There are alarming figures on pollution. According to National Geographic, 99% of the world's population breathes unhealthy levels of fine particulate nitrogen dioxide; This is caused by air pollution. In addition, the World Meteorological Organization indicates that the last six years from 2016 to 2022 have been the warmest recorded since 1880, due to global warming. Also, the newspaper El Mundo comments that in 2050 there will be an increase in water resources of 50 %, which may probably cause 40 % of the population to suffer from water scarcity. Negative practices with the planet such as: the burning of fossil fuels, oil/gas extraction, inadequate waste management, and ocean pollution generate serious consequences on the planet, which is why sustainability is important. Below, we present more about sustainability, its types, importance, the Ekos Triple Impact Company recognition that we received in 2020 and the new recycling project that is managed at BMI.
Let's talk about sustainability and sustainable companies
Sustainability is a term that, according to BBVA, implies ensuring the needs of the present without compromising the needs of future generations, protecting the environment, having a balance between economic and social development. In Ecuador, companies recognize the importance of sustainability, that is why during 2023, there was recognition from the consulting firm YPSILOM to select the 30 most sustainable companies, demonstrating that positive changes are happening in our country, which lead us to A better future.
What types of sustainability exist?
BBVA indicates that there are three types of sustainability:
- Environmental sustainability: It involves the efficient management of natural resources to allow their preservation.
- Economic sustainability: It occurs when a population is able to manage its resources responsibly, without affecting the environment or society.
- Social sustainability: Its objective is to strengthen the relationship between individuals, so that they are inclusive, empowered and grow economically.
Why is sustainability important?
According to Sigma Earth, sustainability is essential due to different factors such as:
- Preserving the environment
Currently, the planet faces serious problems as mentioned above. With sustainability it is possible to have responsible management of resources in order to preserve flora and fauna for present and future generations.
- Promote social equity and justice
Sustainability is not only based on the environment. In fact, it transcends the social sphere, because it can contribute to: reducing gaps in access to natural resources (access to water, energy, mineral resources), as well as medical resources, which refers to the significant differences in the availability and quality of medical care, encourage gender equality, promote fair labor practices, and promote compliance with workers' rights.
- Promotes people's well-being
The United Nations communicates that healthy people are the foundation of healthy economies. Sustainability also aims to resolve health challenges, facilitate medical access to all people, provide reproductive, maternal, adolescent and child health services, and protect vulnerable populations.
BMI Ecuador recycling project
Recycling is one of the pillars of the circular economy and sustainable development. Recycling reduces the amount of waste that ends up in landfills, conserves resources, decreases greenhouse gas emissions and more, according to Ekos.
BMI, being a responsible company committed to sustainability, has a recycling project that contributes to society by saving resources. An initiative that applies the three “Rs”, recycle, reuse, reuse to have adequate waste management. In addition, this proposal provides support to social organizations that take care of the health of those who need it.
The project had its roots during 2020, a time of pandemic in which BMI began a digital transformation process to reduce the consumption of organizational resources. In this way, it was possible to have lower energy consumption and reduce the use of printed materials. Ekos recognized this proposal and recognized us as a Triple Impact Company during this same year, and indicated: “In recent years, BMI has led the initiative to integrate new technologies and promote a global cultural change in its human team, in order to optimize its work processes and the work performance of all its audiences. A recognition that encouraged us to continue working for the environment.
Later in 2022, BMI decides to start its BMI Run4Health race, a race that promotes well-being by promoting sports and that has a social cause because it supports organizations that take care of the health of those who need it most.
The initiative continues in 2023, with a social cause, plastic lids were collected, to instead deliver food supplements to children and adolescents suffering from cancer from the Ser Feliz Foundation. If you want to know more about this topic, visit the following link: https://www.bmicos.com/ecuador/blog/bmi-en-busca-de-un-mundo-mas-sostenible/
During May 2024, he started his project focused on environmental and social sustainability, called “Yo Reciclo”, an initiative that supports the Hermano Miguel Foundation, located in Quito, an organization that cares for patients who have some type of disability. BMI provides recyclable products so that they can sell them and thus obtain financial resources, which will be used to provide people with disabilities to provide them with physical or speech therapies and provide them with prostheses. In addition, training on recycling was carried out for BMI employees, to motivate them to be part of this ambitious project and thus raise awareness.
In conclusion, sustainability is an important tool to conserve the environment. In addition, it serves to promote fair and equitable social practices. The alarming figures about the current and upcoming situation of the planet should be a call to practice more responsible and conscious habits. The BMI recycling project is an example of how to contribute to this cause, reducing waste and generating a positive social impact. Sustainability not only invites us to rethink our present actions, but also to ensure a sustainable future for future generations.
