Green Minds

Because of global warming and climate change, our days are spent in sweat-scented MRT cars and nights are filled with the humdrum of air-conditioners. That or we’re swimming in flood water. This is not surprising since the Philippines is the thirteenth most vulnerable country in the world to the impacts of global warming, according to the Climate Change Vulnerability Index by Verisk Maplecroft.

- Jovi Figueroa

The Philippine government has committed to reducing its carbon emissions by the year 2030, but if each of us does not contribute in every little way we can to reduce our own carbon footprint, it’s just going to get hotter and wetter from here.

This is why we’re tipping our metaphorical hats off to these guys who are going out of their way to help us get into the green-minded (and good kind of) bandwagon. Check out these environment-conscious businesses that show us that one can drive profit while giving Mother Earth some extra TLC.

JUNK NOT!

Junk not! lives by the mantra that we have all been taught in grade school: reduce, reuse, recycle. This company transforms waste into beautiful crafts and furniture. Imagine decorating your home with furnishings that are not made from chopped down trees or irresponsibly mined metals but from repurposed, reused, and upcycled plastic waste. In addition to contributing to reducing plastic waste, Junk not! also uses local and sustainable materials.

One of our favorite pieces from their collection is the colorful “Bangko” chair. The chairs are not only stackable for easy storage; they also make for a nice post-modern décor. Roped plastic wastes are woven in different patterns and styles to make for an interesting surface. The woven ropes are then mounted on mahogany wood frames stained and coated in beeswax. A tray with tempered glass transforms the Bangko into a sleek serving table.

SIKLO PILIPINAS