ROSALES, Pangasinan – “We, in SM Supermalls, are firm believers that the duty of being responsible stewards of this planet can only truly be addressed through the collective will and the united resolve of every individual,” said Assistant Mall Manager Ms. Catherine Garcia.
Thus, SM City Rosales conducted Trash- to-Cash Recycling Market activity last April 22, 2017. A booth was strategically installed at the Mall’s parking area where customers, Malltenants, and even employees, were encouraged to drop recyclable materials such as plastic and PET bottles, tin and aluminum cans, books, newspapers, scratch papers, furniture made of wood, metal cookware and kitchen items, in exchange for cash.
This activity was in celebration of Earth Day 2017 which is one of the initiatives of SM to involve its 60 Supermalls in environmental conservation. This year’s theme is to highlight the information, education and communication campaign on proper waste segregation through recycling market.
Over the years, SM City Rosales has been moving forward by leaps and bound through the effort of Trash-to-Cash Recycling Market. Through SM’s monthly effort which started in 2007, regularly done every first Fridays and Saturdays of every month, it recycled over a million kilograms of paper which is equivalent to 18,452 7-year old trees in 2016 alone.
Moreover, to create more awareness of this campaign to the neighboring town locals, “Give Back to the Mother Earth: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Home Décor Making Contest” was also conducted at the Mall’s Event Center as part of the celebration.
Eleven recycled home decor entries were artistically created on the spot by a family, group of friends and individuals.
The entry of Mr. Joe Castillo from Tayug, a pure white peacock display made of newspapers and recycled wires bagged the 1st place award.
A swan vase made of cardboards, entry of Emperador family from Rosales, took 2nd place.
The 3rd placer was from Dagupan, Ms. Mary Rose Tiangco, a wall display made of old CDs, newspaper, and corrugated board.
This event also aims to engage everyone to become environmental stewards and nature’s caretakers, to find ways to make every day an Earth Day.
As Ms. Garcia said, “Let Earth Day remind us that our actions today have the power to transform what the world will look like for generations to come.”
By Kristine Santiago