SM Eco Bag 2012 | Nognog in the City

The SM Eco Bag is one of the major initiatives of the Program on the Environment, an advocacy of SM Cares, the Corporate Social Responsibility Program of the SM Supermalls.

The project aims to promote sustainable shopping habits by creating awareness and encouraging SM customers to utilize reusable bags. As a responsible mall developer, SM aims to foster stronger ties with the community by educating them about various environmental issues. The project also supports various local governments by adhering to numerous ordinances that promote the prudent use of plastics. Even beyond advocating reusable bags, SM fosters more mindful practices by utilizing biodegradable plastics. At present, 3.2 million bags are out in circulation all over the country.

The eco bag project began in 2009, with the first bag being designed by National Artist, Mr Manny Baldemor. This edition revolved around the theme “Creating awareness on environmental concerns”.

A year after, a new set of bags were designed, with the theme “Encouraging Action.” These designs had the big, statement words that correspond to the 4 different elements of nature: Renew (Earth), Flow (Water), Breathe (Air) and Spark (Fire).

Then, in 2011, the 3^rd set of SM’s Eco Bags was launched. It was inspired by the UN International Year of the Forest, and worked around the theme of “I Am Involved”. This was seen as a progressive development, allowing SM to become a stronger and more integral part of the community through its active promotion of fostering awareness.

Now on its 4^th year, seeing the potential of engaging the future leaders of the country in a more participative stance, SM turned the bag design into a competition for High School and College students. With the theme “Engage to Change”, the campaign now became a nationwide search for new designs. The widespread participation brought to total, more than 600 entries. However, most importantly, the competition provided a more concrete avenue for SM, as an integral part of society, to do its share in engaging the youth and community in caring for the environment.

**Winners received Php 25,000.00 plus a brand new IPAD**

Four winners were chosen, one from each region: Metro Manila, Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. They will be awarded with P25, 000 + the new iPad as recognition for their outstanding creativity and individual contribution for the worthy cause. Likewise, the schools that the students represent will also get P25, 000 from SM, in support for their individual environmental projects.

Awarding ceremonies will be held on November 12, 2012, (Monday) at the 2^nd floor of The Block at SM City North Edsa. The event will unveil the new designs, plus, will recognize and honour the students who participated and won the competition.