My Story

Intro

There is a common misconception that environmental solutions are laborious and inconvenient, which makes a number of people reluctant to adopt a greener approach towards their daily activities. While it is vital to raise awareness about ecological challenges, there is nothing better than demonstrating the simplicity of effecting change through our personal choices. For Denise it is through recycling paper.

About Me

Also known as Densio, I'm a Filipino who loves the outdoors and is very passionate for the environment. My outdoor lifestyle started with mountaineering at my undegraduate university and then eventually ventured into rockclimbing, caving, and mountain biking. Along the way were injuries and accidents but hey that's part of the package and that is what it's about: appreciating life more because of the awareness that it can slip away from you any second, any moment.

I got involved in a lot of environmental advocacy work locally and internationally. During my undergraduate days, most of what I campaigned for were against deforestation, mining, solid wastes, and for indigenous peoples rights. Eventually it broadened to include "glocal" issues such as climate change, karst destruction (export /import of speleothems), toxics (e-waste), air pollution and a lot of other eco-social issues.

There is/are one or two things though that I am very passionate about and these are my paper recycling venture (where I've put a twist to the usual recycling) and molecular genetics and biotechnology coupled with environmental science! I have academic and practical training in the natural sciences and I am all for science-based development; I hope to be one of the ambassadors of this kind of development in my country.

My Venture

I have always been fascinated with paper ever since I found out it came from trees. When I learned of the alarming rate of deforestation in our country, I have taken it upon myself to be careful with my paper usage; if I could not limit my usage, I at least make sure to use both sides before discarding it. I used to just gather used papers and then give it out to the trash collector. I eventually realized that since there is no strict implementation of waste segregation in my community, the paper will just end up with other non – recyclable trash. It was then that I started to collect used papers and dreamed of recycling them on my own.  In 2005, I started recycling paper.

My collection of used papers was growing and it was taking too much space in my room. At first, it was just a hobby where I would make my own greeting cards for family and friends. They very much appreciated the effort and it was not long before they were gathering papers on their own, which they would give to me for recycling. For a while, it was only me who would recycle and design my cards. Selling my creations came to mind especially since I needed money to fund my graduate studies in Environmental Science, but it was short – lived because I got discouraged when my own family criticized my lack of artistic ability. That was the point when I stopped trying to sell my cards.

In 2007, I met a visual artist who encouraged me to continue my initiative. She told me that if art were a problem in my recycled papers, she can help design the cards and we can sell it and split the proceeds between ourselves. I only needed that encouragement to redefine my initiative and awaken my entrepreneurial dream. Eventually, one of my family members joined in and I gathered women friends who are artists to create a team. From being called "Densiocards" (Densio is my nickname), my venture is now called The Green Itch Project. From the suggestion of my mother, the initiative was called “The Green Itch,” as it signifies our “itch” to live “green” and be green in our lifestyles.

The Green Itch Project is not your typical handmade paper-recycling project. My venture not just focuses on the product being green but also on the processes being environmental - friendly. The venture also aims to encourage Filipinos to manage their solid wastes properly by accepting paper trash donations. The Green Itch Project products include different carbon - neutral paper products such as notepads, cards, bookmarks, and scrapbooks, with artists designing some of the products. The Green Itch Project also holds paper recycling workshops and environmental talks. Expect The Green Itch Project to do more of that (and other activities) in the coming year!