Many companies around Asia (and the world) are now going green! From greener build-your-own furniture to greener food deliveries, conscious consumers are having a field day this week.
Also, did you know that going meat free and green financing are pretty hot right now? Find out the 10 things you need to know that’s happening in sustainability around the world over the past week.
1. Meat Free Philippines?
It has been surveyed that 70% of Filipinos do not realize that their diet contributes to climate change. Filipinos have been called upon to partake in Meat-Free Week, in hopes of raising awareness of the impact of meat-eating and to also spark some change by getting people to reduce their consumption. You heard that right – reduce. This campaign is not aimed at getting people to go off meat immediately, but to get them to reduce their meat consumption which already contributes significantly to improving the situation.
Are you taking part in Meat-free Week?
2. Everest is full of garbage, 8.5 tonnes of it
Everest is a haven for all those who love mountaineering. However, that means plenty of trash generated every year. With a growing number of visitors, China has collected 8.5 tonnes of waste from Mt Everest since April. The team of 30 not only cleared 5.2 tonnes of household waste, it also cleared 2.3 tonnes of human feces and another tonne of mountaineering trash. Ugh, gross!
So much for “leave nothing but footprints”, it’s time we be responsible travelers!
3. IKEA: going big to go green
IKEA is the world’s biggest furniture retailer and by 2030, it plans to use only renewable and recycled materials in its products. This huge step is the company’s latest commitment to reduce its impact on the environment. With 418 stores worldwide, we are sure that this movement towards greener production will make waves all over the world.
I can now feel good about eating Swedish meatballs on greener furniture!
4. China officials to be named-and-shamed
The environment Ministry in China has criticised senior officials from three cities for falling short when it comes to fixing serious pollution problems. In a bid to improve the situation, there is now a call to name-and-shame officials who commit environmental violations. Feels a little bit like high school all over again.
Who’s going to make it on the list?
5. Deliveroo starting to go green!
I don’t know about you but I’m a sucker for food deliveries. When ordering with food delivery companies like Deliveroo, your meal is sure to come with disposable cutleries (I mean, do people really look at the notes you leave on your orders?). Now, Deliveroo is having an opt-out feature for its disposable cutlery, making your food deliveries that much more green.
Going green with food? Yes please!
6. Women: the solution to climate change
Women are at the forefront of climate change. In many parts of the world, women are food producers, women fetch water and women primarily take care of families. Climate change thus impacts women the hardest, and it is time women are included in the climate change narrative more strongly. Green Party MP Caroline Lucas said “It’s not enough to challenge an old narrative… you have to replace it with a better one.” Kudos!
Who run the world? Girls!
7. Green financing, the next in-thing?
Agribusiness company Wilmar International, recently signed a second loan with Singapore’s OCBC Bank which links interest rates to sustainability performance. It’s not just OCBC who’s in this green-financing business. Did you know that Singapore’s Stock Exchange requires listed companies to publish a sustainability report that explains their practices at least once every year?
Now that’s a deal breaker.
8. Blue Flags for a greener beach
Did you know that beaches can get certificates too? Presenting the Blue Flag certification, a certification for beaches, marinas or sustainable boating tourism operators when it has met NGO Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE)’s stringent environment management standards. In Asia, there hasn’t been a single beach with a Blue Flag. But now, India is going to have not just one (and Asia’s first), but 13 of its beaches Blue-Flag-certified!
Talk about making green waves with Blue Flags!
9. It’s profitable to go green
According to GlobalData’s report, two-thirds of consumers around the world believe that living an ethical or sustainable lifestyle is important to one’s wellbeing. With greater awareness and consciousness, consumers may demand the same level of consciousness from the producers. However, the threat of the culture of convenience and high costs still lurks. Perhaps it’s up to the producers to show us that being sustainable is well worth the cost.
Is a green consumerist future possible?
10. Sun Life Stanley International Dragonboat Championships pledges to be green
It’s almost that time of the year – think dragon boat races, rice dumplings. In Hong Kong, this time of the year usually plays host to Asia’s leading Dragonboat Competition held by Sun Life and Stanley Residents Association. This year, this festival has collaborated with social enterprises and organisations such as BottLess and The Green Earth to not only sponsor free drinking water refill stations but also collect recyclables for recycling.
Going green is a race against time, but Sun Life Stanley International Dragonboat Championships is planning to be in the lead!
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