The Journey Begins: Together for an #SMWasteFreeFuture

　　MANILA – June 5, 2024, World Environment Day. SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime)， one of the leading integrated property developers in Southeast Asia, embarks on a unified waste management and segregation campaign in response to the growing global crises on waste. 

　　In a united show of support, SM Prime brings all its property groups and stakeholders toward an #SMWasteFreeFuture for the launch at the SM Mall of Asia (MOA). 

Generation Restoration: A community towards an #SMWasteFreeFuture. SM Supermalls tenants showing their support while holding up their Recyclable, Disposable, and Compostable (RDC) posters。

　　The #SMWasteFreeFuture program promotes behavioral changes in waste management through effective waste segregation via Recyclable, Disposable, and Compostable, or RDC. It aims to achieve two primary objectives: (1) Reduce overall waste generation by implementing effective waste segregation practices, and 2) Enhance waste diversion rate by diverting a greater proportion of waste away from landfills through recycling, composting, and other sustainable disposal methods。

　　A Show of Support

　　During the launch, SM Supermalls’ Vice President for Compliance, Ms. Liza B. Silerio, welcomed the attendees and stressed the importance of segregation at source for supporting a circular economy. 

　　“We, at SM, stand in solidarity with this global movement. We are committed to a unified waste management and segregation campaign that involves all our property groups and stakeholders, propelling us toward a Waste-Free Future here at SM,” she said。

　　For a waste program to work, it will involve collaborative efforts in all sectors. Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Secretary Toni Yulo-Loyzaga, gave her message of support through her representative, Atty. Jonas Leones, DENR Undersecretary for Policy, Planning and International Affairs. 

　　“We have made significant strides toward a shared goal for a more sustainable future. With programs such as the #SMWasteFreeFuture campaign that helps raise awareness and encourage participation for more businesses to reduce waste generation and contribute to waste diversion rate, I am optimistic that the Philippines will reach the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) target of recovering and diverting 80% of plastics by 2028,” he said. 

　　The Countdown to an #SMWasteFreeFuture

　　Addressing the audience, Sustainability Champion and SM Engineering Design and Development Corporation President Hans "Chico" T. Sy Jr. emphasized, “We have to be open to new ways of doing things and of putting into action every little step that’s crucial for advancing waste management solutions,” he said

　　“This is a small step in a long journey. This is a learning process and it will not be perfect. We highly encourage all of you to give us feedback,” he said. Sy further emphasizes that, “This project is not specific to one organization, but one that belongs to an entire society. We welcome everyone to practice this in their everyday lives。”

　　Sy encourages the youth and the audience. “Now it’s up to you and every individual here in attendance, to embrace the cause of change. We are given the opportunity to work on the biggest problems of our community when the planet truly needs it. Let’s not waste this opportunity,” he said.  

　　The highlight of the MOA launch was a live countdown with the symbolic press of a button onstage by Mr. Hans “Chico” Sy, Mr. Steven Tan, DENR Undersecretary Jonas Leones, and Ms. Liza Silerio, that green lighted the renowned MOA Globe to signal the start of a journey for an #SMWasteFreeFuture. 

Ms. Liza Silerio, DENR Undersecretary Jonas Leones, Mr Hans “Chico” Sy Jr., and Mr. Steven Tan, pressing the green light for an #SMWasteFreeFuture。

Award-winning actress, singer, Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and founder of Planet CORA, Antoinette Taus, gave her message of support and treated the audience to her rendition of Heal the World。

About #SMWasteFreeFuture

　　#SMWasteFreeFuture is the company’s waste strategy to encourage green practices in resource management, environmental impact, and most importantly, the social well-being of the community for a waste-free world. 

Bin it right! Mallgoer throwing her plastic water bottle in the recyclable bin。

　　SM Prime remains committed to its role as a catalyst for economic growth, delivering innovative and sustainable lifestyle cities, thereby enriching the quality of life of millions of people. SM Prime is pursuing the next horizon on integrated property development and onward to building sustainable cities of the future.  

Mallgoers can also head to their nearest Cyberzone areas to dispose of their old gadgets and electronic waste properly. The Electronic Waste Collection Program encourages proper disposal of e-waste since 2021.

　　To learn more about #SMWasteFreeFuture and RDC, visit the site: https://www.smprime.com/sustainability/smwastefreefuture/