A fact we already know: the Philippines is the third largest producer of plastic wastes which are mostly drained into the world’s oceans, next to China and Indonesia.
What we don’t know yet: How to minimize this plastic pollution.
Environmentalists blame the huge plastic consumption of the Philippines to our tingi-tingi system. We buy shampoo, soap, food and other household stuff in little packagings. While the sari-sari commerce is a showcase of entrepreneurship at the baranggay level, the environmental harm of goods sold in plastic packages cannot be denied.
But why not uplift both our entrepreneurial sense and our love for the environment? The first step is to introduce new processes that could benefit both our surroundings and our pockets.
Enter the Blue Box, a counter where users can refill their liquid soaps, dishwashing liquid and fabric conditioners using their reusable containers and for a cheaper cost!
The Blue Box is the soap vendo machine by Sabon Express, founded by social entrepreneur Mellany Zambrano. It was launched at a special meeting at the BJMP MPI (Bureau of Jail Management and Penology Multi-Purpose Cooperative), headed by General Arturo Alit, where the group are exploring for ways to help its members earn more.
Sabon Express can be franchised. Think of how we load our pre-paid phones with call and data credits in sari-sari and convenience stores. Sabon Express can be stationed in stores, too where consumers can just bring their reusable containers, and get their liquid soaps and fabric conditioners cheaper than current SRPs. It’s a win-win for both the consumers, the franchise owners and the environment.
For more details, follow Sabon Express on Facebook.