BEKO Initiatives for Climate Change

In a product showcase done this evening, European brand BEKO told us how it is possible to use recycled materials, bio composites and detergent saving technologies on appliances. It is their company's contribution in order to rid of climate crisis, something we all can start at home.

Present during the occasion was Arcelik's CEO Hakan Bulgurlu and their CMO Zeynep Yalim Uzun. They also had their CCo Ragip Balcioglu discuss how it became their mission to do sustainability efforts in manufacturing their line of products in order to have a positive impact on the world we live in.

Arcelik's CEO Hakan Bulgurlu says "COVID has changed our lives in the past two years, but with science, we have been able to see the end of the tunnel. We have been doing a lot of work with our product range. By coming together, we are defeating COVID by science. The climate crisis also is a concern, so with this, we are also addressing it with science as well. The climate crisis is man made, we can overcome this too. We have reduced emissions, but we have to do more. Unless we do the necessary, we are not going to be in the right track. Respecting the world, respecting worldwide is our slogan. We want to reduce emissions by 30%. Products that consumers buy as it goes into homes also are included. Today, Arcelik will work tirelessly and stretch our goals over the coming months. Hopefully we can do this in all our value chain. We commit to have fuel, plastic, waste, water, become reduced as part of our goals. The green wave is coming, it's here and here to stay. It makes good business sense that you can do the right thing without costing much. We are doing this because we believe it brings us an opportunity for our business to create a new brand, especially when you want to be different compared to your competitors. I believe when we do this, we'll get ahead. It makes business sustainable. Appliances should use less energy, and be built with quality recycled materials. We have products that reflect this principle. We will apply this across the board including packaging, in almost all areas of our business, it's a long journey but we have to lead by example. We need to continue, so others will follow, so we can fight this challenge in climate crisis. The urgency is real, we need to act together. Every decision we make, this will be in our attention."

Brendan Edgerton the Director of World Business Council for Sustainable Development adds "Everything is connected, COVID is seen as a restart for all of us."

Ragip Balcioglu the CCO of Arcelik says "Regardless of how business starts, there is one thing consumers want. They want CHANGE. Everyone changed shopping habits during the pandemic. Arcelik has always been doing sustainability efforts for a number of years now. We are a leader in our industry, working with a vision to an entire ecosystem."

Zeynep Yalim Uzun the CMO of Arcelik says "We are aligned with our consumers sustainability goals. We have been developing products that make healthy living possible. We are commited in recycling, have energy efficient products that support sustainable living. This is what the consumer wants. It's great to see we are in the same page as this. Working towards a healthier planet, we need technologies that  lower carbon footprint. It's a great push for us, but we encourage other manufacturers to follow suit as well. We utilize AI, did videos that reached millions of people so more people can join our journey."

From washing machines, dryers, these things can use recyclable materials in order to create these appliances. They also do fishnets on plastic parts, including industrial threads waste and integrate it to plastic parts in the last two years. The company also use environmentally friendly materials in their Bio Cycle Refrigerators. They use bio plastics, with egg trays made from soybean oil, egg shells and other materials.

They have several campaigns that address obesity in the past like "Eat Like a Pro", and now evolved it to something that is more shifted to the attention to the community, and the world. They do "Healthy Living on a Healthy Planet". And I think that's a good thing to address.

Clean Hair, Confident You with Selsun Blue

 

I've had memories passing by the Selsun Blue plant while my Dad was driving back in the day. It was one of the things I loved to do, smelling it was like a habit because it was fresh, very manly, a thing that I adored when it comes to scents. I didn't quite understand why I couldn't see it quite often in groceries and supermarkets like it used to, but if you're a bit my age, you'll signify it as the most revered anti dandruff shampoo in the country. It was the solution for that flaky stuff people have in their hair, it was the only one at that time that could have solved it. Aside from that, they always had the iconic male stars model for it, much like a standard. It was because it works, and it was laboratory and clinically tested.

 Looks like they're back and available in the market. What's even more exciting is that they've got a whole line of products catering to different needs like the Selsun Blue PRO (which has got conditioning Honey Extract), Selsun Blue PRO 2-in-1 Anti Dandruff Shampoo with Conditioner (which removes dandruff and keeps it from coming back because of its Selenium Sulfide 1% content), and last but not the least, Selsun Blue PRO-X Anti Dandruff Shampoo (that restores hair and does scalp hydration). It's very soothing too because of a little menthol, you'll feel cool with it after your shower.

Now if you want to experience the goodness that is Selsun Blue, you can now get them at Watsons branches nationwide, and online on Shopee and Lazada. Just search for the Mentholatum store on these online shopping apps and you'll have these Selsun Blue delivered to your doorstep wherever you are in the Philippines (as long as people can ship there!). 

Getting your hair cleaned will basically make you more confident in front of other people, you don't have to worry about it after this.

LUIS MANZANO for Santé's Sweet Via

The Philippines sweetest host Luis Manzano just became the face for Sante's Sweet Via. For those who don't know, Santé has been known to manufacture products made from pure Barley grass and has diversified in supplements like Vitamin C, healthy beverage and snacks, bath and intimate care products, oral cleaning and skin care products. People have been raving about the quality of their goods and SWEET VIA is a welcome addition to the roster of their health products.

Luis has been in the industry since his Mom and Star for All Seasons Vilma Santos introduced him on her show decades ago. Shining in his own right, he's noted for his good work in hosting several game shows, entertainment programs and his amiable knack for comedy. His personality outshines stars of his generation, he's very likeable and is the perfect man for the job when you talk about health too. He works out almost everyday and keeps it a point to eat right especially these days when food is just a button away. He knows the value of keeping his body in check and balances it with fun and activity. Luis says "I've got a sweet tooth and it proved nearly impossible at times to enjoy things at home that are sweet and healthy. Now I prepare my own drinks and make desserts with Sweet Via. I also use this because it's all natural, and contains Stevia which is a natural sweetener and Inulin which is a soluble type of fiber. This boosts the immune system and also takes care of my digestive health as it's got probiotics too."

I loved how Luis also talked about his own experiences and shared details of his lifestyle during the event hosted by FTsukie Gomez  on Zoom a few days ago. His attitude towards health and how to make working out a fun experience was awesome as he shared little moments of his life with us online. He also taught us how he incorporates Sweet Via in drinks and food he consumes, to ultimately, make it part of his healthy lifestyle. He did a lot of small jokes in between, but never forget to inspire us, that's why Santé believes in Luis in the first place.

Sweet Via by Santé is available in leading drug stores, groceries, supermarkets, and online via Lazada and Shopee. I have personally used this for my coffee and tea. It has made me enjoy the things I have been loving even before I had diabetes. It's also a nice to know I could have food prepared with this in lieu of sugar which means I'd have options to go and have a healthier alternative than table sugar. It's also low in calories which makes it perfect for those who are maintaining their weight and watching their calorie count. It doesn't hurt to try something this good.

The Sweetest Thing with Diabetes

Life has changed dramatically when I learned I had diabetes. My family has a long history of having it so I kinda knew it was just going to be a few more years before I would have it. I've seen my family members have tough battles with it. I do know most of them carry around shots of insulin so they could live like a normal joe. If you're in our shoes, it's hard to go out and have fun with family and friends because lack of it would pretty much make you experience fatigue, you would rather just lay around all day in bed than interact with your cute nieces and nephews. Aside from that, you can't travel much because you would often feel the need to urinate even if you don't need to and sometimes, get even more sick internally because you didn't manage your diabetes properly.

Yes, I'm so glad I'm managing mine quite well with the guidance of my endocrinologist who's also busy spreading her expertise here and around the globe. I make sure to watch what I eat (although that burger last night was not counted). I also think of it in a certain way – that if you take in a lot of sugar and it gets into your blood, it will eventually cause problems in different parts of your body. Obviously, it will pass through your heart, kidneys, eyes and your brain. When it damages parts of it, it could cause organ failure which would not be a good thing. I also take time to explain to my younger cousins, my nephews and nieces that this too could happen to them. These days, if I need to eat out or order food, I take time to look at the ingredients closely. I’m also so conscious about the nutrition labels on food when I go and get groceries to replenish our pantry. I also drank a lot of sodas in the past, but now if it’s not 4g or below per serving, I would think twice or just revert to my iced water if I get cravings. I also often drink carbonated water so I get the fizz of regular drinks I get but without the sugar and added ingredients that are bad for me.

The key is in moderation, to regularly see the doctor so they can tell you if your laboratory results are improving. Also, there have been tons of strides made in the development of insulin (second generation) which can have longer durations of action, and insulins that can address a variety of conditions and different types of patients. These products are also available for delivery, which is very convenient during the pandemic. Watsons (also Watsons Delivery that does insulin delivery). In the past, it would have been difficult to acquire it but we’ve seen the importance of insulin to be administered in a timely manner or else, it wouldn’t stabilize glucose levels in the bloodstream and cause hypoglycemia.

I realized how important it is for people to have access to medicine so we could live our lives as normal as possible. Even if we’re in this condition, we have the capability and become the best versions of ourselves out there. As you can see, it takes a whole town to manage what I have and I’m glad people are helping. From family members, to friends who refer you to the best doctors, to the company that produces the insulin and took the extra mile to get it to this patient who only wants to be as normal as possible. They’re in the best position to help, and they’re doing it. I’m just thankful to see they care about me, and my health. It is the sweetest, and for that, I’m grateful!  

For more information on second-generation insulin and diabetes management, you can watch the webisode series for lifestyle diseases, Health Speak, in this link https://www.instagram.com/p/CPaQ6nAhVpT/