More Than Just Recycling: Sustainability, Simplified (Thanks, BDO!)

     You hear the word everywhere: on climate reports, corporate mission statements, even beside the vegan options at your favorite café. And if you’ve always thought “sustainability” simply meant sorting your trash or skipping plastic straws, you’re not alone. For the longest time, my mind also jumped straight to recycling bins, scary news headlines, or complicated UN documents.

     But here’s what changed everything: Sustainability isn’t just a huge global issue happening somewhere far away. It’s a core value woven into how we live today and how we protect the future. After attending BDO’s “Sustainability in Focus” Virtual Learning Workshop, my mom-brain finally landed on the simplest, clearest definition: Sustainability is the commitment to being a good ancestor. It’s asking ourselves one life-shaping question: “How can we thrive right now without taking away the resources that belong to our children and grandchildren?” Find out the answers after the jump!

More Than Just Recycling: Sustainability, Simplified (Thanks, BDO!)

     This workshop brought together experts who helped us understand sustainability in ways that felt real, accessible, and doable from the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), to BDO’s own sustainability efforts, to how we can effectively spark positive change on social media.

Understanding the SDGs

     Thanks to UP-CIFAL Philippines, led by Communications Officer Elle David, we got a deep dive straight to the heart of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The GOAL is simple: Understand the 17 goals and achieve them by 2030!

More Than Just Recycling: Sustainability, Simplified (Thanks, BDO!)

The SDGs rest on five core pillars, known as the 5 P’s:

• People – A world free from poverty and hunger, where everyone lives with dignity.
• Prosperity – Progress that uplifts communities without harming the environment.
• Planet – Caring for our climate and natural resources for future generations.
• Peace – Creating fair, safe, and inclusive societies.
• Partnership – Working together because these challenges are too big for anyone to face alone.

More Than Just Recycling: Sustainability, Simplified (Thanks, BDO!)

     Suddenly, sustainability didn’t feel intimidating. It felt human, practical and shared. It’s not just about how many trees we plant, it’s about fairness, teamwork, and long-term thinking.

The Philippines Is Moving Forward And Fast

     The Sustainable Development Report 2025 brought good news: the Philippines is one of the fastest-improving countries in the world. Since 2015, we’ve climbed +8.6 points, rising from the 98th to the 87th spot. This steady progress proves one thing: When we align policies, projects, and everyday decisions with the SDGs, real change happens. And this momentum is worth celebrating and strengthening.

From Awareness to Action: How We Can Use the SDGs Ourselves

     The workshop didn’t stop at the “why.” It empowered us with a simple, practical framework anyone can use for SDG-driven projects:

• Dig Deep Into the Problem – Identify root causes, not just symptoms.
• Set a Goal with Heart – Align your project with an SDG and define a clear objective.
• Brainstorm Solutions – Think creative, realistic, community-centered ideas.
• Develop an Action Plan – Organize your timeline, partners, and resources.
• Evaluate and Learn – Review honestly and adjust for long-term impact.

Sustainable development doesn’t demand a big budget, just compassion, clarity, and commitment.

BDO’s Stand on Sustainability: More Than Banking

     BDO’s Head of Sustainability, Marla Garin-Alvarez, shared eye-opening insights including the fact that the Philippines ranks #1 on the WorldRiskIndex. Scary? Yes. But that’s why major institutions need to step up and BDO is doing exactly that.

More Than Just Recycling: Sustainability, Simplified (Thanks, BDO!)

Here’s how:

1. ESG: Their Guiding Compass BDO measures every initiative using three pillars:

• E – Environmental: Shifting to cleaner energy
• S – Social: Fair jobs, community programs, and people-centered policies
• G – Governance: Ethical leadership and transparency

More Than Just Recycling: Sustainability, Simplified (Thanks, BDO!)

2. Big Investments in a Better Future BDO is putting money where it matters most:

• ₱1.04 trillion invested in clean energy projects since 2010
• First-ever Blue Bond in Southeast Asia for clean water and ocean protection
• Investments in green buildings and clean transport
• Over 62,000 jobs created or supported, improving access to food, housing, and community services

More Than Just Recycling: Sustainability, Simplified (Thanks, BDO!)

     These aren’t just corporate milestones they’re proof that big businesses can uplift communities, strengthen the economy, and protect the planet at the same time.

Communicating Sustainability Online 

     Journalist and content producer Malou Talosig-Bartolome brought the workshop home with a powerful truth: Sustainability becomes real when ordinary people talk about it.

More Than Just Recycling: Sustainability, Simplified (Thanks, BDO!)

     Filipinos spend nearly four hours a day online. And surprisingly, it’s the nano creators (1,000–10,000 followers) who have the strongest engagement because their content feels genuine. She emphasized that simple actions can spark meaningful conversations:

• Using reusable bags
• Buying local produce
• Saving water
• Choosing to bike or walk

More Than Just Recycling: Sustainability, Simplified (Thanks, BDO!)

     Malou also reminded us that complex topic like carbon footprints or climate change become easier through:

• Analogies
• Storytelling
• Visual examples
• Real-life scenarios

     And above all, our tone matters. Effective sustainability content is authentic, approachable, and empowering. But it must also be responsible: fact-checked, well-sourced, and never greenwashed. The workshop also highlighted inspiring Filipino eco-champions like Anna Oposa, Carlo Delantar, and Elaine Abonal, proving that our own communities are full of innovators making a difference.

More Than Just Recycling: Sustainability, Simplified (Thanks, BDO!)

Walking Together Toward a More Sustainable Tomorrow

     The BDO workshop wasn't just a lecture; it was a powerful reminder that sustainability is deeply personal and it's about our family's future. It means making smart, intentional choices every day like supporting businesses that choose clean energy or simply saving water so that our kids and grandkids can inherit a world just as beautiful, healthy, and full of opportunity as the one we have today. This isn't a solo task, either! The greener, more inclusive future we want isn't built overnight, but through a shared commitment, strengthened when businesses, educators, creators, and everyday Filipinos all move together with purpose. We build that future together one small choice, one responsible story, and one sustainable habit at a time.