Top 10: Green companies with Green initiatives in Malaysia

Hey ho hello! How's your Wednesday coming along? Is it sweltering outside? Well it is over here at our office, and it doesn't seem to be getting any cooler anytime soon. We all know the reason why the earth is getting hotter and hotter is because of global warming, which is caused by mankind's actions (or inactions). Thankfully, there are companies who are not only concerned about making money but also the future of our earth. So today, we want to recognize them and feature them in our top 10 list of green companies with green initiatives in Malaysia.

1. DiGi
DiGi has launched "Deep Green" as part of its CSR to protect the earth. Their strategy involves swapping old equipment with newer, more energy-efficient ones and reducing air-conditioning in the radio base stations, among others. It is also involved in the Mangrove-saving Project, where the goal is to stop the destruction of mangrove forests in Kuala Selangor. We say Kudos to DiGi!

2. Sime Darby
Sime Darby realizes the importance of trees in our environment. Therefore, despite inevitable deforestation for housing and development , they are aware of the implications and have chosen to offset that with the Plant A Tree Program. They pledged to plant one tree for every cut out of its advertisement found on Page T5, StarTwo of The Star newspaper dated 3 March 2009 received from the public. Sime Darby also invests time and money to nurture seedlings of rare and endangered species at their gene bank in Carey Island. Plant a tree, save the future, we say!

3. Shell Malaysia
This oil and gas company has a program called the Shell Sustainable Development (SD) Grants Programme, which gives out RM300,000 to fund sustainable projects in the community. This grant has benefited eight organizations in their various environmental-preservation efforts such as mangrove replanting and coastal conservation, environmental education activities for pre-schoolers, Stunggang Forest rehabilitation project, pygmy sea-horse conservation, dugong conservation, among others. Click here for the full list.

4. Panasonic Malaysia
Panasonic has come up with a range of green products which is energy-efficient. They are now promoting the inverter technology, which adjusts the power output of various electronic devices and reduces the total consumption of energy by as much as 20% in refrigerators and as much as 50% in air conditioners. It also uses almost no lead in its products, thus when the parts are recycled, very little lead is released to the environment. Panasonic is also striving to conserve natural resources through efficient usage of electricity, water and paper. Panasonic also sends a team once a year to the coast of Terengganu to clean the ocean and build artificial reefs to encourage the growth of coral. Read more!

5. YTL Group of Companies
YTL has taken various steps in order to promote a more sustainable environment. Last year, they increased the total amount of renewable energy generated from 21GWh to 25.8GWh, which equates to almost 39% of their total energy use, Following this increase, the levels of all emissions have fallen considerably. For example, the level of sulphur dioxide they emit each year has been reduced by over 60% in the last decade. YTL is also taking initiatives to clean up rivers using a new technology. They are truly setting an example to other companies in this nation.

6. Malaysia Airlines
Everyone knows that flying is not good for the environment. MAS has however taken steps to help diminish this problem. It has strived to reduce fuel consumption by flying more direct routes at the most economical speed, practicing continuous descent approaches and flying lighter and cleaner aircrafts to improve fuel efficiency. They have also introduced the carbon-offsetting scheme. Passengers on MAS may choose to make a contribution which will help fund selected United Nations-sanctioned programmes to protect rainforests in Malaysia.

7. Canon Malaysia
Last year, Canon Malaysia launched the Canon Goes Green Campaign. Under this campaign, the company planted a tree for every photo submitted to it by the public. Canon pledged to plant 2,500 trees to enrich the green lung at Padang Kota Damansara. Previously, Canon has also given out discount vouchers to consumers who recycle used toners and ink cartridges by disposing of them in Canon Recycle Bins dispersed across the Klang Valley.

8. Aeon Co (M) Bhd
Aeon Co., which owns the JUSCO chain of supermarkets, is making a conscious effort to go green. As part of its green agenda, Aeon has launched a campaign to encourage JUSCO customers to say no to plastic bags and instead use reusable shopping bags. They have set an example by reducing the usage of plastic bags in their supermarkets and general merchandise sections. Jusco also started using business cards made from recycled paper. They also sell exclusive biodegradable garbage bag at a lower price than the conventional garbage bag.

9. HP Malaysia
HP’s green efforts include recycling the equivalent of 600 jumbo jet airliners in 2006 alone and designing energy-efficient, environmentally sound products, services and operations. Together with World Wildlife Fund-US, HP aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from HP operating facilities worldwide. HP also educates and inspires others to adopt best practices, and use HP technology in conservation efforts around the world. For its commitment and efforts, Fortune Magazine voted HP an environmentally responsible ‘Green Giant’.

10. Green Selipar
OK, granted, Green Selipar isn't actually a company but rather a website started by two individuals passionate about the environment. The website promotes sustainable travel destinations and projects in Malaysia.  It provides easy access to information for the environmentally aware and concerned traveller. It also supports sustainable nature and community-based tourism projects that currently exist in Malaysia. For that, we love love love the site. Click here to check it out!

So folks, there's your top ten for the day. We hope you are inspired and encouraged in some way to start living a greener lifestyle. Remember, you don't have to take huge strides to change the world. Little baby steps help too! Have a good Earth Wednesday!