservation, nature tourism, science and research, environmental education, solid waste management and zero-waste initiatives.
The partnership is in line with SM’s environmental initiatives including its water recycling program across all SM Malls, wherein water is recycled and is used back for non-potable needs; the monthly Trash to Cash Recycling Market that advocate for responsible solid waste management; solar rooftops in several of its malls that promote the use of clean energy; regular coastal clean-up activities at the SM by the Bay; and the Green Film Festival that feature documentaries about biodiversity, climate change and solid waste, offered for free to High School students, held at SM Cinemas.
To learn more about SM Supermalls and its other programs and activities, visit the company’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/smsupermalls/. To know more about the Philippine Reef and Rainforest Conservation Foundation Inc. (PRRCFI), you may visit www.facebook.com/DanjuganIsland/. Follow USAID Philippines at https://www.facebook.com/usaid.philippines/ and learn more about ocean plastic programs of the Agency at https://urban-links.org/issue/ocean-plastic-pollution/.
