BY: RIZALIE A. CALIBO
SIQUIJOR, Aug 28 (PIA) -- Department of Science and Technology (DOST-7) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Siquijor encouraged furniture makers in the province to consider ‘Green” consumerism as one of the trends in making furniture products globally competitive and sustainable.
DOST-7 assistant regional director Engr. Jesus Zamora said local furniture makers should look into how their products are made to positively respond to environmental challenges in the advent of climate change while meeting the needs of consumers.
Zamora cited the increasing number of foreigners coming to the island, which he said is a big opportunity for furniture makers to consider especially that most of those opting to stay in the island are Europeans.
Zamora was one of the resource persons on “Green” consumerism during the seminar on Resource Efficient and Cleaner Production (RECP) for Small and Medium Entrepreneurs (SMEs) conducted in Siquijor recently.
Europeans are used to green products. They are very keen at how your products are made, he said as he urged them to follow the trend to be globally competitive and sustainable despite global warming.
Meeting their demands can also mean adapting to climate change which is a also a form of risk management, he said.
“Usba ang inyong mindest. (Change your mindset). Think of how you can improve your products and protect the environment at the same time at lower costs and keep it ready for the emerging markets in your island,” he added.
He warned the furniture makers to be relevant, “Kay basig magmata na lang mo lain na nga probinsya ang makabenefit sa inyo unta nga market.” (You might just wake up when you are no longer but other provinces are already benefitting from your market.)
According to Zamora, the trend for sustainable development despite global warming is now embracing the concept of green consumerism.
Sustainable development, he also quoted, is meeting the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Green consumerism is using organic products and those that are made of recyclable and biodegradable materials, and other practices that lead to resource efficiency, cleaner production, and or waste minimization.
Waste minimization, he added will lead to increased productivity, reduced operating costs, public health and environmental benefits, improved work and health safety, reduced risk of liability, improved corporate image and improved global competitiveness.
Discussing the economic and environmental impacts of the DOST's Resource Efficient and Cleaner Production (RECP), he said the program calls for a shift in attitude.
The new attitude should be that "Manufacturers accept responsibility for the pollution caused by their products from design to disposal," he concluded. (mbcn/RACalibo/PIA7-Siquijor)