As global warming and environmental destruction ensue around the world, Globe continues to weave environmental care into its operations, taking measurable steps to combat climate change.
To further encourage Filipinos to properly dispose of electronic waste (e-waste), Globe At Home rewards its customers who swap their existing devices in exchange for new, advanced WiFi units with its “Swap and Save” campaign which coincides with World Environment Day and the Philippine Environment Month. Customers will receive a 500-peso discount for Globe MyFi LTE-Advanced and Home Prepaid WiFi LTE-Advanced devices when they drop-off their existing prepaid Globe MyFi, WiFi stick or Home Prepaid WiFi at any of the 48 participating Globe Stores on or before August 21 this year.
Globe Stores teams will assist customers in completing an online monitoring form before devices are dropped off in the designated in-store e-waste bins. Collected e-waste is then delivered on a monthly basis to its DENR-accredited recycling partners, TES-AMM Philippines in Pasig and Maritrans Recycler, Inc. in Cebu, for proper e-waste processing.
Non-working and end-of-life modems and other electronic or battery-operated devices including mobile phones, chargers, laptops, desktops and other home appliances are considered e-waste. According to the Global E-waste Monitor 2020 report, these need to be disposed of properly as they contain toxic and hazardous materials that contaminate the soil and groundwater. These affect food and water sources, increasing risks to the environment and to human health.
“Globe takes extra care of its customers and the environment. By offering to get back these current units, we not only give our customers a chance to own new and discounted devices for faster and better internet experience, but also ensure that obsolete and broken ones do not end up in landfills and are recycled properly,” said Darius Delgado, Globe Vice-President and Head of Broadband Business.
This initiative is aligned with Globe’s E-Waste Zero program which was launched in 2014. To date, more than 1.4 million kilograms of e-waste have been processed under the program and more than 66 companies, non-government organizations and schools currently support this environmental advocacy.
Last year alone, a total of 280,000 kilograms of e-waste were collected, responsibly disposed and recycled through Treatment, Storage, and Disposal (TSD) facilities accredited by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) despite the pandemic.
While e-waste is the fastest growing waste stream in the world, the 2021 report of the Circular Electronic Partnership (CEP) showed 70% of hazardous waste ends up in landfills with the propagation of electronics in everyday life.
Apart from protecting the environment, Globe will use the proceeds from e-waste processing to fund the communication needs of public school teachers and students amid the continued suspension of face-to-face classes.
To participate in the Globe E-Waste Zero program, e-waste may be dropped off at over 120 locations such as Globe stores, malls, local government units as well as premises of partner companies and organizations. Customers may also avail of the free door-to-door pickup of e-wastes weighing 10KG or more. Go to https://www.globe.com.ph/about-us/sustainability/environment.html for more information.
All these environmental sustainability initiatives are aligned with the national climate action agenda to work towards decarbonizing the Philippine economy by 75% by 2030. As of 2020, 3.95% of Globe’s energy already came from renewable sources. It has deployed over 7,400 Green Network Solutions to embed resource conservation across its network infrastructure and has effectively diverted over 7.32% of its solid waste from landfills. This has been achieved in alignment with Globe’s enterprise-wide certification on ISO 14001:2015 for Environmental Management.
“We strive to translate promise into action by actively enhancing our climate action strategy. Globe continues to look for ways to reduce our own carbon footprint while helping consumers, businesses, and industries do the same,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe Chief Sustainability Officer and SVP for Corporate Communications.
Globe contributes to 10 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals such as UN SDG No. 12 on sustainable consumption and production, to achieve economic growth and sustainable development by urgently reducing ecological footprint.
To know more about Globe’s sustainability initiatives, visit https://www.globe.com.ph/about-us/sustainability.html
