By Charles E. Buban
Inquirer

IF a carmaker would like to celebrate a milestone in its corporate history, it would usually roll out a special edition of its top-selling model.

These days, however, carmakers would instead hold an activity or a program that usually pertains to caring for the environment.

Such an act may seem ironic considering emissions from vehicles these carmakers produce are often cited as among the major sources of air pollution and thus, a major public health issue.

Improving awareness

“It’s no longer just producing vehicles and engines that have the least impact on the environment, a car company should also help in improving public awareness,” explained Isuzu Philippines Corp. president Keiji Takeda.

This is why IPC organizes events like fuel economy runs as well as the greening of premiere parks in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao under a park conservation campaign that has become the company’s project whenever it celebrates its anniversary.

“If the public is more aware of why they should be more environmentally conscious, they would be able to appreciate the things the company is doing with its vehicle product offerings,” he said.

Up-to-date

In the case of car giant Toyota it’s all about being up-to-date to the current state-of-the-art environmental practices.

Indeed, Toyota Philippines has shown examples of how it’s possible to incorporate sustainable practices into large-scale manufacturing facilities and provide a healthy environment for employees.

Recently, the company announced it has acquired a “busted fluorescent lamp eater” or a crusher that forms an integral part of a company-wide environmental management system to make busted fluorescent lamps acceptable for glass recycling or fit for sanitary landfills.

Processed

It needs to be processed thoroughly because fluorescent lamps contains mercury, a poisonous substance (so toxic that a teaspoon of this could contaminate an 81,000-square-meter lake forever).

Exposure to high levels of mercury could make children potentially at risk for learning disabilities, motor skill impairment and short-term memory loss.

“Indeed, carmakers are exploring new terrain here but the good thing about this campaign is that it does not really end here. Our children and our children’s children will surely reap the benefits of having healthy environment for more decades to come,” Takeda said.