Beirut, Lebanon – 2024: On the occasion of International Mother Earth Day, and as part of Spinneys’ belief in the transformative power of the eco-conscious younger generation to lead on environmental issues, effect positive change, and foster sustainability and environmental responsibility, Spinneys hosted their ‘Green Festival’ event at their Byblos branch, originally launched in 2019, in collaboration with 10 NGOs and schools from the area. The event spanned two days, beginning on Monday, April 22nd, and concluding on Tuesday, April 23rd. It aims to raise awareness among the youth about pressing environmental issues and the importance of environmental conservation, while also encouraging them to set examples for their families and those around them. The event was attended by students from schools in the area, influencers, and members of the media.
The Green Festival encompassed various interactive booths with a wide range of topics, from recycling lessons to understanding the importance of reusing and recycling waste. The students discovered how glass bottles could be repurposed as planting containers and how paper could serve as a medium for planting. They also learned about the significance of managing e-waste and gained skills in repurposing technological components such as keyboards into portable keychains. By the end of the day, the children had developed green skills that they could share with others at home or within their communities. Furthermore, they departed with mementos as tokens of the experiences they had participated in. The presence of NGOs was essential during the event, as they play a crucial role in raising awareness and promoting social change. Their efforts focused on improving our community and encouraging Lebanese citizen participation in environmental initiatives.
Ralph Al Kahi , Chief Marketing Officer of Gray Mackenzie Retail Lebanon, stated that “Gray Mackenzie is dedicated to promoting green initiatives and preserving our planet’s resources, we strongly believe that educating the younger generation about eco-friendly practices can ensure the successful transition to a greener and more sustainable environment. It’s important that each member of our society is mobilized to raise awareness. We’re committed to continually innovating new ways to implement eco-friendly practices. It’s through collective efforts that we can pave the way for a greener and more sustainable future for generations to come.”
The ‘Green Festival’ is just one of the many green initiatives that Spinneys leads, underscoring their commitment to environmental responsibility and community engagement. From educational workshops to hands-on activities, Spinneys consistently demonstrates its dedication to fostering a greener and more sustainable future for Lebanon. Moreover, they have been the first retailer to have launched eco-bags for over 15 years, adding to previous initiatives such as shopping trolleys and hand baskets made of biodegradable PET plastic materials, along with the use of reusable papers in their weekly and monthly printed communications, among others. Through these efforts, Spinneys continues to lead by example, inspiring positive change and promoting eco-conscious practices within the community.