Tackling climate change with these planet-friendly solutions

Action against climate change is way overdue. There is a crying demand for environmental protection around the world, giving both the public and private sectors the opportunity to realign their practices with sustainability in mind. The goal is to reach net zero, which means not adding new greenhouse gases to the atmosphere.

Corporations have recognized the urgency of supporting climate solutions. Reducing waste and carbon footprint are among the top concerns. Nestlé, as the world’s largest food and beverage manufacturers, has pledged to improve and accelerate its efforts to tackle this global problem. Nestlé plans to use its size, scale, and reach to make a difference as it urgently pursues its ambition to halve its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030 and reach net zero not later than 2050.

“Kasambuhay for the Environment”

Locally, Nestlé Philippines, now observing its 110th year in the country, has started to integrate sustainable practices in its operations as a “Kasambuhay for the Environment.” Its office in Makati as well as factories in Luzon now run on 100% renewable energy. The company has been empowering 1,500 local Robusta coffee farmers in Mindanao to learn sustainable agriculture and coffee production. It also wants to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2025 across its local operations.

Nestlé Philippines Chairman and CEO Kais Marzouki is confident that Nestlé’s new environmental commitments can be achieved. During the company’s virtual Net Zero Fair, employees and their families, along with Nestlé’s business partners, all pledged to create a net zero environment by making sustainable choices, properly managing waste, and planting trees.

The fight against plastic waste

The deluge of packaging and plastic waste that makes its way into oceans and rivers is also a major issue that must be addressed. Marine litter affects everyone, not just those who live in and by the water. It leads to destruction of marine biodiversity and public health problems in humans.

Nestlé Philippines collects and diverts from landfills and the environment an amount of plastic equal to what it puts out in the market, having become the country’s first multinational fast-moving consumer goods company to attain plastic neutrality last August 2020. Mr. Marzouki further announced that the company will collect an annual average of 26,000 metric tons of plastic waste, sustaining plastic neutrality, and use only recyclable or reusable packaging by 2025.

For companies like Nestlé, it is important to work with both the public and private sectors to be able to implement and achieve environmental goals.

“We are addressing climate change through coordinated action, continuing innovation, and multisectoral engagement, with open accountability as we report our progress.” Nestlé Philippines SVP and Head of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Ms. Arlene Tan-Bantoto said. “We are the Good Food, Good Life company. We want to leave the legacy of a cleaner, healthier, and more livable planet for the next 110 years,” she added.

Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Roy Cimatu expressed his support, explaining that initiatives like these are perfectly aligned with the country’s commitment under the Paris Agreement. “By accelerating its actions to tackle climate change, Nestlé will help our country attain its goals in building climate change mitigation, adaptation, and resilience.” he said.  The Philippines aims to reduce and avoid carbon emissions by 75% by 2030.

“Tackling climate change cannot wait, and neither can we.” Mr. Marzouki said. “And so let us all move forward for the sake of our children and future generations, rising to the challenges that lie ahead, together and united.”

Effective climate solutions can happen even on a smaller scale, within one’s own house, school, or community. When it comes to saving the environment, everyone has the potential to be a force for good.

Take a closer look at more eco-friendly initiatives at the Nestle website for climate action inspiration.