Let’s talk sustainability with Project KaLIKHAsan
‘PhilStar Media Group’s Project KaLIKHAsan is all about encouraging people and experts to come up with innovative ideas and creative solutions (to combat climate change) that can be openly discussed through our platforms and events that we plan to organize,’ says PMG executive vice president Lucien Dy Tioco.
Every day, we make choices in our lives that affect the environment, the climate, people, and other species around us. From what we eat to the clothes we wear, or places we visit, and the kind of transport we use, there’s a lot we can do to reduce our carbon footprint.
That, in a nutshell, is what sustainable living is all about. It means being aware of your resource consumption and how to minimize unnecessary waste — be it of food, energy, water, fuel, makeup, or plastic, among others.
Sustainability is inarguably today’s buzzword and for good reason: It is necessary, it is relevant, and it is in everyone’s best interest to follow the path to sustainability.
In an effort to create awareness and share tips on how to live a more sustainable lifestyle, PhilSTAR Media Group launches “Project KaLIKHAsan.” It puts the spotlight on the sustainability efforts of different personalities and various industries in the country to “make the world a better place to live in.”
Project KaLIKHAsan
The name is derived from two words: “kalikasan” (nature), and “likha” (to create).
“KaLIKHAsan is all about encouraging people and experts to come up with innovative ideas and creative solutions (to combat climate change) that can be openly discussed through our platforms and events that we plan to organize,” explains PhilStar Media Group executive vice president Lucien Dy Tioco, the brains behind the project.
For this advocacy, The STAR will have a monthly supplement on sustainability covering the following topics: Energy (May 31), Transportation (June 26), Food (July 31), Health and Medicine (Aug. 28), Fashion (Sept. 25), Property/Real Estate (Oct. 30), Travel & Tourism (Nov. 27), Environment (Dec. 18), and Business (Jan. 29).
The Philippine STAR will also utilize its Facebook and Instagram page to create art cards that could promote sustainability as a way of life.
Project highlight is “Project KaLIKHAsan: Creative Solutions for a Sustainable Future,” a forum that brings business leaders and other stakeholders to the forefront to discuss real solutions beyond the buzzword.
Startups with green goals or with sustainability and innovation as part of their thrust will be featured in the “Project KaLIKHAsan” exhibit. They will be provided with booth spaces to educate the attendees on their cause, encourage increased investment or form partnerships with other like-minded individuals.
Also watch out for pocket events like farm-to-table degustacion lunch, Green for Good fair, recycling activities, and clean up drives.
Sustainability is a way of life
Recycling, picking out anything labeled as “eco-friendly” on the grocery shelves, owning a tote bag (or bags).
At some point, we’ve done one or two of these good-intentioned practices as we hope to contribute positively to the planet in our own little ways. However, it’s crucial to be mindful of the choices we make and ensure they genuinely align with sustainability.
We’ve lined up some practices that might seem sustainable at first, but may not be as environment-friendly in practice.
• Shopping for new sustainable options. We want to take part in the preservation of the planet. And if we do have the means, it might be tempting to buy the newer, more sustainable alternatives. But before you do, take a moment to think.
Ask yourself: “What will I do with the one I currently own? Is it really time to let go?”
Sustainable living doesn’t mean replacing all your possessions with new eco-friendly alternatives – it’s all about
making the most of what you already own and reducing consumption. Instead of discarding functional items that are currently working, try methods that will extend their lifespan, such as proper use and regular maintenance. This approach helps reduce the environmental footprint of manufacturing new products.
• Buying yet another tote. It’s true that tote bags are the more sustainable alternatives to paper bags and singleuse plastics. But their sustainability lies in their usage. Repeatedly using the same tote bag over an extended period is essential to offset the environmental impact of producing it. Acquiring numerous reusable bags can contribute to resource depletion and waste if they go unused or are discarded prematurely.
So, check out ways to properly use or clean your tote so it can be used to the max. Carry this trusty bag with you whenever possible. When hosting a green-themed party or event, ask attendees to bring their bags instead of sourcing a new one for your giveaways.
• Recycling blindly. When you think about sustainability, recycling is probably one of the first things that come to mind. While it’s an essential aspect of waste management, its effectiveness lies in researching options available in your area and understanding recycling guidelines.
Unlike countries like Germany, Sweden, and Japan, recycling programs are not well established in the Philippines. However, some local government units and private entities can help recycle our waste.
It’s up to us to research, read their guidelines, and ask questions to be effective contributors to their green endeavors. Familiarize yourself with acceptable materials, sort them correctly, and ensure they are clean and dry before recycling. Not all materials are accepted in every recycling program, too, and improper sorting can contaminate the recycling stream.
And even before you send items for recycling, you should also consider if certain items can be upcycled or given a new purpose. As much as possible, recycling should be a last resort.
• Opting for paper cups as they’re recyclable. It’s a common misconception that paper cups are easily recyclable, as they are seen as “paper.”
Most paper cups are, unfortunately, lined with a plastic coating, which makes them waterproof. This plastic lining, combined with the difficulty of separating it from the paper, often renders paper cups non-recyclable. To help reduce the use of paper and plastic cups, ask for reusable cups when dining in or bring your tumbler when on the go.
• Choosing “sustainable” or “green” products just because the labels say so. Labels like “sustainable,” “eco-friendly,” and “green” can be misleading, especially if they’re not backed by credible certifications or transparent information.
When shopping, specially online, make it a point to look for reliable eco-certifications. In the digital age, you can check the product’s lifecycle -- from sourcing, manufacturing processes to disposal impact. Try to support companies that have shown genuine commitment to sustainability through transparency and verifiable practices.
It’s empowering to live in an era pursuing environmental consciousness. You can now go beyond surface-level choices. And with a deeper understanding of our environmental impact, you can embrace a lifestyle that truly contributes to a healthier planet.