Small Steps, Big Impact
The Philippines faces an urgent waste management challenge. The country generates up to 61,000 tons of waste every day and approximately 2.7 million tons of plastic waste annually—figures that continue to rise with urbanization and unsustainable disposal practices. Without immediate action, the problem will only grow.
The Philippines faces an urgent waste management challenge. The country generates up to 61,000 tons of waste every day and approximately 2.7 million tons of plastic waste annually—figures that continue to rise with urbanization and unsustainable disposal practices. Without immediate action, the problem will only grow.
Through the SM Green Movement, SM Prime is calling on individuals and communities to take part in solutions that make sustainability a part of everyday life. The Waste-Free Future Manual simplifies waste management into three clear categories:
Recyclable – items that can be repurposed or reprocessed.
Disposable – materials that must be properly discarded.
Compostable – organic waste that can be returned to the earth.
By emphasizing the word “able,” the campaign highlights that every person has the power, skill, and opportunity “to do” something about waste. With easy-to-follow guidelines, the manual empowers Filipinos to champion waste segregation at home, in workplaces, and in communities.
Innovation in Action
Beyond the basics of waste segregation, the manual also showcases reuse and recycling programs implemented across SM Prime’s business units. These programs extend the life of materials, reduce landfill waste, and demonstrate how sustainable practices can be applied at scale. When adopted widely, such initiatives create a ripple effect, inspiring more individuals, institutions, and businesses to embrace sustainable living.
In line with SM Prime’s sustainability efforts, only a limited number of physical manuals were printed. A digital copywill be made available for download to ensure accessibility while minimizing the campaign’s carbon footprint.
Championing Circular Solutions
Hans “Chico” Sy, President of SM Engineering Design and Development, emphasized the importance of openness to innovation. “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 shared during the 2024 World Environment Day program.
The campaign has also gained strong support from institutions advocating for sustainable development. Dr. Selva Ramachandran, Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), praised the RDC system as an important step toward a circular economy—a model that goes beyond managing waste to regenerating natural systems, keeping resources in circulation, and minimizing environmental impact.
A Collective Effort Toward a Waste-Free Future
SM Prime recognizes that achieving a waste-free future is not the responsibility of one organization alone. It requires collaboration across government, businesses, and communities.
“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 said.
Dr. Ramachandran echoed this sentiment, stressing that shared action is crucial: “A waste-free future requires collaboration, innovation, and circular solutions that support national priorities and the global Sustainable Development Agenda. By preventing waste, recovering valuable resources, and protecting our environment, we build a better future for generations to come.”
About the SM Green Movement
As one of Southeast Asia’s largest integrated property developers, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. is committed to building sustainable and inclusive spaces that empower communities. Through the SM Green Movement, the company promotes environmental responsibility by focusing on waste management, water stewardship, and energy efficiency.
The launch of the Waste-Free Future Manual is yet another milestone in SM Prime’s ongoing mission to inspire Filipinos to take small but meaningful steps that create lasting impact. Together, we can build a waste-free future where every action contributes to protecting the planet.
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