Avon Philippines GM Mike Gudgin leads in the tree-planting activity at the La Mesa Ecopark. (Photo by RUDY LIWANAG)

Can planting a tree stop the sea level from rising, the ice caps from melting and hurricanes from intensifying? Not entirely. But it is a good start. It can make a difference.

The Amazon Rainforest covers over a billion acres, encompassing areas in Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay. Known as the “lungs of the earth”, it produces more than 20 percent of the world’s oxygen. Presently, only seven percent of its rainforest remains. This area has the highest impact on climate change. And climate change, one of the greatest threats to the planet, shows no sign of slowing down.

As part of its efforts to fight climate change and support the conservation of the environment, direct-selling make-up brand, Avon has recently launched Hello Green Tomorrow (HGT), an eco-awareness campaign to raise funds and drive environmental education in more than 65 countries including the Philippines.

The campaign started with a $1- million donation to the Nature Conservancy for the replanting of 1 million trees in the Atlantic Rainforest. Here in the Philippines, Avon made a commitment to support ABS-CBN’s Bantay Kalikasan’s reforestation project in La Mesa Ecopark by promoting the 5Rs of Green Action (Replant, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Rethink).

“This campaign aims to make a significant awareness of the present state of nature and motivate people to make simple and doable steps to help save the environment. By engaging millions of people locally to support this tree planting initiative, we will create a positive impact on the earth and help ensure a better world for future generations,” said Mike Gudgin, Avon Philippines general manager.

But planting a tree is only the beginning. Change starts from every individual and a single act of kindness to Mother Earth goes a long way. Walking or riding a bike when going to nearby places reduces carbon monoxide, using recycling and using reusable products, and even by unplugging electronics when not in use.

With Avon’s “green army” of sales representatives, spreading the word for a greener living is relatively feasible.

“The role of the Avon ladies in this endeavor will be two parts: first is to get support for planting trees all over the Philippines from their customers; and then secondly to help educate customers and everybody else in the population about the 5Rs, about looking after the planet, and doing the right thing to save the environment,” said Gudgin.

Also, the company engaged its representatives to support fund raising efforts by selling Hello Green Tomorrow reusable bags to their customers for only R39.00. Net proceeds will go to the reforestation project of ABS-CBN’s Bantay Kalikasan in La Mesa.