The zero-waste store at the First Balfour office aims to help employees lessen the use of plasticFirst Balfour, in partnership with Eco Hotels Philippines, officially launched its zerowaste store in its corporate office in Parañaque City on November 21.

As a much bigger First Balfour Zero Hero initiative, the zerowaste store aims to push against single-use plastics through the use of refillable containers.

Launched in 2016, First Balfour Zero Hero is an environmental awareness campaign aimed at challenging employees to give back to the environment by reducing their carbon footprint. While its banner project, the #StuffItChallenge, proved to be a huge success, this next step is aimed at reducing the use of plastics instead of repurposing plastic wastes into ecobricks.

The zero-waste store was opened to encourage employees and their families and friends to avoid using sachets and singleuse plastics, which normally end up in oceans and landfills as plastic wastes.

A much better alternative would be having refillable containers, such as those sold at the zero-waste store, for organic bathroom essentials including shampoos, conditioners, bath gels and lotions. Each costs P99 for every 250 ml. bottle.

“We’re so proud that we’re finally here. We are eco warriors at Eco Hotel and you are Zero Heroes [in First Balfour]. So as Eco Warriors and Zero Heroes, we just ‘volted’ in and now we have this very exciting superpower to fight for sustainability and fight against climate change,” said Eco Hotel PR manager Aym Bagatsing.

Known for its environment-friendly hotels, Eco Hotel Philippines launched the country’s first zero-waste store at Spaces in Legazpi Village, Makati. First Balfour is Eco Hotel’s first zero-waste store partner. (Story/Photos by: Dolly Pasia-Ramos)