Innovation

Reef Picks, situated in Isla Verde, Batangas, addresses SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water) through its innovative approach to business. For SDG 11, Reef Picks is crucial in fostering sustainable urban and community development in Isla Verde. By providing alternate sources of income for local households and participating in initiatives to revive the tourism industry, Reef Picks contributes to creating a more economically stable and resilient community. The business's commitment to eco-friendly practices aligns to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.

Moreover, Reef Picks significantly contributes to SDG 14 by addressing challenges related to Life Below Water. The business engages in beach cleanups and transforms ocean trash into valuable products, such as jewelry crafted from sea glass. As a result, Reef Picks supports marine conservation efforts and raises awareness about protecting ocean ecosystems. The utilization of upcycled materials and the promotion of sustainable practices in the coastal areas of Isla Verde exemplify Reef Picks' dedication to the responsible use of marine resources, aligning with the objectives of SDG 14.

Inspiration

"My inspiration stems from observing the joy children experience while collecting sea glass. Despite being discarded trash, the aesthetically pleasing appearance of the glass not only captivates [the children] but also serves a dual purpose by contributing to beach cleaning efforts." -Gela Petines

Ms. Gela Petines' inspiration for creating Reef Picks was deeply rooted in her immersive experience working with fisherfolk communities during a comprehensive fisher needs study. The fisherfolk communities' enduring kindness and warmth left an indelible mark on her, prompting a transformative shift in her career trajectory. After a successful corporate journey and post-Typoon Yolando, Gela returned to Isla Verde, Batangas driven by a profound desire to contribute meaningfully to the community. Her initiatives extended beyond immediate relief efforts, such as the mobilization of funds to rebuild boats, and encouraged the community to explore sustainable income avenues, which ultimately led to the development of eco-tourism initiatives.

When the COVID-19 pandemic struck and tourism faced unprecedented challenges, Gela demonstrated remarkable adaptability. She pivoted Reef Picks toward crafting eco-friendly products using sea glass, which provided a sustainable income source for the community. Moreover, Reef Picks engaged in beach cleanup initiatives aligning with its commitment to environmental stewardship. Gela's journey is a powerful testament to her unwavering dedication to community welfare, sustainability, and environmental responsibility. It underscores the resilience and adaptability needed in the face of unforeseen challenges and showcases how a single individual's commitment can drive positive change at local and environmental levels.

Overall impact

The supply chain model of Reef Picks empowers both human and natural ecosystems. The brand aims to be an alternative source of income for households in the community, especially for women who mainly care for the house; simply roaming the community’s coastal areas could earn the residents additional income. Consequently, this also incentivizes individuals to maintain cleanliness around their vicinity - ensuring that the coasts are clean and reducing the trash that gets into the sea.

“Knowing residents income per household per month is less than P5,000 pesos... cumulatively, per house, P5,000 pesos lang makukuha mo or less. That’s the average right now.” -Gela Petines

(P5,000 pesos = ~$90.25 USD as of posting.)

Through Reef Picks, households in Barangay San Andres, Isla Verde, and Batangas may have an additional source of income by picking up sea glass, producing weaves, and creating jewelry. According to Gela, individuals can collect “gems that are upcycled, such as sea glass, which is still very meaningful and novel because of the colors and grading” and create marketable jewelry.

Likewise, the brand impacts nature positively, as it can be considered a sustainable alternative to existing jewelry. The company promotes sustainable jewelry and accessories utilizing materials not harvested through ecologically detrimental means, such as mining. Reef Picks wants to prove that sustainable jewelry can look just as beautiful without negatively impacting the environment. Minerals and upcycled materials from the coastal areas of Isla Verde are used to form these pieces of jewelry, which are then sold as souvenirs. Gela explains, “We can also have high-value gems that are not destructive. Plus, we’re discovering now that there’s such a thing as eco-metal. We can keep recycling silver and gold over and over without degrading its quality by purchasing from recycling centers which are marami sa Pilipinas (plentiful in the Philippines).” Should all of these activities be successful, the continuous operation and traction of Reef Picks could, hopefully, revive the tourism of Isla Verde.

Business benefit

"The sea glass is cheap if in bulk." -Gela Petines

Reef Picks, a company dedicated to sustainability, has reaped substantial business advantages through its unique approach to crafting eco-friendly souvenirs and gifts. The commitment to sustainability has driven increased sales and strategically attracted a younger, environmentally conscious demographic, particularly Generation Z consumers. Using cost-effective materials like sea glass has been pivotal in maintaining low production costs and contributes significantly to Reef Picks' profitability. Amid the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Reef Picks demonstrated adaptability and innovation by introducing sea glass necklaces. This provided a novel product for customers and served as a sustainable income source for the local community. The company's dedication to sustainability has heightened its brand recognition and value and aligns the organization with the growing consumer preference for eco-conscious businesses.

Reef Picks is a compelling example of the broader benefits that businesses embracing sustainability can achieve including increased productivity, reduced costs, improved competitiveness, and an enhanced brand image. The company's eco-friendly practices contribute to environmental well-being and catalyze significant business growth and success.

Social and environmental benefit

Reef Picks goes beyond conventional business practices by providing job opportunities for the locals of Isla Verde and beautifying the local environment. The company has ingeniously woven these dual objectives into its business model, hiring locals to gather raw materials used in production. Gela articulated her commitment by stating, "My job is to increase the household income of the locals through Reef Picks," recognizing the economic challenges faced by the community with an average monthly household income of only 5,000 pesos.

In addition to addressing socio-economic concerns, Reef Picks aims to revive the tourism industry in Isla Verde, envisioning a comprehensive impact on the local economy. The company's unique business model empowers the community economically and champions environmental sustainability. By utilizing upcycled ocean trash, such as glass found on shores, Reef Picks transforms these materials into exquisite glass crystals for souvenirs and jewelry. This innovative approach mitigates environmental degradation and contributes to cleaning and revitalizing the local ecosystem.

Reef Picks stands out as a beacon of sustainability, demonstrating that business success can be intricately linked with positive social and environmental impacts. Reef Picks' commitment to simultaneously addressing social and environmental issues within its business operations positions the company as a model for sustainable and responsible entrepreneurship. It also showcases the potential for businesses to be catalysts for positive change in local communities and ecosystems.

Interview

Ms. Gela Petines, CEO