DTI MisOcc conducts sustainable consumerism forum via zoom

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Misamis Occidental conducts the sustainable consumerism in the digital age via zoom on October 25, 2022.(DTI- Misamis Occidental)

In celebration of Consumer Welfare Month, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Misamis Occidental led a virtual forum to discuss sustainable consumerism in the digital age, October 25.

“Digitalization and sustainability are currently hot topics for policy makers and practitioners. So for us in DTI, it is our direction set by our Secretary Alfredo Pascual to optimize digitalization in the processes of our clients and even at the office,” DTI Provincial Director Jane Marie Tabucan said.

She also said that not all digitization contributes to the creation of sustainable value, some forms of digitalization accelerate consumption and inequalities and worsen growth patterns that further reach the planetary boundaries.

Meanwhile, Assistant Product Manager of Alibaba International Trade and Development and Environmental advocate Kyrien Jewel Janeena L. Tabucan discussed the role of the consumers in the awareness of consumer rights and responsibilities in the digital age especially with the surge of the trend in online shopping.

"I really hope people would look to technology more not only as a form of entertainment but also as a crucial source of information. As a consumer, shifting to online platforms has certainly made things easier magnificently and of course because it's easier it's become more convenient,’’ Kyrien Jewel Janeena L. Tabucan said.

Tabucan reminded the consumers to act on environmental issues, to be aware of the need to minimize the adverse impact of their consumption on the environment, and to influence others to be also environmentally aware consumers.

“The main goals are to minimize waste, practice minimalism and look through all alternatives. We can have different ways of impacting and different ways of making changes for the betterment of our climate,’’ Tabucan said.

She also shared the goal to fulfill consumers’ basic needs while preserving and protecting the planet. Fulfill Zero Waste promotes sustainable living by utilizing recyclable materials and eliminating single-use plastics.

“Being a sustainable consumer is a very personal decision which I hope everyone of us will consciously make the decision and choose to be one everyday from now on ,” she added. (SMRN/PIA-10/Misamis Occidental)