Earlier today I was barely listening to my Prodman(Production Management) professor’s lecture. My mind was somewhere else as he continued to speak in front. My daydreaming was halted when snippets of what he was saying caught my wandering attention. He was sharing a story (in relation to the outsourcing topic we were covering) regarding factories that were being built near residential areas. He talked about some factories which were in the Bel-Air area (I’m not sure how its spelled so correct me if I’m wrong) before, and these factories emitted soot which stuck to the residents vehicles. After some time, no matter how much polishing they did the soot just wont budge off. The residents complained and thus the Lopez’ changed it into a shopping mall.
It wasn’t the mention of malls that caught my attention. It was the degradation of the environment, as well as its people, which industrialization has caused. I am not against industrialization, because it does generate employment for many of our fellow Filipinos here in the country. However, I am very much against the way industrialization is destroying the once clean environment we enjoyed.
Looking at developed nations, you can see that they are very much aware of these issues and are actively supporting campaigns on finding ways to conserve, preserve and restore the natural resources which have been neglected and abused. On the other hand, once these transnational companies leave their homeland and start expanding on developing nations they seem to not care at all about the pollution they create.
These big companies will not act unless we start criticizing and asking them to start changing their ways. They must learn to give back to the community and to the environment. I took a class called Cosores (Corporate Social Response) and I learned a lot from it. Its something really basic yet companies (especially when fighting over profits and market share) tend to forget.
Don’t tell me we can’t do anything because we can. If you’ve already tried talking to them about the cause and effects of their actions and practices and still didn’t receive a positive response, take another jab at it and go hit them where it hurts. Then they’ll surely start to notice. If we want these companies to change we must talk to them in terms they understand. Boycott their products and buy from their competitors who practice their corporate social responsibilities. Once they see those balance sheets turning red, market shares declining and products not leaving the shelves, they’d start listening.
Each of us has an obligation to the environment. We must replenish what we take to ensure that the next generations can still enjoy and benefit from our surroundings just as we do today.
Celebrate the environment. Join the “Blog Action Day” 
