Environmentalists give the green thumbs up to GreenBag

For educating shoppers about their environmental responsibility, the GreenBag—a pioneering joint project of SM Supermarkets and Unilever Philippines—was given the green thumbs-up sign by some of the country’s most active environmental agencies and groups. The reusable GreenBag encourages shoppers to recycle grocery bags to minimize the pollution and health risks posed by the country’s landfills.

Emy Aguinaldo, deputy executive director of the National Solid Waste Management Commission (NSWMC), commended the two companies for initiating the project and for their other solid waste management efforts as well. The NSWMC is the special government-appointed agency spearheading the implementation of Republic Act 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.

“These two companies have proven themselves as true and committed supporters of the DENR’s environmental programs on clean water, clean air, and solid waste management, and are at the forefront of various community activities on environmental management,” said Aguinaldo. “As our partners, you made our job in the government a lot easier, and we thank you for that.”

It is estimated that the Philippines produces nearly 20,000 tons of waste every day, only 40 percent or less are recycled or reused. According to projections, this number will increase to nearly 30,000 tons per day by 2010. RA 9003 addresses this by tasking businesses to spearhead and invest in comprehensive solid waste management programs. Pursuant to this, the GreenBag project aims to reduce plastic bag use in its stores by up to 15 percent in the first year, and 50 percent by year three.

“This project is really mainstreaming and institutionalizing RA 9003,” noted Myrna Jimenez, executive director of the Sagip-Pasig Movement. “These kinds of initiatives from big industries are very much welcome. It is really starting a trend and I hope other companies follow suit.”

Former DENR secretary Elisea Gozun also encourages people to support the program. “How can we reduce the garbage we generate? The GreenBag is already one concrete step,” she said. “This is really taking the initiative one giant step forward.”

The response to the GreenBag has been overwhelming, as SM and Unilever had to reorder tens of thousands more when supplies already ran out in the first two weeks. With newly replenished stocks, the GreenBag is currently being given away for free to all SM Supermarket shoppers with a minimum purchase worth P500 and inclusive of at least one Unilever product. Consumers are also given the added incentive of extra SM Advantage Card points per visit just for using the GreenBag instead of the usual store provided grocery bags.