5. Krie Reyes-Lopez and Candy Reyes
Who they are: Looks like green consciousness runs in the family. Krie Reyes-Lopez is the brain behind Messy Bessy, a local line of environment-friendly cleaning products, while her sister Candy Reyes leads the Pedala Bike Messengers, a pollution-free delivery service.
Eco-warrior tactic: Because of a lack of local alternatives to cleaning products, Lopez created Messy Bessy after a rigorous hunt for suppliers and chemists. Launched in 2007, the non-toxic, natural and biodegradable cleaning agents became bazaar hits, and are now available in malls, organic stores and markets. The bestsellers include the first products she made herself: the Minty Orange Surface Cleaner and Eucalyptus All-Purpose Scrub. Lopez also formed HOUSE (Helping Ourselves Through Sustainable Enterprises), which helps disadvantaged kids like the formerly abused girls who reside in Virlanie Foundation's Elizabeth House. These girls are welcome to work for Messy Bessy.
Meanwhile, Lopez' sister Candy Reyes, a UP Mountaineer, thought Messy Bessy's delivery service should be just as eco-conscious as the brand so she came up with Pedala Bike Messengers. Aside from leaving almost no carbon footprints, the courier service prides its same-day pickup and delivery option. The riders range from athletes to business owners and former couriers, serving big and small business, and eco-conscious groups and individuals.
Reyes says: "I just can't sit idly and not do anything for the environment when I can feel the effects of its degradation every day. Pedala lets me do my share and allows me to give others a chance to help save the planet too, one delivery at a time. My hope for now is simply to just have more bikes on our streets."
Lopez says: "I think people should start understanding that environmental consciousness is more than just something cool to have; it's really simply the commonsensical way to go, nothing more."
6. Chit Juan, Jeannie Javelosa and Reena Francisco
Who they are: Restaurant and cafe expert Reena Francisco, writer-artist Jeannie Javelosa and marketing specialist Chit Juan came together to form ECHOStore (ECHO stands for Environment & Community Hope Organization), a line of retail stores that carry organic and locally sourced products.
Eco-warrior tactic: Espousing sustainable lifestyle, the trio put up ECHOstore to connect those that can provide and those that hunt for healthier and eco-friendly alternatives. It brings products from the provinces like wild honey from Ifugao to Manila, and at the same time, helps provide income for indigenous and marginalized communities. Their products range from food and supplements to body care products and fashion accessories.
Under ECHOstore are yoga wellness program ECHOyoga, product design and development program ECHOdesign Lab, and mentoring program ECHOteach, among others.
Francisco says: "Environmental apathy in this day and age is borne out of simple ignorance. With political will of a strong and intelligent leadership in the Philippines, we can still reverse any damage that occurred in our land... If everyone does their share, I believe the Philippines can be a nature haven someday."
Juan says: "I think we are positively moving towards a more eco-friendly future. The awareness for going green has started to pick up and I know the Philippines will soon be one of the top green places in the world!"
Javelosa says: "[In five years,] I see a people taking responsibility in the little acts of daily life to bring green awareness to actions both personal and collaborative. I see a responsible government trying its best to inspire the people toward ecologically sound living since there would be no other direction to take as Mother Earth will speak even louder than she does now."
