Earth Day, an annual event happening every April 22 since 1970, puts the focus on the need for a global and systemic change to foster and promote environmental protection. Robinsons Malls joins this movement through various activities to raise awareness and encourage mallgoers to heed the call to save Mother Earth.

“Robinsons Malls has always been committed to expanding our sustainability efforts, especially amid climate change and the various environmental challenges we face today. On top of our large-scale efforts as a company, we want to bring earth-friendly initiatives to our malls to help educate and inspire the public to embrace sustainability as well,” shares Arlene Magtibay, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Robinsons Malls.

Here are the many ways that mall-goers can celebrate Earth Day in Robinsons Malls:

Trash to Cashback Program

Plastic pollution is one of the world’s most pressing environmental issues, especially with the increased production and accumulation of single-use plastic. In partnership with BEST (Basic Environmental Systems and Technologies, Inc), Trash to Cashback Program encourages people to segregate their trash and bring their recyclables to the malls, which is a more convenient way to participate in the initiative instead of having to go to a warehouse or a recycling hub.  From April 22 to 23, mall-goers can exchange their trash for “Environmental Points” (EP), which can be used to redeem products or services from BEST partner merchants.  All they have to do is bring their recyclables to Robinsons Metro East in Pasig City, Robinsons Town Mall Malabon and Robinsons Otis in Manila City. These recyclables are collected and delivered to recycling and upcycling partners through the My Basurero mobile app. Recyclables will be processed and returned to the supply chain as raw materials or products with a new purpose.

Recycling Market at Robinsons Novaliches

Another effort to curb the plastic problem is through Robinsons Novaliches’ Recycling Market. The Quezon City mall is enhancing this program, which was first introduced in 2017, to allow mall-goers to exchange recyclable materials for cash. Available every last Friday and Saturday of the month at the mall’s designated area, customers can exchange various kinds of paper (newspaper, white and colored paper, magazines, cartons), plastic (PET bottles, packaging plastics, hard plastics, PVC tubings), metal (scrap iron, packaging cans, aluminum, copper), and glass items (packaging bottles, beer, and liquor bottles) for cash.

Plastic Bank Experience Hub at Robinsons Place Naga

Aside from exchanging trash for cash (or EP points), Robinsons Malls takes things further by educating mall-goers about the importance of recycling and upcycling through the Plastic Bank Experience Hub. The space showcases how plastic waste is transformed into everyday items, such as eco-bricks that can be used to build homes and schools, as raw materials for manufacturing bags and bottles, and as fuel for powering generators. It is also open to accepting recyclable materials. The Plastic Bank Experience Hub is located at the Robinsons Place Naga’s Atrium until April 27.

Robinsons Place Naga’s Plastic Bank Experience Hub is in cooperation with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), United Nations Habitat for A Better Urban Future (UN Habitat), local government unit of Naga, Naga City People’s Council (NCPC), and Institute for Environmental Conservation and Research – Ateneo de Naga University.

 

Free Eco-Bags

To minimize the use of plastic, participating Robinsons Malls branches are giving away free eco-bags to shoppers from April 22 to 29. Customers can also get free eco-bags when shopping through Robinsons Malls’ personal shopper service, Robbie and Rosie, for a minimum purchase.

Free Loam Soil at Robinsons Place Antipolo

Robinsons Malls is also letting mall-goers hit two birds with one stone, which—in this case—is recycling and planting. From 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on April 22, people can exchange used plastic bottles (1.5 litre or 5 litres) for free loam soil at the Fun Park at Robinsons Place Antipolo. The Bureau of Plant Industry is also giving away free seeds and seedlings in exchange for recyclable plastics.

Saving the environment is a global effort. Robinsons Malls will continue to do its part in creating awareness, implementing sustainable and high-impact environment programs, and partnering with relevant and like-minded organizations to encourage more people to do their share. Celebrate Earth Day at Robinsons Malls because it is #REarthRPlace.

ADVT