Philippines – WEBWIRE – Friday, March 22, 2024
Amid the scourge of plastic pollution in the region, initiatives from cities in the Global South are leading the transition towards reuse and refill systems, showing that these are viable alternatives to the sachet economy.
This is evident in a Greenpeace Philippines report[1] on its project, Kuha sa Tingi (combining the Filipino expression makuha sa tingin or to be taken at a glance, and tingi or the Filipino culture of buying in small quantities), which mainstreams reuse and refill systems in cities in order to reduce single-use plastic (SUP) pollution. The project introduced small-portion refill systems for personal and home care products at highly competitive prices in neighborhood stores, and allowed consumers to refill their reusable containers with the exact quantities they need. According to the report, the initiative avoided over 50,000 sachets, enabled consumers to save an average of 201% when opting for refills over sachets, and increased retailer profit by around 15% during the pilot period of 6 to 8 weeks.
The scourge of sachet pollution by manufacturers is one of the main drivers of plastic pollution in the country.[2] However, sachet production remains largely unregulated, highlighting the urgent need for alternative solutions as well as comprehensive policies to address this problem.
The results of the project underscore the economic viability of refill systems, which are beneficial for both consumers and local businesses. Similar initiatives have been seen in neighboring Indonesia, where the nonprofit YPBB[3] also encouraged consumers to practice reuse and refill by purchasing products from bulk stores, while small businesses such as coffee shops are also shifting to refill.[4]
However, although these initiatives are successful, the lack of policy support for refill and reuse systems, and the reduction of SUP production remain key barriers. Especially in countries dependent on sachets, the report points to the need to legislate and enforce upstream and midstream interventions such as bans on single-use plastic products, a phasedown in production, redesigned distribution systems, and waste-free reuse models to effectively address the plastic crisis.
Greenpeace believes that the development of a strong Global Plastics Treaty presents a massive opportunity to establish standards and regulations that will accelerate the development and transition to reuse and refill systems. Provisions on reuse and circularity can establish a global framework that harmonizes different approaches as well as targets across different sectors. This would fast-track the adoption of sustainable solutions and create support for research and development around these models.
Marian Ledesma, Greenpeace campaigner said: To solve the plastic crisis, governments need to drive large-scale investment in reuse and refill systems, like Kuha sa Tingi, as well as institute strong policies for reducing and eventually eliminating SUPs. Corporations must also be compelled to change the way they do business and stop reliance on SUPs. This will secure environmental justice, contribute to better health outcomes, advance climate action, and protect the well-being of every person. A strong Global Plastics Treaty will enable all these through a just transition away from single-use plastics.
Narciso Marcelo, a store owner from the Philippines, said: Aside from selling products as refills, through this project, I learned that plastic waste has become a large problem in society. Every time we buy sachets, we merely throw them anywhere. If we purchase refills, we will be able to avoid plastic waste altogether.
For more information, check out the full report at act.gp/reuserefill.
Notes:
[1] Greenpeace Philippines,
Kuha sa Tingi: Bringing back sustainability into Filipino tingi culture, 2024: act.gp/reuserefill
[2] GAIA,
Plastics Exposed: How Waste Assessments and Brand Audits Are Helping Philippine Cities Fight Plastic Pollution, 2019: https://www.no-burn.org/wp-content/uploads/Plastics-Exposed-2nd-Edition-Online-Version.pdf.
[3] Yayasan Pengembangan Biosains dan Bioteknologi (YPBB) is a nonprofit environmental organization based in Bandung, Indonesia.
[4] Bulk Stores and Reuse Initiatives; Reuse in Business Sector: https://reusesolutions.org/stories/
[5] Photos from
Kuha sa Tingi stores. Please check the document for captions and photo credit.
Image Caption:
Marian Ledesma, Greenpeace Philippines Zero Waste Campaigner picks up pieces of plastic trash from the company Dove around Freedom Island at Las Pias City, Philippines. This wetland part of Manila Bay, called the Las PiasParaaque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area (LPPCHEA), is a 175-hectare protected area. It is always filled with plastic trash that comes from the ocean. The amount of plastic trash here does not stop even with the continuous shore clean-up by various groups. Photo by Jilson Tiu/Greenpeace
Nov 5, 2023 | Books, Business
Eight South African cultural ambassadors have arrived in New Orleans as part of cultural exchange between South Africa and New Orleans honoring two late cherished Louisiana citizens in coordination with New Orleans South Africa Connection NOSACONN
NEW ORLEANS – Nov. 3, 2023 – PRLog — Posted Courtesy of Wright Enterprises Community Spotlight
MEDIA ADVISORY:
CELEBRATING ITS 25th ANNIVERSARY NOSACONN RECEIVES INTERNATIONAL CULTURAL EXCHANGE GROUP PAYING TRIBUTETO LATE U.S. AMBASSADOR JAMES A. JOSEPH WITH A SALUTE TO RUSSELL BATISTE JR.OF NOLA’S ROYAL FAMILY OF MUSIC TO FOLLOW
WHO: DAMON BATISTE, New Orleans Cultural Ambassador, Founder of New Orleans South Africa Connection, inc. (NOSACONN); South African officials: Ms. DAISY MASHIANOKE MANGWATO; Mr. EZEKIEL MEGALANE; Mr. PHATSIRI MOSES MOGALE; Mr. PONELA JESSE MOGALE; Mr. THORISO PHATSIRI MOGALE; Ms. NTHABISENG ELIZABETH MOKOENA; Mr. TSHEPO HOPE MONARENG; and Mr. BUCCO BONGINKOSI XABA; SEBASTIAN WEST AND THE LA WEST WIND BAND.
WHAT: As NOSACONN Notes its 25th Anniversary The Cultural Exchange Presentation and Musical tributes begin with the tribute to Late Ambassador James Joseph’s Celebration of Life at Southern University’s Law Center- which will be held today, November 3 and Saturday, November 4th. Additionally, as condolences continue from such entities as the Recording Academy for David Russell Batiste Jr. the group of South African Officials and artists will also honor the Batistes at Sweet Lorraine’s. Send Off Celebration of South Africans Jazz Tribute to New Orleans at Snug Harbor. The group will also be visiting area schools. For a complete itinerary contact Damon Batiste at 504 415-1702.
WHERE: Ambassador James Joseph’s ceremonies in Baton Rouge: Southern University Law Center 2 Roosevelt Stephoe Drive, 70813 & Marriott Courtyard-Downtown 260 Third Street ,70801; Sweet Lorraine’s Jazz Club, 1931 St. Claude Avenue, New Orleans 70116. Snug Harbor Jazz Club, 626 Frenchmen St., New Orleans 70116.
WHEN: Friday, November 3, 2023, 6:30-8:30 p.m. -Southern University Law Center-Ambassador Joseph’s Memorial; Saturday, November 4, 2023 11 a.m. -Ambassador Joseph’s Celebratory Reception at the Marriott Downtown Baton Rouge
Sunday, November 5th South African Tribute at Sweet Lorraine’s for David Russell Batiste Jr. at Sweet Lorraine’s 6 p.m. & 8 p.m. along with Sebastian West’s LA West Wind Band.
Monday, November 6th -The David Russell Batiste Tribute & Send Off Celebration for the South African cultural ambassadors continue at Snug Harbor, 7:30 p.m. & 9:30 p.m.
WHY: Saluting NOSACONN’s 25th Anniversary, continuing the work of NOSACONN, Inc. while honoring late Ambassador James Joseph (advocate for and advisor to South Africa’s first Black President Nelson Mandela) and that of the late humanitarian, educator and musician Batiste, the entourage of South African officials are strengthening cultural exchange between New Orleans and South. The inclusion of Sebastian West’s LA West Wind Band affirms the cultural richness found in New Orleans. Visit www.nosaconn.com to find out more about NOLA’s Royal Family of Music, The Batistes and the power of cultural tourism and empowerment.
Sep 26, 2023 | Business
Weaver Realty Group is pleased to announce the following the recent sales:
Englewood, FL Self-Storage Development Site, located at 3904 N Access Rd. This sale included 1.7 acres of fully entitled land for 90,000 GRSF of self-storage.
Tampa, FL Self-Storage Development Site, located at 12640 Race Track Rd. This sale included 0.5 acres of fully entitled land for 63,525 GRSF of self-storage.
St. Johns Big Toy Lockers, located at 2771 FL-44 in DeLand, FL. The sale included 4 buildings totaling 38,330 GRSF, 91 units with a mix of uncovered, covered, and enclosed Boat and RV storage on 7.5 acres.
Kingsland Keeps Storage, located at 1301 Winding Oaks Rd in Kingsland, GA. This 6.39-acre Certificate of Occupancy sale included 40,150 GRSF, 333 units of climate-controlled storage as well as an expansion opportunity for an additional ~20,000 GRSF.
Weaver Realty has been the Argus Self Storage Advisor Affiliate since 1999 covering the state of Florida and now newly acquired South Georgia territory. During that time, we have specialized in the acquisition, disposition, and evaluation of self-storage properties of all types and sizes. For information, reach out to Josh Koerner at 904-591-0140.
Based in Denver, Colorado, Argus Self Storage Advisors (Argus) was formed in 1994 to assist owners and investors of self-storage with their real estate needs. Through the years, Argus has assembled a network of real estate brokers experienced in self-storage and income property investments. Now the largest self-storage brokerage network in the United States, the Argus network has 36 Broker Affiliates covering nearly 40 markets. These brokers are able to meet the needs of self-storage investors and owners whether it is acting as a buyer’s agent or listing and marketing a property. For more information, call 1-800-55-STORE or visit www.argus-selfstorage.com.
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