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From Surfer Entrepreneurs to Net Zero Delivery Advocates:
Positive Environmental Stories for the 2024 Clean & Green Week
By Lia, Armin & NikkiFlash floods, Smokey Mountain, contaminated waters, and waste washing up ashore our beaches– we Filipinos are not strangers to witnessing environmental destruction, nor to experiencing problems caused by pollution and environmental destruction. In fact, we’re so used to facing daily problems brought about by environmental degradation that Filipino people are known to be resilient because of our bayanihan. That said, it’s even more important that we act collectively to address environmental issues.
Every September 17 to September 23, people of 190 countries celebrate the World Clean and Green Week. It’s a dedicated time to encourage people to engage in clean-up drives for their communities or to participate in events dedicated to environmental preservation. On one hand, the World Clean and Green Week is a perfect time for each individual to participate in community events and kickstart exploring the ways in which they can incorporate environmentally-friendly activities in their lifestyles. On the other hand, this week acts like a worldwide-coordinated effort to create more positive outcomes than negative impacts for the environment, or what we call as a Net Positive approach.
We invite every person to participate in clean-up activities or tree planting events spearheaded by reputable organizations, and to make small changes to reduce waste or support the conservation of biodiversity. These activities are not just helpful for our environment, they’re also fulfilling to be a part of! As important as taking action to achieve climate justice is, it can also be fun and fulfilling. With our collective efforts, we’ll slowly reduce the negative impacts of our lifestyles until we reach a Net Positive.
The goal of creating a Net Positive is a challenging task, but one that EcoNest Philippines and AKO Packaging are proud to be doing alongside our partners.
First of which is the support we have received from DOST-PCIEERD to enhance the durability of our cassava bag films. We are thrilled to be part of the Game Changers segment of 24 Oras, GMA News as we share about the journey of our Research & Development team and how we go through the process of making eco-friendly cassava bags.
Together with the nation’s leading supplier of truly eco-friendly and sustainable packaging solutions, EcoNest Philippines and AKO Packaging are proud of the positive impacts that our 100% compostable products have on the environment. That said, being a manufacturer of sustainable solutions is just the start of a chain creating a Net Positive impact on the earth.
Now, we’d like to put to the spotlight our Clean and Green Champions!
Sustainability Champion 1: Namnamsam
Namnamsam is a sustainable and low-impact food business dedicated to serving delicious, home-cooked gourmet plant-based dishes that cater to a wide variety of tastes.
Their menu is thoughtfully crafted to highlight the vibrant flavors of plant-based cuisine, making it accessible and enjoyable for everyone, whether they follow a plant-based diet or are simply looking to explore new culinary options.
Sustainability Champion 2: Happy Islanders Surf Club
Andie Eigenman and her team at Happy Islanders Surf Club are championing sustainability by using cassava pouches as garment bags for their surf brand and compostable cups for their beverages. As an inspiring advocate for eco-conscious living, Andie ensures that none of their products come in single-use plastics, staying true to their commitment to protect the environment. Her island girl lifestyle is a testament to how simple, mindful choices can make a big impact, inspiring others to embrace sustainability in everyday life!
Sustainability Champion 3: Mondayyy’s Siargao Cafe
Surf’s up! ALL DAY breakfast is served at Mondayyyy's Siargao Cafe, the perfect meet-up spot for the Siargao Runners! Located next to Kudo Surf Shop in Brgy. Catangan, this cozy café offers delicious meal options to fuel your island adventures. True to Siargao’s eco-friendly spirit, meals are served in 100% compostable bagasse boxes and maize cups. Whether you're catching waves or running the island trails, Mondayyyy's is your go-to spot for great food that's good for the planet, too!!
Sustainability Champion 4: Cafe Leopoldo
Café Leopoldo is more than just a coffee shop—it’s a heartfelt tribute to a man whose love and creativity continue to inspire. Leopoldo, or “Dong” as we call him was a father who sculpted meals with heart-shaped rice, a husband whose genius transformed ordinary container vans into creative living spaces, and a playful spirit who embraced life with the kind of joy that lights up even the darkest days. During the pandemic lockdown, he used this time to create stunning works of art—paintings that captured the beauty and hope that still exists in a world in crisis. To celebrate his memory is at the core of Café Leopoldo where each sip of coffee, each bite of pastry, is filled with the deep love that he shared with his family—love that is silent yet so profound.
Their first branch in Cainta, Rizal, will open soon, with the inspiring tagline, "Brewing life moments, one sip at a time." Committed to sustainability, they are now serving in fully sustainable maize cups and have future plans to design their café using upcycled materials, creating an eco-friendly space where family memories are brewed alongside great coffee.
Sustainability Champion 5: EcoMove
EcoMove is an eco-conscious delivery service based in Metro Manila that prioritizes reducing both plastic waste and carbon emissions. Since 2023, they have been using cassava mailer bags for deliveries, ensuring that all their packaging is fully compostable. What makes EcoMove stand out is their use of bicycles and e-bikes for same-day deliveries, which significantly lowers their carbon footprint compared to traditional delivery methods. EcoMove provides a sustainable option for businesses and individuals looking for environmentally friendly logistics solutions in the city. If you're looking for fast, eco-friendly deliveries without compromising the planet, EcoMove is leading the way in Metro Manila!
They were also recently featured in TV5 for their success as a certified eco-friendly courier service!
Kitang Kita: Ecomove Courier | Gud Morning Kapatid
Using fully compostable cups, bagasse containers, and cassava bags, they’re minimizing the waste that their businesses produce. And if there’s one thing research has shown us about pollution reduction, it’s that businesses generate more waste than individuals. So businesses going plastic-free is a key factor to divert waste from polluting land and sea.
The World Clean and Green Week may be coming to a close soon, but that doesn’t mean we should stop being proactive in making the earth Clean and Green. Our truly sustainable solutions being innovated came about as a way of addressing daily problems caused or worsened by environmental degradation. Even in the face of our climate crisis, we remain resilient. And with all the eco-solutions available to us now, living sustainably is accessible to individuals and businesses. So with the spirit of bayanihan, let’s all do our part to make our future Cleaner and Greener!
AKO Packaging is owned and operated by SACHI-Group Inc. that manufactures 100% compostable cassava bags since 2022. EcoNest Philippines is a local social enterprise distributing sustainable packaging materials since 2018.
Reach us at:
hello@econestph.com | www.econestph.com
hello@akopackaging.com | www.akopackaging.com