Most Dabawenyos cringe at the thought of going green for fear that it would make them spend more than what they intend to. The general perception is that going green is an expensive task. On the contrary, going green can even earn you money,
Going green is actually the street lingo for any activity that will help reduce carbon footprint and protect the environment from further degradation. If greening the earth is not enough motivation for you to resort to environment-friendly methods and processes, then for sure, earning extra income will be a big push.
Councilor Leo Avila, chair of the council committee on environment, said the local government, specifically the City Council, has put into place various ordinances aimed to encourage Dabawenyos to become environment-friendly. Among these are the Organic Farming, Rainwater Harvesting, Solid Waste Management, and the Watershed Code.
Here are some sectors of society who can earn more money, even become richer, by going green:
Large investors
Large companies whose primary goal is to make more profits from their companies are among the winners when it comes to making money out of going green. The passage of Republic Act 9513 or the Renewable Energy Act of 2008 provides incentives to investors that will put money on renewable energy facilities. The Development Bank of the Philippines has prepared a P50 billion fund to support the energy bill. Investors who will pour in money for renewable energy development are set to get a seven year income tax holiday, 10% corporate income tax, tax-free carbon credits that will be generated and a 1.5% realty tax cap on the cost of equipment and facilities used to produce renewable energy.
Households
Households can also earn extra income by going green, and that’s not only because of the savings they can get out of power and water bills. Those who take some time to segregate their waste into biodegradables and non-biodegradables can make money by selling used bottles, plastics, PET bottles, even papers. The biodegradable waste can be used as raw materials for creating vermicompost, which can then be sold to gardeners and fellow planters as fertilizers. Old and unused computer monitors, printers and keyboards can be sold in the various Waste Markets being held by SM City Mall and even NCCC Mall on a regular basis.
Home-based entrepreneurs
A backyard garden planted with vegetables like talong, ampalaya, tomatoes and similar commodities will not only keep your pantry full. It also provides an opportunity for you to go into a home-based business selling your home-grown vegetables to your neighbors, or even to the public in general. Sell your products during bazaars or even online to friends who want organic vegetables.
Non-government organizations
Among the very first to take advantage of the new recycling technologies made available to Dabawenyos are women’s groups and non government organizations. Take for example the women’s group known as Katakus or Kababayen-an Alang sa Teknolohiya nga Haum sa Kina-iyahan ug Kauswagan, which has managed to recycle durian husk into export-quality special papers, lampshades and photo albums among others. [Lovely A. Carillo]
The Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. is also very active in providing recycling and environment-friendly programs for women as well as for small and medium entrepreneurs.
Going green can be your contribution to Mother Nature. However, it is also possible to be a responsible Dabawenyo by going green, but still earn money in the process.
