Every shopping trip has a story. You browse, you choose, you purchase, and then—almost as an afterthought—you take home a paper bag. That bag, made from trees that took decades to grow, might serve its purpose for a few minutes before ending up crumpled in a bin, destined for a landfill.
Now, imagine that story rewritten.
What if, instead of using a disposable bag, you brought one that traveled with you—one that wasn’t discarded after a single use? What if, through this simple habit, you could help protect forests and provide clean drinking water to communities in need?
This is where you come in. Primer Group of Companies, launched the Bring Your Own Bag (BYOB) Program, and we need your help. Together, we can reduce waste and create real change.
48 Million Bags a Day—At What Cost?
Every single day, the Philippines consumes approximately 48 million shopping bags, contributing to widespread waste and environmental degradation (SEA Circular, 2020). That’s millions of trees cut down, processed, and turned into packaging—only for most of those bags to be discarded within hours.
The cost isn’t just environmental. It affects all of us—the air we breathe, the climate we depend on, and the communities impacted by deforestation and pollution.
But here’s the good news: we can do something about it.
On February 1, 2025, Primer Group of Companies launched the BYOB Program (Bring Your Own Bag) across its brands, including GRIND, ROX, FOX, Quiksilver, DC Shoes, KEEN, Columbia, BILLABONG, and RVCA.
Instead of automatically providing shopping bags, we encourage customers to bring their own reusable shopping bag. However, if a bag is needed, a ₱10 fee per bag will be charged. Proceeds from this initiative will support partner beneficiaries like Waves For Water, a humanitarian organization dedicated to providing clean drinking water to underserved communities.
From Bags to Clean Water: Your Small Choice, Big Impact
By bringing your own bag, you’re not just reducing waste—you’re directly contributing to a cause that matters.
Since 2013, Waves For Water has been working in the Philippines, providing clean and safe drinking water to over a million Filipinos across all 82 provinces. Their mission is simple but powerful: to bring clean water to every person who needs it. Through their programs, they implement water filtration systems, build rainwater catchment tanks, promote hygiene education , and work closely with local communities to create long-term, sustainable water solutions.
Their work transforms lives—ensuring that children stay healthy, families thrive, and communities gain access to a fundamental human right: clean water. Every peso donated goes directly into funding water projects that help prevent waterborne diseases and improve overall quality of life.
With your support, we can turn something as simple as bringing your own bag into a life-changing movement.
Know more: https://www.wavesforwater.org/about
So, the next time you shop with us, remember—your choice isn’t just about a bag. It’s about the impact you make.
How You Can Take Part in This Movement
🌱 Bring Your Own Bag – The simplest and most powerful way to help is by switching to a reusable tote whenever you shop. Every time you do, you help reduce waste and preserve our forests.
💧 Support the Cause – If you ever need a paper bag, know that your 10-peso contribution goes directly to Waves For Water, helping provide clean and safe drinking water to communities in need.
👜 Choose Sustainable Options – Invest in durable, eco-friendly bags that you can use again and again. Many of our brands offer stylish, reusable totes that make sustainable shopping effortless.
📢 Spread the Word – Inspire others to join the movement! Share this initiative with friends and family, and encourage them to bring their own bags when shopping. Small changes, when multiplied, create a massive impact.
This is More Than a Policy—It’s a Movement
We’re not just reducing waste. We’re taking action, together with you. Your choices matter. By making this small shift, you’re helping protect our forests, reduce pollution, and bring clean water to those who need it most.
So the next time you shop, think about the journey of a single bag. Will it be a tree cut down for a few minutes of convenience? Or will it be a step toward a cleaner, greener, and more responsible future?
The choice is in your hands. Join us in rewriting the story. Bring your own bag. Make a difference.
