IN a bid to improve environ-mental sustainability, the country’s largest power distribution firm, Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), has banned single-use plastic (SUP), polystyrene foam and similar products.
“The protection of the environment is a collective obligation that we not only owe to the communities we serve, but more important, the future generation. It is, therefore, incumbent upon us to ensure that we integrate sustainability in all areas of our operations and in our workplace to create a positive impact to the environment,” said Meralco President Ray Espinosa.
The ban, which started October 1, applies to the Meralco Industrial Engineering Services Corp. Group, CIS Bayad Center Inc. Group, Meralco Energy Inc., Radius Telecoms Inc. , MSpectrum Inc., MRAIL Inc., Meralco Powergen Corp. Group, and eSakay Inc. as well as affiliated companies, Comstech Integration Alliance Inc., Clark Electric Distribution Corp. and Shin Clark Power Group effective November 1.
Meralco’s supply chain partners have also been told to ensure full compliance with the ban effective January 1, 2020.
Aside from reducing its contribution of plastic to landfills and marine pollution, Meralco also aims to educate employees and business partners on the responsible use of plastic for proper disposal for a sustainable economy and help pave the way for a lifestyle change.
As the first of many sustainability initiatives, the use of SUP, including polystyrene foam and similar products, is banned from all offices, premises and facilities of Meralco, including operations centers, business centers, subsidiaries, affiliates, and in company events and activities effective October 1, 2019. Single-use plastic covered by the ban include plastic grocery bags, beverage bottles, food service utensils and dispensing containers for cleaning fluids.
“Everyone in Meralco is committed to do their part in ensuring that we embrace sustainability as a way of life by greatly reducing our contribution to the million tons of plastics waste that are used and dumped in our water ways, rivers and oceans every day,” said Espinosa.