In a collective effort to promote sustainable environmental practices, the Youth Council of Ecolodians (YCE) participated in and co-facilitated two major initiatives in support of responsible electronic waste (e-waste) management within the university community.
On 1 August 2025, YCE joined Smart Communications, Inc., Saint Louis University (SLU), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – EMB-CAR, and the City Government of Baguio in the launch of a Sustainability Campaign aimed at raising awareness on the harmful effects of hazardous electronic waste and the importance of adopting eco-friendly disposal habits. The campaign, officially marked by the unveiling of the e-waste bin at the Diego Silang lobby, SLU Main Campus, encouraged students and employees to properly dispose of outdated gadgets, worn-out cables, and unused electronics. Smart emphasized that collected items would be recycled, repurposed, or remanufactured to reduce pollution and recover valuable materials — a move aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being, SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, SDG 13: Climate Action, and SDG 17: Partnership for the Goals, as well as SLU’s commitment to the CICM Value of Integrity of Creation.
Following this, YCE partnered with the City Environment and Parks Management Office (CEPMO) to spearhead an E-Waste Collection Drive held at the Office of Student Affairs and Services (OSAS). The event gathered e-waste donations from students, faculty, and staff, with a total of 39.4 kilograms of electronics collected. YCE also assisted in the segregation of the items prior to their official turnover to CEPMO. The collected e-waste was transported to a designated waste treatment facility in Bakakeng Central, where it will undergo safe dismantling and processing to prevent the release of toxic chemicals into the environment.
To ensure continuity of this campaign, the e-waste bin was later transferred to the SLU Sacred Heart Medical Center, expanding the reach of the advocacy and making disposal more accessible to the wider university community.
Through these back-to-back initiatives, YCE reaffirms its commitment to environmental stewardship, serving as a catalyst for student-led action in addressing global environmental challenges. The campaign not only strengthened institutional partnerships but also fostered greater awareness of the role each individual plays in advancing sustainability and protecting our shared environment. (Article and photos by SLU YCE)
