Sustainable practices begin at home, says PCCPI

2023-04-04
Even the simplest of household decisions impact how communities safeguard the environment. In line with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc. (PCPPI) encourages Filipinos to make more mindful choices on how valuable resources like water, energy, and oil are consumed and managed. The exclusive manufacturer of PepsiCo beverages in the country, PCPPI reaffirms its sustainability commitments ahead of Earth Day, which is observed worldwide on April 22. According to Frederick D. Ong, PCPPI president and chief executive officer, adopting sustainable lifestyle habits affects people and planet for the better. “The daily decisions we make can help reduce household waste, save expenses, and improve our well-being. Living ‘sustainably’ does not have to be complex, as we can all start with the choices we make at home,” he said. Re-use and repurpose: It often takes a fresh perspective to see our everyday tasks differently. One of the ways to reduce household waste is through repurposing old items, like plastic water bottles which may be transformed into plant holders or vases. Used boxes can also be turned into organizers, while brown paper bags can be used as craft paper for school projects. Meal planning: Apart from selecting healthier food options from the market or grocery, meal planning has the added benefit of consuming just the right amount of food—thereby cutting down on excess and food waste. Planning meals ahead of time also helps manage one’s budget, as well as electricity costs. Unplug when not in use: Turning off that are not in use, using enough water to wash hands, or unplugging fully charged devices are some good practices to manage resource consumption at home. These also help maintain the health of electrical appliances, helping them run properly for longer. Go digital, go paperless: One of the shifts accelerated during the community lockdowns was the move towards paperless transactions. Mail and bills are now accessed electronically, minimizing the need to consume paper. With further advances in technology, the possibilities are endless with how the world can help preserve and protect trees. As PCCPI supports the practice of these sustainable practices, the organization continues to work on its own sustainability initiatives that demonstrate its long-term commitment towards care respect for the environment. PCCPI aims to reduce the use of virgin plastic and reach 100% recyclable packaging. The company continues to expand its efforts in lightweighting and exploring alternative packaging sources. Since early 2021, PCCPI has also transitioned to renewable energy use to supply the energy requirements of its plants. Solar panels are installed in its Batangas, Cebu, and Davao manufacturing facilities. In line with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) Adopt-an-Estero Program, PCPPI has organized clean-up drives near bodies of water in the communities where it operates. PCPPI has adopted key waterways across the country, including those in San Fernando, Iloilo, Bacolod, Davao, Cebu, and Zamboanga. Partnerships with agencies like the Laguna Lake Development Authority allow PCPPI to regularly meet with other community stakeholders on how to best address environmental concerns and develop innovative ways to protect local ecosystems.
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