Written by makesense

In the first year of NOYPI, we worked with eager volunteers and sari-sari store owners to launch a citizen-led research program. After weeks of speaking with 116 sari-sari stores across 15 provinces, we found invaluable insights to make sure any proposed solutions were grounded in the realities faced by everyday Filipinos.

Here’s a snapshot of our insights:

  • Positive practices: Nearly half of sari-sari store owners are already practicing sustainability, such as reusing or upcycling materials.
  • Challenges:
    • Implementing refill systems and the decline of informal waste collectors pose significant obstacles.
    • Many sari-sari store owners are unfamiliar with refill systems and alternative packaging.
    • Store owners often rely on brand recognition and attractive packaging to attract customers, which can make them hesitant to adopt new approaches.
  • Recommended solutions:
    • Understanding the specific needs of both store owners and their customers.
    • Providing targeted training and resources to help store owners understand the benefits of elimination solutions and develop the skills necessary to implement them effectively.
  • Openness to change: Despite these challenges, most store owners are eager to adopt new waste reduction initiatives with appropriate support.

For more in-depth data, you can read the full report here.

These insights revealed the immense potential for sari-sari stores to serve as community mobilizers for sustainability efforts. With over 51.7% of store owners open to experimenting with new solutions, NOYPI recognized the importance of providing capacity-building workshops and resources to empower them. This finding laid the foundation for future partnerships, initiatives, and pilot programs that NOYPI would develop.

By involving communities and understanding their needs, we gained crucial data to inform our strategy and develop initiatives that are both sustainable and scalable. This report has become a cornerstone of NOYPI’s systems-change approach, as we work to co-create solutions with local communities, businesses, and policymakers.

Additionally, what made this research groundbreaking was its citizen-led approach. Volunteers from across the country, empowered through workshops and tools provided by the NOYPI team, conducted surveys that gave a voice to sari-sari store owners.

This collective effort enabled us to understand not just the plastic waste problem, but the local dynamics and practices influencing consumer behavior.

As we continue to achieve our vision, we invite anyone interested in a plastic-free Philippines to join us in scaling these solutions! Schedule a call with us to see how we can collaborate to reduce plastic in our country.