Grow A Million Trees: A Pledge for Earth Day

Did you ever plant and grow a tree? The first time I did was about 20 years ago through one of our activities as members of the Girl Scout of the Philippines. Remember those times when we do gardening and attend our home economics class? Years passed by,  I can't recall joining such activity again. 


On April 21, SM Supermalls celebrated Earth Day. The event was held at SM North EDSA with a pledge to grow a million tree in the next five years.  The company also announced that different departments and its affiliates from SM Supermalls pledged their own commitments with varied number of trees. 

Grow A Million Trees is what SM Supermalls aims to do in the coming years. To date, there are 250,000 trees planted in different provinces in the country including 6,200 trees taken care at Pico De Loro Hamilo Coast in Batangas. The resort has pledged 10,000 more trees to grow.  You may want to read about my recent trip in Pico De Loro (click here) where we had our pre-nuptial shoot. On the other hand, Ace Hardware grew 40,000 trees and pledged to plant another 100,000.   

DENR Asst. Secretary Marcial D. Amaro, Jr., SM Foundation’s AVP Ms. Cristie Angeles, Sustainability Manager of SM Supermalls Mr. Cuunjeng, affiliates from SM Land, SM Development, Costa De Hamilo, Inc., and Ace Hardware grace the event. 

 SM Supermalls, Mr. Cuunjeng giving the opening remarks for the launch

Mr. Joey Mendoza

“From SM Supermarket, SM Hypermarket and Savemore Market alone, it was in 2009 when we launched our banner campaign we called the “Join the M.O.B. (MyOwnBag)“. The Join the MOB is part of the vision of the Sy family to intensify its commitment to the 3 Rs, Reduce Reuse, and Recycle,” shared Mr. Joey Mendoza, president of SM Supermarket.

Newspaper Ribbon Cutting for the Eco Fair as part of the Earth Day 2013 Philippines celebrations. 

I felt the need to support and participate in this endeavor. In Quezon City, an ordinance strictly implements not to issue plastic bags to customers. If you're a resident of QC I'm sure you have at least 1 eco-bag or SM greenbag at home. If you shop and wants to use a plastic bag then you have to pay at least P2 (depending on the size and supermarket). 

I personally like eco-bags, shopping has never been these easy and comfortable compared to carrying a plastic bag. It's also more stylish because you can choose from wide variety of designs and sizes. Most importantly, it's nature-friendly. So why not Join The M.O.B!

SM is so aggressive towards promoting a greener environment with its Trash to Cash campaign, where customers can exchange scrap papers and plastic bottles to money or an equivalent item. 

The goal of reaching a million trees has never been  impossible. Congratulations to SM Supermalls and its affiliates/tenants who pledge to support for this cause.

It only takes one tree at a time. As an individual, we can also do our share the simplest way is the use of eco-friendly materials and start recycling at home. With limited space probably grow in a flower pot and make a veranda garden. What do you think?