The recent onslaught of typhoons Ondoy, Pepeng and Santi in Luzon have brought to the fore the vulnerability of the environment and its inhabitants not only to nature’s wrath but also to human abuse and neglect of the environment. The disasters drove home the point that there is an urgent necessity for individuals, groups and organizations both public and private to work together towards a sustainable environment.

Fully aware of this necessity, SM has once again organized a Green Retail Agenda for SM business retailers to learn how to actively participate in its sustainability program. This conference was held recently at the SMX Convention Center Hall 3, Mall of Asia.

SM Prime Holdings, Inc. and SM Supermalls hold its Green Retail Agenda every year to promote awareness among business partners on the need to help with environment concerns and encourage them to transform their businesses and “go green.” This means they have to actively get involved in the overall effort at sustainability.

Today’s trend in the retail industry has focused not only on being profitable but also on being responsible to the environment so that it is protected and preserved for generations to come. This is what constitutes sustainability.

The SM Environment Committee put together an interesting array of topics with the keynote speaker, UK Ambassador Stephen Lillie, discussing a worldwide environmental action in Copenhagen.

Inspirational talk from environment advocates coming from a wide spectrum – for instance, AFP Deputy Chief of Staff Emilio Marayag talked about the AFP role in environmental protection while actress Chin-Chin Gutierrez, Founding Chair and President of Alaga LAHAT, talked about healing the earth.