Going Green

In 2017, our country’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) released the Code of Corporate Governance. Consequently, Principle 16 said, "The (A) company should be socially responsible in all its dealings with the communities where it operates. It should ensure that its interactions serve its environment and stakeholders in a positive and progressive manner that is fully supportive of its comprehensive and balanced development.”

Let’s change the word company to person. It would read: A person should be socially responsible in all its dealings with the communities where [they live]. They should ensure that their interactions serve their environment and stakeholders in a positive and progressive manner that is fully supportive of its comprehensive and balanced development.

Sustainability has been more essential than ever, with more regulating agencies recognizing the need for companies and businesses to practice it. But as of now, I am not part of any corporation yet. Nonetheless, this does not hinder me from practicing sustainability myself. Going green for me means developing habits that would make me consume just enough for my needs–without excessive use of natural resources. Moreover, it also minimizes activities that further exacerbate our diminishing resources and biodiversity. Exemplifying this, one of my current Going Green practices includes utilizing reusable materials for less waste. With this first small step, I look forward to making more significant changes in the community.

One recurring challenge close to me is the decline in biodiversity in our country, which can be attributed to various human pursuits such as excessive exploitation, habitat degradation, reclamation projects, and the like. Particularly, I refer to the rapidly decreasing mangrove wetlands in the metro area. Some five years ago, I attended A Journey with Migratory Birds: A Learning Event for the Youth during my stay at Pasay City National Science High School. During this time, we learned about the growing concern that comes with constant reclamations and how it worsens our mangrove biodiversity. The Nature Conservancy (2023) finds that mangroves serve as a form of natural infrastructure that aids in safeguarding nearby populated regions by mitigating erosion and absorbing the effects of storm surges during severe weather occurrences, such as hurricanes, which often occur in our country, considering our geographical setup.

First and foremost, reclamation projects in these areas must be impeded so that the mangroves remain safe. Besides these areas being a huge help in times of calamity, they are also natural habitats for migratory birds. Mangrove wetlands must also be fostered in Metro Manila to aid the population naturally during rainy seasons. Furthermore, as a student, I can volunteer in cleaning and planting projects along the Las Piñas–Parañaque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area (LPPCHEA). I also want to volunteer to help organize awareness campaigns targeted towards students, similar to the one I attended a few years ago, which can also be regularly conducted so as to let interested people help should they want to.

Understandably, a single person cannot do all the heavy lifting. But one can be the catalyst for change that encourages other people to participate, which would later on snowball into the positive and progressive interaction we want to see between the people and the environment.

#GoingGreen #ACMSUST

Sophia Isabel S. Cauilan

Posted January 19, 2024