Have you noticed that some restaurants started not offering straws? More and more people are now embracing a greener community and trying to contribute in their own little way to have an eco-friendly lifestyle.
SM Aura Premier has always been an advocate for green programs and recently launched the Lush Initiative. It is an ecological movement that showcases a round-up of eco-friendly activities to help build better lifestyle spaces. A free screening of "A Plastic Ocean" was held last November 21 in partnership with SM Cares, SM Cinema, World Wildlife Fund, and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
Boxes of Green
SM Aura has teamed up with Tulay Lingap ni Padre Pio, Inc. and began building a lush environment in the mall through Boxes of Greens, the first fully-operational herb garden in a mall that not only promotes a green environment but also sustains the livelihood of rural communities. Proceeds of this program go to building of schools, emergency assistance, and reforestation.
Eco-bricks
SM Aura has also teamed up with The Plastic Solution as the exclusive and official drop off point for Eco-bricks. Eco-bricks is a plastic bottle stuffed with solid, non-biodegradable waste converted into structures for the surrounding communities. In just two days, the online release has already reached around 30,000 users, with hundred of shares.
How to make an eco-brick
- Find a clean, empty plastic bottle (ideally 500ml to 2L)
- Stuff plastic bottles with non-biodegradable such as straw, plastic bags, sachets, etc.
- Cut large items into smaller pieces to fit in your eco-brick.
- Use a stick to tightly pack in your stuffing.
- Make sure that your eco-brick is clean and dry and has no organic matter that can decompose.
Take a picture of your eco-brick and share on your social media feed. Use the hashtag #StuffItChallenge and encourage your friends to participate.
SM Aura customers can drop off the eco-bricks every first Friday and Saturday of the month at the Transport Terminal in Basement 1 (north side)
Trash to Cash
Bring your recyclable trash such as cardboard, scrap papers, boxes, pet and plastic bottles, tin and aluminum cans, furniture made of wood, metal cookware and kitchen items every first Friday and Saturday of the month, from 10am to 2pm across all SM Supermalls nationwide (except SM Makati and SM Cubao) and exchange them for cash.
The Last Straw
The Last Straw is an initiative that envisions a strawless community, is also underway at SM Aura as more restaurants express their interest and active participation to the program by offering alternatives to plastic straws.
SM Aura Premier is the first LEED certified building in Taguig City, and is the first mall to receive a Gold LEED Certification.
For more information, follow SM Aura Premier on Facebook.