SM, in 2009, started their “No Plastic Day every Wednesday” campaign which was headed by the SM Environment Committee so that they would reduce their plastic consumption and to contribute in saving our planet. Every Wednesday, shoppers are encouraged to bring their own shopping bags. If you didn’t carry your own shopping bag, the check-out cashier will put your goods in a paper bag.

Alternatively, you can also opt to buy their own bag which is called “SM Green Bag.” You get two bags for Php 35 and, if you’re an SM advantage cardholder, two points will be credited to your account.

I totally support this cause because at least once a day, we could lower our plastic consumption. If we lower our plastic consumption, we could save on burning fossil fuel. However, I guess not all support this cause and worst, it’s coming from the employee of the company itself.

Last Wednesday, my mom and I bought a some goods in the supermarket. Upon paying, the cashier suggested to use a karton or a small box since it’s convenient rather than the paper bag. The cashier waited for someone to get her a small box but none came. While waiting for someone to get her a bag, it came to a point that the cashier complained why the management used paper bags rather than plastic.

I was shocked because the lady didn’t seem to care about the environment. The world is heating up because of global warming, because of pollution but she doesn’t seem to care.

I may not be an environment advocate but there should be proper awareness of what is going on around you. Sewers are getting clogged up because of plastics. Let’s do our part in lessening our carbon footprint: plant a tree, recycle, don’t burn any trash, and don’t be a pasaway.