SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), a leader in Southeast Asia’s integrated property development, is taking a big step towards a greener future. Their #SMWasteFreeFuture campaign unites all their property groups and stakeholders in a unified waste management and segregation program. This initiative is a direct response to the growing global waste crisis.
Simple Steps, Big Impact
The #SMWasteFreeFuture program focuses on changing our behavior towards waste management. It promotes a simple yet effective system: Recyclable, Disposable, Compostable, or RDC. This system aims to achieve two key goals:
- Reduce Overall Waste Generation: By implementing effective waste segregation practices, SM Prime hopes to significantly reduce the total amount of waste produced.
- Enhance Waste Diversion Rate: The program seeks to divert a larger portion of waste away from landfills. This will be achieved through practices like recycling, composting, and other sustainable disposal methods.
A Journey that Begins Today
The #SMWasteFreeFuture program kicked off on World Environment Day, June 5, 2024, at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall. Hans “Chico” T. Sy, Jr., President of SM Engineering Design and Development Corporation, emphasized the importance of taking action. “We need to embrace new solutions and implement every step that can improve waste management,” he said.
Sy acknowledged the challenges ahead. “This is just the beginning of a long journey. There will be bumps along the way, but we can learn from them. We encourage everyone to participate and give us feedback.” He stressed that this program isn’t just for SM Prime; it’s a collective effort. “This is a project for everyone. We encourage all of you to practice waste segregation in your daily lives,” he said.
Sy specifically addressed the youth and the general public. “The power to change lies with each of you. We have a unique opportunity to tackle a major environmental issue. Let’s not waste this chance!”
Sustainable Hospitality: Tackling Food and Linen Waste
SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation (SMHCC) spearheads practical solutions for waste diversion in the hotel and tourism sector. Their focus is on managing food waste and condemned linens.
In 2019, SMHCC took a big step to reduce food waste across all its Philippine properties. They partnered with WWF-Philippines and opened their Back of House (BOH) operations for the Sustainable Diner Project, a pilot program that tracks the entire food journey—from source to plate. This includes kitchen operations, menu creation, guest engagement, composting, waste management, and collaboration with local farmers.
“We’ve diverted a significant amount of food waste from landfills, 198 tonnes to be exact, from 2019 to 2023,” said Leah Magallanes, VP for Quality and Sustainability at SMHCC. “Food waste prevention is key, and we prioritize this through mindful production and innovative solutions.”
Launched on World Recycling Day 2024 at the SMX Convention Center Manila, Tela Tales is another example of SMHCC’s commitment to sustainability. This textile upcycling project gives new life to condemned linens and empowers women from local communities.
“Hotels typically replace linens every few years,” explained Magallanes. “Tela Tales upcycles these condemned linens into beautiful products, all created by the communities we support.” She added, “This program not only addresses waste but also provides skills development and income opportunities for single mothers in the community.”
Through a partnership with designer Zara Juan, the program has trained and empowered 41 women from Barangay Bulihan in Batangas and Kalingap Casa de Sueno in Tagaytay. Tela Tales has upcycled over 1,716 yards of condemned linens to date. This project serves as a powerful example of SMHCC’s dedication to the #SMWasteFreeFuture initiative.
By taking these steps, SM Prime is leading the way towards a more sustainable future. Their commitment to waste reduction and responsible waste management is an inspiration to us all.
