The Plastic Portfolio: Understanding the Materials That Shape Modern Life
Plastics changed how the world makes things. Thanks to polymer science, we turned hydrocarbons into strong, flexible materials that replaced glass, metal, wood, and fabric. Now, plastics are everywhere — from packaging and clothing to buildings and hospitals. But they don’t break down easily. Once thrown away, plastics stick around in landfills, oceans, and even […]
Beyond Plastic: How Plastic Waste Fuels Floods, Disease, and Economic Loss in the Philippines
Every monsoon season, the Philippines braces for floods. Streets turn into rivers, homes are submerged, and economic activity grinds to a halt. But behind the rising waters lies a less visible culprit: plastic. From Metro Manila to Cebu and Davao, the country’s drainage systems are routinely overwhelmed—not just by rain, but by the sheer volume […]
Beyond Plastic: The Hidden Health Risks of Ingesting or Inhaling Plastic
Every day, without even realising it, we are ingesting and inhaling plastic. From the water we drink to the air we breathe, tiny plastic particles—called microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics—are quietly entering our bodies. But what does this mean for our health? Scientific research is uncovering alarming evidence: these invisible invaders can cause damage across nearly every […]
Beyond Plastic: How the Philippines Can Recycle Campaign Posters After the 2025 Elections
Every three years, the Philippines transforms into a vibrant canvas of political slogans, smiling candidate portraits, and bold-coloured banners. While campaign posters play a crucial role in democratic participation, they often become an environmental burden once election day ends. In 2025, as the dust settles from another national vote, the country is once again faced […]
Green Antz – Building a Green Future Together
The Green Antz team recently partnered with Colgate-Palmolive to build a new handwashing station in Quezon City. Made using GA’s own eco-bricks and sustainable ‘greenite’ materials, the installation provides an excellent opportunity for residents to stay safe and healthy by keeping their hands clean. Arowana Impact Capital supports Green Antz in its commitment to creating […]
Beyond Plastic: How the Philippines’ EPR Law is Reshaping Corporate Waste Responsibility
Imagine strolling along a pristine Philippine shoreline, only to find it littered with plastic waste. This disheartening scene has become all too common in an archipelago renowned for its natural beauty. The Philippines has grappled with a mounting plastic pollution crisis, exacerbated by limited waste management infrastructure and a prevalent “sachet economy“—where products are sold […]
Pioneering a Greener Future: 10 Sustainable Alternatives to Plastic Packaging
Plastic packaging has long been a staple in our daily lives, but its environmental repercussions are becoming increasingly evident. From polluting oceans to endangering wildlife, the negative impacts of single-use plastics are undeniable. In response, a growing movement towards sustainable alternatives is gaining momentum. People are starting to use other packaging materials that are not […]
Embracing Circularity: Addressing Waste Management Challenges in the Philippines through Circular Economy
The Philippines is making strides toward adopting the principles of a circular economy, an economic model designed to minimise waste and maximise resource efficiency. The transition toward circularity is a response to growing environmental concerns and the recognition of economic opportunities offered by this innovative approach. In this edition of Embracing Circularity, we shine the […]
Beyond Plastic: The Next Steps in Solving the Microplastics Crisis
The invisible threat of microplastics demands our urgent attention and a collective response. Tackling this issue requires innovation and a concerted effort. As we work to detect and collect these tiny pollutants, our strategies must be adaptive, technologically advanced, and deeply rooted in environmental stewardship. From pioneering new technologies to engaging communities in citizen science, […]
Unmasking the 10 Most Common Types of Plastic Pollution
Plastic pollution is an omnipresent threat to our planet’s ecosystems, from the depths of the oceans to the highest mountain peaks. The versatility and convenience of plastics have led to their widespread use in almost every aspect of our lives. However, this convenience comes at a significant cost as plastic waste continues to accumulate in […]