[Business] Starbucks Shared Planet - Why Starbucks is so Green

Starbucks Coffee is Green in Ways Big and Small

I'm a Starbucks Coffee addict, and I've been so for years. Ever since they opened a branch at Lee Gardens, I've countless hours studying, reading, and writing there, back when I was in college and even now that I'm working. All this time, I had no idea Starbucks had huge green initiatives.

I knew about their no-smoking policy, even by the tables outdoors. I noticed when they stopped offering tissue together with the sugar and cream (all they give you is one square, and you have to personally request for more). I'm also aware of the small discount they give when you bring your own Starbucks mug or Starbucks tumbler, instead of the regular paper or plastic ones they put coffee in.

It was only when I read a copy of the Starbucks Shared Planet brochure, that I realized they were doing so much more behind the scenes. "You and Starbucks. It's bigger than Coffee." If everything written on their brochure and their Starbucks Shared Planet Website is accurate, then this coffee company might be one of the greenest on the planet.

Starbucks Environmental and Social Goals for 2015

Interestingly, Starbucks plans to complete most of its green goals by the year 2015. These goals include the following:

• Buying 100% responsibly grown (for the environment) and ethically traded (for the farmers) coffee
• Using 100% recyclable or reusable coffee cups
• Having 100% LEED certified company structures
• Being able to contribute at least 1 million service hours worldwide - per year (for all employees worldwide)

Uploaded by Starbucks on Apr 16, 2011

In order to accomplish these goals and more, Starbucks Coffee has partnered with groups like Conservation International,  which helps societies protect their local ecosystems, and the Fairtrade Labeling Organizations International, which promotes fairer trading conditions for farmers and workers.

Hopefully, Starbucks will succeed in its environmental and social goals, so they can serve as an example to other multinational companies, on how to do global business sustainably and profitably.

[Architecture] Ayala Land Invests in Green Roofs for Malls

 The Ayala Terraces Cebu garden is so beautiful at night. The 4-level structure

is equipped with clestories, windows that prevent the entry of direct sunlight into the mall

Ayala Land, as part of its ongoing sustainability campaign, has integrated varieties of green roofing systems onto its newest malls and mall annexes. Greenbelt 5, TriNoma, Market! Market!, and Ayala Center Cebu's the Terraces, are all equipped with green roofs.

Honestly, most mall goers probably won't notice that the roofs of their favorite malls are environmentally friendly unless they find out from another source. It just all looks so natural to the naked eye. Nevertheless, these green roofs are useful, and more than just pleasing to the eye.

 Greenbelt 5's roof garden provides a splash of green amidst a sea of grey.

For example, the roof garden on top of Greenbelt 5 effectively helps lower mall temperature indoors. This leads to less energy consumption when running the air conditioning system, and more savings on the part of Ayala. Also, roof gardens also absorb rainwater, lessening the chance of flooding in nearby areas.

 TriNoma is green both inside and out. The roof allows sunlight to enter

while keeping the heat from coming in.

Green roofs, like the one in TriNoma can also be used for activities like photo shoots and special dinners.Thus, it can serve as a source for extra income as well. Indeed, more mall and building owners - and maybe even homeowners - should follow the example of Ayala Land, and experiment with eco-friendly technologies like green roofs.

 Hyroponics roof garden photo taken from www.cityfarmer.info

Maybe they can plant herbs using hydroponics, the method of growing plants using mineral nutrients instead of soil. Modern green roofs are now lightweight, so they can be safely integrated onto existing roofs. Definitely something to think about before engaging in your next architectural project.

[Event] Join the First WWF Dolphin Mural Painting Marathon this February 2012

The World Wide Fund for Nature Philippines (WWF-Philippines) will be holding the first ever Dolphin Mural Painting Marathon on February 18, 2012. It will be held from 7am to 6pm at the Glorietta 4 Dolphin Park in Makati City.

Famous dolphin mural artist and WWF hero AG Saño and the Dolphins Love Freedom Network will join the participants in painting walls in support of dolphin freedom and animal rights across the globe. Besides painting murals, passers-by can also have their faces painted, photographs taken (in photo booths) and get Henna tattoos for free!

The registration fee for those who want to paint dolphin murals is only P300 per person, inclusive of painting materials. Interested parties may register at the WWF booth located at the Glorietta 3 lobby from February 4-17, 2012, visit the WWF main office (Unit 1702, 88 Corporate Center, Valero corner Sedeño streets, Salcedo Village, Makati City), or email adopt@wwf.org.ph.

Please visit this WWF-Philippines website for more details on the mural painting marathon.

[Event] Join Chem Propaganda: An Environmental Awareness Fashion Design Competition

Ateneo de Manila University - the Ateneo Chemistry Society (ACHES) in partnership with the Ateneo Environmental Science Society (ESS) have joined forces to bring you Chem Propaganda: an Environmental Awareness Fashion Design Competition.

This contest is open to all university students in Metro Manila. Individuals and teams of up to three students are welcome to join. The goal is to produce a complete dress, made from recycled fabric, that can be worn by a female model. A sketch of the said dress must also be submitted.

This year's theme of chemical waste and its adverse effects of the environment, must be incorporated into the design of the dress. Contestants are required to join a half-day design workshop on design conceptualization, design, and construction. After this, they'll be given a month to design and manufacture their dresses.

Contestants have the option to have their dresses manufactured by an outside party, as long as the design manufactured does not deviate from the original design.

The designs will be presented and judged at a fashion show during the event's Culmination Night. A panel of experts will serve as judges during the show, and awards will be given on the same night. The winner of Chem Propaganda will receive a P3,000 cash prize, while the runner-up will get P1,500.

Important: The Dress Design Workshop and Participant's Orientation will be held on 23 January 2012 (Monday) from 2-6pm. It will be held at the Aerie Lounge (beside the Cervini Dorm Cafeteria, Ateneo de Manila University. Walk-ins are welcome!

You can also preregister by filling-up the Chem Propaganda registration form online, or you can read the latest updates on the project on Chem Propaganda's Facebook Page.

[Event] Aeta Olympics Held at Tala, Orani Last December 2011

Tala, Orani, Bataan, Philippines - Last December 2011, Barangay Tala in cooperation with the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA), Manila North Tollways Corporation (MNTC), and Philippine Olympics Committee held the Aeta Olympics.

The Aetas are indigenous persons of the Philippines that live in northern Luzon. Today, they serve as a prime example of a community that can live in harmony with nature. The mini Olympics was held, so the Aetas could showcase their skills in tree climbing, archery, javelin throwing, and blow dart shooting. Moreover, the parties involved wanted to showcase the culture and importance of the Aetas in the Philippines.

Present during the event was BCDA chairman Felicito Payumo, who proved he has the potential to be a skilled marksman, as seen in the video below:






There were a lot of media outfits that covered the event, most notable of which is TV5, who took photographs, shot live videos, and did live interviews, throughout the event.

(TV5 reporter interviews one of the Aeta tribesmen)

Shooting with a bow and arrow looks easier that it really is. I tried it and hit the target probably one out of then times. I didn't even try throwing a javelin or using a blow gun. They look a bit dangerous for beginners to fool around with.

*All photos and videos taken by me.

[Green Living] The North Face Men's Hydroshock Amphibious Shoes - Will Test Soon!

This pair of shoes from The North Face is the first pair of aqua/trekking shoes I've ever owned or bought for myself. I've always wanted to buy a pair of these and now that I'm an environment blogger, I decided to invest in a pair case I would need them in the future. I'm thinking of buying other outdoor gear as well, like a waterproof camera and a water resistant backpack.

Yes, I could have bought a cheaper or different brand of shoes, but there are several factors that convinced me that this pair of The North Face Men's Hydroshock shoes worth buying:

• It's environment-friendly. The shoes are made from over 50% recycled fibers. The packaging is eco friendly too, with the wrapper being made from 100% post-consumer recycled paper and the box, 75% recycled materials.

• It's top quality. This brand of shoes is known worldwide for being one of the best in outdoor apparel. This particular pair was even awarded the 2011 Gear Award by Health Magazine (however, I wasn't aware of this when I bought the shoes)

• It looks good and feels right. I sort of had a Cinderella moment when I put on these shoes (sorry, I couldn't think of a guy-analogy, hahaha). I tried them, walked around a bit, and realized that these shoes were just perfect.

(Photo taken from ravebrain.com)

Of course, the real test will come when I go island hopping with my friends this weekend. We are going to Cebu for the Sinulog Festival and decided to go on a mini adventure as well. Will update with a product review soon. 

Will review The North Face Hydroshock shoes, to be followed by the Amazon Kindle DX, Barnes and Noble Nook Simple Touch, and The Weekend Project's Paper Wallet. I have all of these at have all of these at home (my brother owns the Nook), I don't know why I haven't thought of featuring reviews of them until now. 

[Event] Earth Hour 2012: Dare the World to Save the Planet

Earth Hour 2012 - 8:30 pm on Saturday, March 31, 2012 - It's time once again for us to shut off our lights for 60 minutes in solidarity with Earth Hour. A project first organized by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), Earth Hour has become an annual symbol of environmentalism and care for Mother Nature, through calling for the use of renewable energy.

According to WWF-Philippines, our country made history in 2011 by having the most number of towns and cities participating in the annual event. Can we make a repeat performance this 2012?

 Watch the Official Video for Earth Hour 2012 and Be Inspired

Since 2011, the WWF also changed its call from just 60 minutes to 60+ minutes. What this means is that we are called to become planeteers and environmental advocates beyond Earth Hour. We need to to make the principles of this project a part of our every day lives.

Thus, Earth Hour dares every one of us to save the planet. As individuals, groups, organizations, companies, we have the power to make a positive difference in this world. We can reduce our carbon footprint and make our planet a greener place to live in.

For more information on how you can help, here are a few helpful links:

• The Official Website of Earth Hour
• The WWF Page for Earth Hour 2012
• The WWF-Philippines Page for Earth Hour 2012

[News] It's More Fun in the Philippines, and Here are the Reasons Why

The Philippines' Department of Tourism (DOT), under the leadership of DOT Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Jr., launched it's latest tourism campaign last January 6, 2012. It's slogan, "It's more fun in the Philippines," aims to promote the country as a destination where you can have fun instead of being just a passive observer. Still, there are plenty of things to stare at in the Philippines, including this tarsier:

  Photo of Tarsier in Bohol taken from album of Fol Rana Jr. @ Facebook

This is the perfect opportunity to promote the country as a prime spot for environmental or eco tourism.For decades, the Philippine coral reefs have been a favorite diving and snorkeling destination for divers across the globe. Being an archipelago with over 7,000 islands gives us a distinct advantage here.

 Photo taken from album of Fol Rana Jr. @ Facebook

We are also graced with picturesque white-sand beaches such as those in Cebu, Boracay, and Palawan. Surfing in the country is becoming more popular as well. To retain our reputation as a destination for divers and beach lovers, we need to to keep our beaches clean and our coral reefs safe.

 Photo taken by Joncy Sumulong

Photo by Les Lesaca. Photo from ourawesomeplanet.com

Mountains are another thing in abundance here in the Philippines. Trailadventours, offers nature and culture focused adventure trips up places like Mt. Pulag and Mt. Pinatubo. You can enjoy photos of tall mountains in museums, but it's more fun to actually climb them here in the Philippines.

 Photo on Mt. Pulag by Cobbie Karagdag

When you come to the Philippines, be sure to bring your family and friends along with you because more fun to go on adventures with your love ones. Did you know that Filipinos are known to be among the friendliest and happiest people in the world? Come to our country and experience a unique blend of Filipino hospitality.

 Photo taken from album of Fol Rana Jr. @ Facebook

Besides going on adventures, it's also more fun to rest and relax in the Philippines. Come and enjoy the fresh air (not in the cities, but the provinces, by the way). By the way, did you notice that none of these photographs actually came from the DOT. This marketing campaign was so effective that Filipinos have made their own additions to the tourism slogan, helping it go viral online. 

 Photo taken from album of Fol Rana Jr. @ Facebook

 Photo taken from album of Dennis Corteza @ Facebook

 

[News] Compostela Valley Landslide Caused by Indiscriminate Mining

(Photo taken from abs-cbnNEWS.com)

Compostela Valley, Davao - Despite warnings issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Mines and Geosciences Bureau (DENR-MGB), residents continued to work in mines whose operations had already been stripped of Environmental Compliance Certificates (ECC), for failure to comply with minimum environmental standards.

The result: 25 dead and hundreds missing after a 3am landslide struck Barangay Napnapan, Pantukan, which lay at the foot of a mountain ravaged by indiscriminate small scale mining. This time around, there was no rain to trigger the tragedy, just the destruction of Mother Nature.

 (Photo taken from msn.com)

This is the second time that a calamity struck Mindanao in two months. While Typhoon Sendong hitting Cagayan de Oro and Iligan City could not have been prevented, the loss of live and property could have been much less. If only the geohazard maps prepared by the DENR were followed.

These maps which indicated areas in the Philippines prone to landslides and floods were created based on intensive studies done by the DENR. Unfortunately, many people still live in areas identified by these maps as highly dangerous, despite local and national government units having copies of the said maps.

(Photo taken from http://newsinfo.inquirer.net)

Again laws on small scale mining have been ignored in our country, in the same way that laws on illegal logging continue to be ignored. Hopefully, the current administration can find a way to prevent these avoidable tragedies from happening again.

Here is a list of the top 10 landslide prone provinces and top 10 flood prone provinces in the Philippines, as identified by the DENR.

[Television] Watch ANC's Green Living TV for Advice on Sustainable Urban Living

(Photo taken from greenliving-tv.com)

The ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC), through its program Green Living TV, shows viewers how they can live a sustainable urban lifestyle in the city. Airing at 9:30pm every Tuesday, the show features a variety of subjects on green living, from restaurants that serve organic foods to businesses that manufacture or sell environment-friendly products.

Want to learn the basics of hydroponics or growing plants without soil? How about step-by-step instructions on how to make your own recycled paper at home? Searching for ways to greenify your home? You can learn these things and so much more by watching this show hosted by veteran TV host Paolo Abrera.

(Photo taken from greenliving-tv.com)

For a listing of previous and current episodes of the show, plus additional information on green living, you can visit the official blog of Green Living TV. According to the show's blog, you can also catch replays of Green Living TV at 4am on Wednesdays, 2:30pm on Saturdays, or 12:30pm and 9pm on Sundays.

(Photo taken from the Kitchen Revolution blog)

In 2011, Marie Gonzalez of Alabang-based vegan restaurant Kitchen Revolution was features on the show (see photo above). Meanwhile, Paolo Abrera interviews Patsy Paterno and Robert Alejandro, the owners of Papelmelroti, local manufacturer of eco-friendly handcrafted products, in this episode of Green Living:

(You Tube Video uploaded by calejbitsvyk on Sep 6, 2011)