Cleaning the environment one bottle at a time

With each passing year, our oceans are becoming more exposed to plastic waste. Little do we know, even our smallest waste is flowing into waterways and is alarmingly accumulating in our marine environment.

No matter how overwhelming it seems, our consolidated efforts in preventing more plastic waste from landing in our waterways can go a long way. And even in the comfort of your home, you can still contribute⁠—in your own little ways⁠—to helping reduce ocean-bound plastic waste.

The impact of maintaining our personal hygiene may feel quite modest, but if we go the extra mile and extend the principle of cleanliness to the world around us, we can do wonders. Cleanliness and well-being must not end in ourselves; we equally have what it takes to work towards a cleaner and safer environment.

Cleene Ethyl Alcohol, one of the trusted Filipino alcohol brands from PHILUSA Corporation, extends its effort in reducing ocean-bound plastic waste by partnering with social enterprise Plastic Bank.

The partnership was launched in a virtual event entitled "Towards a Cleener Philippines," a movement that aims to help encourage the public to be mindful of the environment and to adopt an eco-friendly lifestyle.

"We aim for long-lasting partnerships which are aligned with our mission of touching the lives of families anywhere in the world. We partnered with Plastic Bank because we both share a similar vision of passing on an enduring impact on society and the environment. Through the commitment of Cleene Alcohol, we hope to aid Plastic Bank to lessen the plastic problem here in the Philippines," shared PHILUSA Corporation President and General Manager Neogin Evangelista

According to Cleene Ethyl Alcohol, it has always been their goal to be a socially and environmentally mindful company, helping protect the environment and serve the communities that will positively impact fellow Filipinos.

"We are honored to be joining Cleene in their journey to Ocean Stewardship. At Plastic Bank, we are continuously strengthening our ocean-bound plastic recycling efforts and empowering companies like Cleene with opportunities to be a leader in the regenerative society," said Rene Guarin, Country Manager of Plastic Bank Philippines.

Cleene Ethyl Alcohol is currently helping to prevent 25,000 kilograms of plastic, an equivalent to 1.25 million plastic bottles, from entering the ocean in collaboration with Plastic Bank. The company is also helping improve the lives of more than 600 collection community members plastic waste collectors in vulnerable coastal communities in Makati, Pasig, and Mandaluyong with the contribution of health kits.

Ordinary lives, extraordinary impact

Rene, one of Plastic Bank's community members, first started his job as a waste collector to provide for his family's daily needs.

"Nangangalakal po kami, kumbaga lumalabas po kami sa JS tapos namimili ng mga plastik, tapos dinadala po namin sa JS. Tao po ako ng pabrika, kaso kapag wala namang trabaho, hirap po hulihin 'yung kailangan kitain, kaya sinubukan kong mangalakal, tapos nasubukan ko na okay naman, nakaka-survive naman sa araw-araw, tsaka nakakapag-ipon kahit papaano," shared Rene.
(Working as a junk trader, what we do is we go out and gather plastic, then we bring it here in JS. Previously, I was a factory worker. However, when there is no available job for me at the factory, it is difficult to make ends meet that is why I tried plastic collection. Then I realized that it is okay, and we are able to survive daily and save up a bit).
Rene now understands that his job is important to help prevent plastic waste from entering the ocean. He also reminds people to not throw away plastic waste in the wrong places.

Together with the help of Plastic Bank's collection community members, Cleene Ethyl Alcohol looks forward to creating more impact on oceans and coastal communities in the years to come.

Cleene Ethyl Alcohol also partners with Manila Water Foundation, Earth Day Jam, World Toilet Day, and Global Handwashing Day. Additionally, in the coming months, they intend to launch several sustainable products and programs that can help the environment.

To learn more about the company's initiative and how to take part in this movement, visit PHILUSA's website, Cleene's Facebook Page, and Plastic Bank's website.