In 2023, our friends at Inquirer.net (INQ) and BusinessWorld (BW) Online published articles on the sustainability situation in the Philippines. INQ talked about Pulse Asia/Stratbase ADRI survey results on Filipino consumers preferring eco-friendly products; BW, meanwhile, publishe Alibaba Group’s survey on Filipinos being held back from living sustainably due to obstacles like cost and availability.
This got us thinking about the brands we’ve worked with that also tout sustainability and environmental responsibility. Companies from different industries are able to talk about their corporate sustainability initiatives that range from supporting endangered wildlife habitats, adhering to the Philippines’ Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Act to reduce carbon footprint, championing renewable energy, all the way to the good old tree planting activity, thanks to the power of social media and good PR. That kind of transparency is crucial in the sustainability sector (to avoid greenwashing) and we’re happy to be part of publicizing that.
NGP, after all, believes that a big chunk of environmental responsibility really should fall on the big companies that provide consumers with these aftermarket “waste” options. But we’re not discounting that every individual consumer has a responsibility to be smart about their purchases, too.
That’s why we’ve rounded up some of our favorite eco-friendly products to help you, the consumer, get on the sustainability bandwagon.
P.S. Individual action is great, but should still definitely call out your favorite brand to take on more sustainable practices.
P.S.S. Talk to your local government representatives, too. They’ll listen. Let them know that good PR goes a long way!
- Reusable Water Bottles
Aquaflask users, rejoice.
Millions of single-use plastic bottles are tossed away daily, aggravating the nationwide crisis of landfill waste and pollution. The solution? Reusable water bottles!
From a marketing perspective, it is easy to see why everyone loves it: they are as functional as they are customizable and stylish. Plus, these are inherently durable, with properties that retain your drinks’ temperature for over ten hours – surpassing their plastic counterparts.
Local social media loved this phenomenon: remember the time everyone and their dog clamored for an Aquaflask? What about those memes that insisted the decades-old ‘thermos’ with the floral print still reigned supreme? Good times.
Reusable water bottles are also a favorite Gen Z accessory. It’s hip to be hydrated!
- Solar Panels and Eco-friendly Gadgets
With literal Hot Girl Summer being a frequent occurrence in the Philippines, solar panels are all the rage. Living in a country that averages seven hours of daily sunshine naturally puts consumers in an ideal position to harness its energy and reap the benefit of reduced bill charges even with prolonged appliance activity. Solar panels use also contributes to a lower carbon footprint.
Solar panel investment prices start at around PHP 100,000. The returns are worth more than that initial shell-out, though. One member from the ever-famous “Home Buddies” Facebook group even disclosed getting charged zero electric fees post-solar panel installment!
If you’re ever curious about eco-friendly appliance options, we find Robinson’s Appliances to be a reliable provider.
- Organic and Biodegradable Personal Care Products
Human Nature, Zen Nutrients, and Eco Shop are our favorite local options for makers and suppliers of organic personal care products. Apart from their extensive line of personal and home care products that we love, we’re also big fans of their brand message. They’re excellent examples of The NGP Way: Connecting Your Story to resonate with the audience and eventually make a positive impact!
- Eco-friendly Bags and Containers
Several cities have already banned single-use plastics, effectively diverting consumers to sustainable substitutes such as paper bags, repurposed boxes, or reusable totes.
Meanwhile, for those who love to “Sharon” (take out) food, reusable containers or lunchboxes are the perfect, durable swap. Not only are they washable, sustainable, and convenient, but they also stack neatly along your pantry for easy storage.
- Thrifted or Slow Fashion
Everyone loves a good ukay outfit. This brand of slow fashion breathes new purpose into clothes.
Slow fashion, meanwhile, upholds intentionality and quality for well-crafted clothes that will last for years and years to keep them away from landfills for longer. Some favorite local picks include ready-to-wear, handwoven creations either from Anthill Fabric Gallery, Wear Your Culture (WYC), Rags2Riches, Pinasadya, and RIOtaso.
These brands are at the forefront of ethical labor standards and produce on-trend pieces using indigenous fabrics (e.g., dresses, polo, halter tops, and bomber jackets) And though these may come at a higher price, they deliver unparalleled craftsmanship and quality reflective of the skilled hands that brought them to life.
- Eco-friendly Home Cleaning Products
Cleaning aisles are peppered with chemically-formulated products that pose health risks such as respiratory issues and allergic reactions, and inflict damage on our waterways and wildlife.
So if you seek safe, more sustainable options that protect your health and the planet, you can start by checking local brands like Messy Bessy, Nature’s Legacy, and DwellBeing. These brands offer extensive and organic cleaners – from laundry detergents that restore white garments to dishwashing liquids that dissolve grease and eliminate bacteria!
But if you are cutting costs and reducing bottle waste, then try this DIY natural cleaning solution recipe: vinegar + baking soda + calamansi juice. It’s an age old recipe from our lolas that has also worked wonders!
Now, if you’re a brand that wants to champion sustainability…
- Don’t greenwash. Trust us when we say consumers can tell. If you want to use your sustainability practices for your brand’s PR, walk the talk. Make sure the efforts are real. It becomes easier to Connect Your Story to your audience when it’s authentic.
- Use local and lay language. If your target audience is the Filipino that wants to live sustainably, speak their language. Acknowledge their obstacles and frame your product or service was the solution.
- Be consistent with your efforts. Sustainability isn’t a one-time thing. Adhering to the local EPR law isn’t a fad. Reducing your carbon footprint isn’t just for clout. Brands can positively contribute to the next generation. It isn’t so bad that you can post it on social media to inspire other brands to do the same, either!
Aspiring to be a green icon? Work with NGP-IMC to build your digital legacy in the sustainable space!
Gayle is a copy editor and contributing writer for NGP-IMC, covering all the latest buzz around PR and digital marketing. Previously, she’s penned personality-packed ad copies, headlines, print journals, and articles for industry-leading brands and publishers such as foodpanda, Under Armour, Klook, and more! Additionally, she’s profiled Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz, developed scripts for South Korea’s SK-Zic and interviewed female riders to shed light on their experiences at the forefront of dismantling gendered expectations within the male-dominated delivery space.