Earth Day Participation

The campaign to conserve the environment continues to get stronger, especially with the help of top organizations that take the advocacy to heart by implementing concrete, replicable measures.

In the business sector, Unilever Philippines has been at the forefront of environmental campaigns, working with other groups to create a lasting “green” impact.

 In the recent Earth Day celebration, the multinational corporation’s Philippine office was recognized for its green projects. At the first Zero Basura Olympics—a competition that showcased the best “green” practices—it was one of two companies declared Grandmaster awardees. It was also declared the Green Technology Champion. The recognition came in light of Unilever’s pioneering effort of having shredded plastic packaging recycled into bricks and pavers that help build community homes.

 “Being a global business means recognizing our bigger role in caring for the environment. This is something all of us in Unilever will not compromise,” says Ali Gokcelik, Vice President for Supply Chain, Unilever Philippines. “Unilever aims to bring vitality to communities with [our] products and services…so the environmental agenda is a priority all the time… We commit to ensure that our operations do not pollute and [that our operations] encourage others in the community to do the same.”

 The Zero Basura Olympics aims to inspire more organizations to implement comprehensive programs that will positively impact the environment. It also aims to showcase such efforts so that the public may be aware of greener alternatives and help them make greener decisions. Following the declaration of winners for the business sector, the organizers will confer awards on local governments and NGOs. The Zero Basura Olympics is a project of the Philippine Business for Social Progress, Philippine Business for the Environment, Earth Day Network Philippines, Pollution Control Association of the Philippines, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, National Solid Waste Management Commission.

 Also awarded for their earth-friendly solutions were Ayala Center Association, Ayala Property Management Center, SM Prime Holdings Inc., Smart Communications, BDO Universal Bank, Coca-Cola Bottlers Philippines, Central Azucarera Don Pedro Inc., Meralco Management Leadership and Development Center Foundation Inc., Team Energy Corporation, Quezon Power (Phil) Limited Co., Sycip Gorres Velayo & Co., Bayer Cropscience Inc., The Cravings Group, Texas Instruments-Baguio, Yokohama Tire Philippines, Callang General Hospital and Medical Center, Atlantic Coatings Inc., United Pulp and Paper Company Inc.

 The award affirms Unilever’s commitment to caring for the environment through comprehensive, long-range and sustained efforts. Apart from the plastic sachet project, the company has been showcasing its concern for nature through long-standing multi-sectoral partnerships in various water initiatives .

Green allies

Every contribution is vital in the fight against climate change—this is the idea behind the 10 Million Movement (10MM) which Unilever supports. The advocacy hopes to encourage everyone—individuals and groups alike—to commit to doing something for the environment and register it online.

 “We really feel that we are running out of time. We cannot be waiting for one project to be fully successful before you launch the other. The idea is to have a layering of projects which will hopefully address most of these environmental concerns,” explains Chito Macapagal, Vice President for Corporate Affairs of Unilever Philippines. “Filipinos working together can actually make a difference and all we need is to focus on doing a few key things in a collective manner, regularly. That’s what the 10MM stands for.”

 Bebet Gozun, Executive Director of the Earth Day Network Philippines which spearheads the 10MM in the country - a project launched by 2009 Ramon Magasaysay Awardee and fellow Earth Day Network convenor Atty. Tony Oposa - is thankful for the support of the business sector: “They have shown that they are responsible companies who are going beyond corporate social responsibility and are actually integrating the environment into the way they are doing business.”

 Unilever is also working with the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC), which aims to make the natural waterway relevant to Filipino lives once more. The commission is currently more than halfway done in making the river wider and more viable for public transport. It is also promoting its Pasig River Heritage Tour.

 “It’s the ecological lifeline for Laguna de Bay and Manila Bay. We cannot afford to have this river dead. We have to be able to resuscitate it, revive it,” enthuses Macapagal. “This used to be the gateway for trade in previous times. It can now become a transport hub for the people.”

 Apart from providing corporate support, the company is also providing inspiration for one of the PRRC’s projects. Images from Unilever’s River of Life coffee table book launched in 2000 will be used to adorn the ferry stations and help educate commuters about the glory of the Pasig River.

 “Unilever is an example of a private company that cares for the water,” says Architect Deogracias Tablan, Executive Director of the PRRC. “The company has always been behind us and our projects.”

 Saving the environment requires the concerted effort of everyone. Fortunately, Unilever’s approach to green campaigns provides an encouraging model for its consumers and partners to emulate.

 Macapagal adds: “Our vision is to add vitality to life and by that we mean bringing vitality to our products, our employees, to our communities and the environment. This is just our way of bringing that mission to life.”