“Waste-Free Future is more than just a program—it’s a mindset shift. And we’re only getting started. We call on our tenants, partners, and customers to continue the journey with us—because a truly sustainable future is one we build together.” ~Engr. Liza Silerio, Vice President for Corporate Compliance and Program Director of SM Cares for Environment
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| Together as one community, 2024 marks the launch of SM Waste-Free Future in SM Mall of Asia. |
The Philippines produces more than 60,000 metric tons of waste every day, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and this amount is predicted to increase as the country's cities and economy grow.
SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) recognized the urgency and, as one of its flagship environmental sustainability programs, launched the SM Waste-Free Future program in 2024 with the goal of reducing overall waste generation through effective waste segregation and diverting waste away from landfills through composting, recycling, and other sustainable disposal methods.
All of its properties, including malls, homes, offices, hotels, convention centers, and estates around the country, were subject to a new waste management segregation system in its first year of operation.
SM trash-Free Future is now a group-wide initiative, since the trash campaign has spread beyond SM Prime to other SM groups and portfolio firms.
A bigger picture of waste
The Recyclable, Disposable, Composable (RDC) bins are central to the program’s segregation practice. RDC makes it simple and consistent, providing key visual cues to bin it right.
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| Together for an SM Waste-Free Future, the Recyclable, Disposable, Composable (RDC) bins at SM Store branches support the broader goals of environmental sustainability through clear and effective waste segregation practices. |
Although it is still in its early stages, the quick and extensive integration highlights SM Prime's capacity to operationalize sustainability across a range of asset classes and ecosystems, reaffirming the business' dedication to creative waste diversion techniques.
Additionally, SM Prime honors SM Retail's contributions to the advancement of a waste-free future. While SM Markets is still using its reusable bag scheme, all SM Store locations have successfully installed their RDC bins. The RDC system has also been introduced throughout all of Goldilocks Bakeshop's locations in SM Supermalls in support of trash control initiatives.
Creating opportunities to expand
The task ahead is made possible by collaborations with other organizations. By supporting companies with comparable waste targets and assisting them in aligning with their worldwide sustainability policies, SM Waste-Free Future improves tenant engagement for SM Supermalls and SM Offices.
It also supports the sophisticated back-of-house operations, food waste regulations, and textile recycling program of SM Hotels. Through the upcycling of almost 2,000 yards of condemned linen, the SM Hotels' Tela Tales program creates sustainable products and gives the women in partner areas a means of subsistence.
Understanding that technology plays a significant role in the solutions, SM Waste-Free Future has also improved partnerships with other groups. The SM Development Corporation (SMDC) collaborates with Globe's Hapag Movement to remove household food waste from landfills, rescue excess food from locals, and improve the lives of Filipino families who are going hungry.
It is possible to properly dispose of outdated mobile phones and other electronic equipment at the Cyberzone sections of the mall thanks to SM Supermalls' Electronic Waste Collection Program and its collaboration with PLDT and Smart.
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| Shoppers can conveniently drop off old gadgets for proper recycling through SM Supermalls’ E-Waste Collection in partnership with PLDT and Smart at Cyberzone. |
Join the movement
By encouraging appropriate waste segregation, participating in neighborhood clean-ups and collection campaigns, or endorsing environmentally friendly goods and methods, SM Waste Free Future encourages additional communities and stakeholders to get involved.
Young people are the focus of SM Cares' engaging social media campaigns and positive reinforcement, which encourage improved waste segregation practices and greater involvement in the condition of the planet they will inherit.
In honor of World Oceans Day, SM Cares recently organized communities in 18 SM Supermalls around the country, assembling more than 5,000 volunteers and gathering over 30,000 kg of trash from beaches.
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| Mobilizing for World Oceans Day, SM Cares volunteers unite and act to remove waste that ends up in the oceans. |
With the growing momentum for a waste-free future, SM Prime believes that a cleaner, more circular Philippines is well within reach.
About SM Prime:
SM Prime is steadfast in its commitment to shaping sustainable and innovative lifestyle cities that drive economic progress and elevate the quality of life for millions of Filipinos. As a catalyst for inclusive growth, the company champions responsible development that creates long-term value for communities.
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