Mindanaotoday.com | DTI MisOcc conducts sustainable consumerism online forum
By: Shaine Mae Nagtalon
MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL – In celebration of Consumer Welfare Month, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Misamis Occidental led a virtual forum to discuss sustainable consumerism in the digital age on October 25.
“Digitalization and sustainability are currently hot topics for policy makers and practitioners. So for us in DTI, it is our direction set by our Secretary Alfredo Pascual to optimize digitalization in the processes of our clients and even at the office,” DTI Provincial Director Jane Marie Tabucan said.
She said not all digitization contributes to the creation of sustainable value. Some forms of digitalization accelerate consumption and inequalities and worsen growth patterns that further reach the planetary boundaries.
Meanwhile, Kyrien Jewel Janeena Tabucan, assistant product manager of Alibaba International Trade and Development and environmental advocate, discussed the role of consumers in the awareness of consumer rights and responsibilities in the digital age, especially with the surge in online shopping.
“I really hope people will look to technology more, not only as a form of entertainment but also as a crucial source of information. As a consumer, shifting to online platforms has certainly made things easier, and, of course because it’s easier, it’s become more convenient,” Tabucan said.
She reminded the consumers to act on environmental issues, to be aware of the need to minimize the adverse impact of their consumption on the environment, and to influence others to also be environmentally aware consumers.
“The main goals are to minimize waste, practice minimalism, and look through all alternatives. We can have different ways of impacting and different ways of making changes for the betterment of our climate,” Tabocan said.”
She also shared the goal of fulfilling consumers’ basic needs while preserving and protecting the planet. Fulfill Zero Waste promotes sustainable living by utilizing recyclable materials and eliminating single-use plastics.
“Being a sustainable consumer is a very personal decision, which I hope everyone will consciously make the decision and choose to be one every day from now on,” she added. (SMRN | PIA-10 | Misamis Occidental)
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