A day to embrace the earth
This year, as in every year since 1972, the United Nations (UN) is calling upon companies, governments-people-around the world to consider the critical issues that have an impact on our planet, our environment. At Amway Corporation, we believe World Environment Day, June 5, is an exceptional opportunity to not only discuss environmental issues, but to continue to take action on the challenges we face in Singapore and around the globe.
The need is urgent
Over the past century, the average air temperature near the earth’s surface has increased between 0.56 and 0.92 degrees Celsius. Scientists agree that manmade factors contribute to this temperature increase by sending excessive amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. These gases trap heat that would, under normal conditions, escape into space. The result: global warming.
Global warming is contributing to changes in the way our climate functions, altering weather patterns. In Singapore and throughout the world, the impact is significant and growing. And it is just one of many environment issues we must face, together.
Amway Corporation, always focused on the environment
Amway corporation has long been a leader in environmental stewardship. Our environmental policies are recognised by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). And our products reflect our continued concern for the earth and its resources.
Here are just a few of the practices, products and ideas that are part of our ongoing commitment to green manufacturing and sustainability:
- Biodegradable surfactants: Surfactants are the cleaning, penetrating and foaming agents in detergent products. All of our surfactants are biodegradable; this allows the microbes present in nature to break them down into carbon dioxide and water, reducing the threat to marine life.
- Amway’s L.O.C. Concentrated Multipurpose Cleaner: By producing our cleaner in concentrated form, we have avoided shipping an estimated 18 million liters of water-water that makes up a majority of typical cleaners-over the last 15 years.
- The carbon Minus Family Programme: We were the sponsor of this Hong Kong programme, which included workshops, competitions, and the distribution of free energy-saving light bulbs.
- In Singapore, to encourage Distributors to reduce plastic bag usage, we have implemented the ‘Re-use & be Rewarded’ programme.
- No animal testing: We are committed to leading our industry in finding alternatives to animal testing.
- CFC-free aerosols: Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), the propellants found in most aerosol products, have been linked to the depletion of the earth’s ozone layer. Amway has aggressively eliminated the use of CFCs in our aerosol products.
- Traditional ingredients versus genetically modified organisms (GMOs): While we believe GMO technology is important, we are to replace materials that contain GMOs with traditional ingredients, whenever appropriate.
- Reducing Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Released into the air by automobiles, industrial processes, and consumer product such as hair sprays, VOCs are believed to contribute to smog. We are reformulating products to reduce VOC content.
- Natural ingredients: We are only global vitamin and mineral brand to grow, harvest, and process plants on our own certified organic farms. Many Amway NUTRILITE products are manufactured using this farm-grown produce.
- Sustainable farming: On our Nutrilite farms, we adhere to strict guidelines that emphasise responsible management of natural resources and respect for nature’s processes. This focus on sustainability encompasses the use of natural pest control methods, natural fertilisers, the maintenance of good soil health, erosion control, and the maintenance of natural plant and animal habitats that sustain the diversity of both native plant and animal species.
Help us preserve and protect our planet, one green step at a time
There are small steps we all can take. Some require a change of habit. Others are simple matters of awareness. Together, each step can have a big impact. We’ve listed a few ideas here. You can probably think of many more.
- Plant a tree: Just imagine the impact to our environment if we added one tree for every person on earth.
- Shut off the water: Each of us can save thousands of liters of water each year simply by not letting the tap run while saving, washing our faces, or brushing our teeth.
- Reuse containers: Choosing reusable containers for food storage eliminates the need for aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
- Have a backup fan: By using a fan in conjunction with your air-conditioner, you can keep a SC on a higher temperature setting and help circulate the cooled air through your home.
- Choose wisely: Look for energy-efficient appliances whenever you buy.
- Read before your wash: Make sure the products you use are eco-sensitive and highly concentrated (you’ll do more with less, every wash)
- Use cloth, not plastic: Take a cloth bag with you when you shop, so you never use a disposable bag again.
- Buy the right bulbs: By replacing incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent (CFL) light bulbs, you can reduce energy consumption by up to 60% per bulb.
- Stay away from plastic: Leave a cup and reusable bottle for water at work; you’ll avoid buying drinks and, even better, you’ll stop using plastic bottle!
- Consider both sides: Save tree by changing the default setting on your printer to use both sides of the paper.
Our commitment comes to life.
With the award-winning eSpring
Water Treatment System
At Amway, we developed our first water treatment system in 1984, And we’ve been improving it, enchancing its performance while reducing its environment impact, ever since.
Today, that system has evolved into the highly advanced eSpring Water Treatment System, the winner of the 2010 Environmental Stewardship Award from the Plastics Environment Division of the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE)
An exceptional product for exceptional water.
Amway’s eSpring Water Treatment System is an innovative water purifier that incorporates a sustainable design without sacrificing the features and benefits that consumers desire. It offers advanced technology that:
- Effectively removes more than 140 contaminants
- Retains good minerals
- Destroys 99.9% of harmful bacteria and viruses
- Improves water taste, odour and clarity.
In addition to superb performance, the eSpring system’s new design:
- Reduces environmental impact compared to bottled water by 99%
