This engaging article illuminates Bantay Kalikasan’s role in promoting a sustainable, net-zero lifestyle in the Philippines. It details their initiatives, partnerships, community impact, and how the organization contributes to addressing global climate change.
A world rapidly moving towards a sustainable future is undeniably focused on sustainable lifestyles. While some need to be more knowledgeable in these areas, it is indeed commendable that we are beginning to unite our efforts to build an environmentally friendly society.
The Philippines is a prime example of how to transition into a sustainable future, not only through physical structures and materials for a sustainable future, but as well as through environmental advocacies that bring communities together to conserve nature. Let us delve deeper into Bantay Kalikasan, a program that you can join to support sustainability.
A Glimpse to Bantay Kalikasan’s Beginnings
Bantay Kalikasan (in English, Nature Watch) is a well-known environmental organization in the Philippines for its strong and committed efforts to conserve the environment.
It was founded by the late environmentalist and philanthropist Gina Lopez , an eco-warrior who was passionate about sustainability and eco-friendly practices in solving environmental issues.
Under the organizational umbrella of the ABS-CBN Foundation , Bantay Kalikasan represents a united front against environmental destruction in pursuit of a net-zero lifestyle that reduces the country’s carbon footprint to zero.
They also aim to inform the average Filipino about the basics of environmental law, and ignite the efforts to biodiversity conservation. They aim to be one of the best environmental advcacy examples for the next generations.
Its vision goes beyond the surface-level objectives, committing to the amelioration of global climate change by influencing policy, encouraging community involvement, and promoting environmental preservation.
Some might say that they’re similar to organizations like the Haribon Foundation but their main focus in on the environment. Thus, they’re much closer to Greenpeace Philippines.
Pivotal Initiatives Transforming Waste into Worth
Driving its mission forward, Bantay Kalikasan has launched several significant initiatives, such as the Bantay Baterya (Junk Battery Disposal), Bantay Langis (Safer Application of Used Cooking Oil), and WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Recovery Project. These programs underscore the importance of making proper hazardous waste management a societal norm.
Grounded in a mission for sustainability, these projects lean on eco-friendly waste disposal methods while promoting net-zero living, paving the path to mitigate the effects of global climate change.
Another example of environmental advocacy that Bantay Kalikasan takes pride on is the conservation effort for La Mesa Watershed. Many Filipinos are aware of this advocacy thanks to their continuous advertisments on television especially in the morning.
Quantifying Environmental Impact: The Bigger Picture
Nevertheless, the foundation’s real impacts are best viewed through its successful coordination of hazardous waste collection, which is instrumental in promoting sustainable practices for sustainable development.
Not only does it target the minimization of harmful products from entering ecosystems, but it also acts as a catalyst for an eco-friendly wave of industrialization in order to preserve protected areas from the dangers of industrialization in the local community.
Bantay Kalikasan positions itself squarely at the intersection of environmental conservation and industrial progress, inlcuding their efforts to save Philippine seas and taking action on climate action concerning coastal communities and marine wildlife.
Basically, the program does not only thrive in successfully establishing environmental benefits, mainly naming preservation of natural resources, utilizing renewable energies, and many more. Aside from these, it is without doubt that the environmental impact correlates with economic and societal effects, which can be the bigger picture of a truly developing country.
Fortifying Sustainable Efforts through Partnerships and Collaborations
Moving a step further, Bantay Kalikasan has formalized a partnership agreement with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA). Together, they aim to harness recyclable events as a platform to promote an eco-friendly ethos within the industrial sectors.
In addition, receiving backing from a variety of government agencies and like-minded organizations underlines the relevance and urgency of their mission within society at large, assisting a structured move towards a net-zero lifestyle.
Forging Community Relationships and Building a Legacy
Reflecting on a 20-year journey, Bantay Kalikasan’s continued impact centers around transforming economic zones into green, healthy, sustainable, and smart spaces. However, its most significant achievement may be the distinguishable impact it has etched in local communities.
It empowers community members with a sense of environmental responsibility while enabling them to make substantial contributions towards halting global climate change. The author is a genuine witness to such actions like conducting environmental education seminars, tree-planting programs, coastal cleaning, etc.
They’re also well-known for normalizing the Earth Hour, which was back then not considered to be something worth commemorating for. Now, many people, businesses, and organizations have events exclusive for this initiative.
Join Bantay Kalikasan in the Pursuit of a Net-Zero Lifestyle Today!
In essence, Bantay Kalikasan embodies the true spirit of sustainable living and ecological care. It underscores the importance of individual and collective efforts required to tackle climate change, encouraging each person and organization to emulate their practical, attainable, eco-friendly practices.
Remember, every action, no matter how small, in the direction of a net-zero lifestyle counts. It’s our collective responsibility to carry this baton and pass it on to future generations. After all, the fight against global climate change isn’t an optional endeavor — it is a necessity for survival. Bantay Kalikasan has lit the way; will you follow?
BillionBricks builds net-zero homes that are energy-efficient, self-sustaining, and affordable. If you have a project in mind or would like to use our home designs, we would love to hear about it and explore ways to work together.
You may contact us at: https://billionbricks.org/contact-us-ph.
If you’re eager to delve deeper into sustainable living, we encourage you to explore another article that offers valuable insights. Check out: Why Should Filipinos Adapt Zero-Waste Living for Sustainability in 2023? —A Simple Guide
Resources
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Lopez Group Foundation. Bantay Kalikasan. Retrieved from https://www.lopezgroup.org/component/tags/tag/bantay-kalikasan
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Solaready. Gina Lopez, the fearless Eco Warrior. Retrieved from https://www.solaready.ph/post/gina-lopez-the-fearless-eco-warrior
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ABS-CBN Foundation International. ABS-CBN Foundation. Retrieved from https://abscbnfoundation.org/
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Dulce Festin-Baybay. Bantay Baterya: Giving New Life to Old Batteries. Retrieved from https://www.lopezgroup.org/lopez-csr/environment/bantay-baterya-giving-new-life-to-old-batteries
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ABS-CBN. RWM and ABS-CBN team up for Bantay Langis environmental project. Retrieved from https://news.abs-cbn.com/spotlight/05/29/19/lingkod-kapamilya-joint-program-finds-better-safer-application-for-used-cooking-oil
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ALFKI. PEZA and Bantay Kalikasan to promote sustainable program on environmental protection. Retrieved from https://www.abs-cbnfoundation.com/peza-and-bantay-kalikasan-to-promote-sustainable-program-on-environmental-protection/
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Government of the Philippines. PEZA. Retrieved from https://www.peza.gov.ph/
