Over 9,000 Malaysians Raise Funds for Environmental Sustainability with #ShopeeGivesBack

ShopeeGivesBack, Shopee’s long-term community initiative, has raised over RM48,000 from 1 May 2020 to 31 July 2022 for two Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) championing environmentally-conscious efforts in Malaysia. Over two years, WWF-Malaysia and Zero Waste Malaysia received donations from over 9,000 donors, including over 5,500 first time donors.

85% of the funds raised went to assisting WWF-Malaysia, a national conservation trust with more than 90 ongoing projects nationwide. Funds raised are used to safeguard some of Malaysia’s most iconic wildlife – including the Malayan tiger, Bornean elephants, Bornean orangutans and sea turtles – from threats such as poaching and habitat loss. WWF-Malaysia continues to address environmental issues to spread awareness, support education and research, and conserve the local landscape flora and fauna, water, soils, and other natural resources.

Across the two years, Zero Waste Malaysia received 15% of their total donations through #ShopeeGivesBack, supporting them in their efforts to go further in achieving their mission of building a waste-free and sustainable future for the nation. Zero Waste Malaysia advocates for sustainable development and aims to increase the local community’s awareness of sustainable living through education, resources, public engagement, and on-ground initiatives. In 2021 alone, Zero Waste Malaysia received 13% of their total donations through #ShopeeGivesBack.

Huiyan Pan, Head of Brand Marketing at Shopee Malaysia said, “Shopee is moved by the reception of the community in supporting the efforts of our NGO partners in contributing towards environmental change. We firmly believe that with greater awareness and support from shoppers on our marketplace, we can strike a balance towards building a long-term, sustainable future for the environment and the economy.”

“Shopee appreciates being able to play a part in WWF-Malaysia’s conservation efforts and is thrilled to hear about the efforts that have reduced 90% of snare encounters for the Malayan tiger. In 2020 and 2021, more fresh sightings of the tigers, including a mother and three cubs, were discovered in the Belum-Temengor Forest Complex,” Pan continued.

During Ramadan in 2021 and 2022, these two NGOs saw a collective month-on-month increase in donations of 85% and 113% respectively, from March to April compared to other months through #ShopeeGivesBack. Of the 1,400 donations received, WWF-Malaysia and Zero Waste Malaysia saw 1,000 first time donors donating during a time where generous Malaysians were giving back to communities and causes close to their hearts and values.

“The majority of our donations come from the public, hence the #ShopeeGivesBack platform has helped us reach wider audiences to raise the much needed public support that ensures the continuity of WWF-Malaysia’s vital conservation projects. WWF-Malaysia is also taking action to promote sustainable lifestyles and increase resilience to climate change through policy advocacy and conserving natural ecosystems,” said Helina Yow, Director of Partnerships, WWF-Malaysia.

#ShopeeGivesBack was launched on 1 May 2020 to help the underserved communities in Malaysia across four areas: underprivileged communities development, children and family services, health charities, and environmental charities. The platform provides Malaysians with an online avenue to support their favourite causes in the most convenient way. Shopee ensures that these NGOs have credible track records and are registered with the Registry of Societies.

Shopee Sees 14% Increase in Demand for Sustainable Household Products

 

Shop Green with Shopee connects users to shop sustainably and supports eco-friendly sellers

Shopee is spotlighting more local and sustainable sellers to offer the best value for eco-friendly products to meet demand as more Malaysians become increasingly environmentally conscious. According to Shopee’s data trends¹, users are searching for more eco-friendly household products such as solar lights, solar panels, and inverter air conditioners, with keyword searches higher by 14% between 1 January to 25 July 2022 compared to the six months prior.

Users want to trust that what they buy is sustainable and beneficial for long-term use. By introducing Shop Green with Shopee, users can reach out to more eco-friendly sellers, learn more about sustainable living and habits, and inspire others to take action for the environment.

The surge in demand for eco-friendly alternatives reflects Malaysians’ greater awareness and desire for sustainable living. During the first half of 2022 versus the second half of 2021, Shopee sellers saw demand increase for biodegradable items that help the environment like reusable bags and biodegradable plates (19%) and personal hygiene items such as natural deodorant, shampoos, and body soaps (33%).

Malaysian consumers’ desire to lead a sustainable lifestyle has created new market opportunities for local sellers, particularly in the wellness, cosmetics, and personal care industries. Shop Green with Shopee will enable sellers offering eco-friendly products to gain higher visibility and greater brand awareness.

Huiyan Pan, Head of Brand Marketing at Shopee Malaysia said: “Living sustainably means making greener choices today that will positively impact the environment tomorrow. While we see consistent and healthy demand for eco-friendly products in Malaysia, we will continue to work closely with sellers to offer users more affordable and responsible products.”

“Shop Green with Shopee is one way we are connecting users to sellers who have clearly stated their commitment towards environmental sustainability, identified as recycled or reusable materials, and are made locally in the spirit of minimizing carbon footprints.”

Shopee has an array of local eco-friendly sellers and product types spanning categories such as cosmetics and grooming, beauty and fashion, and household, among others. Products from brands include but are not limited to HYGR, The Hive, Minus Zero Waste, PYNGzerowaste, and Green Eco Paradise.

The local and popular eco-friendly seller, HYGR, shared the following perspective for being part of Shopee.

”With all the toxic chemicals found in products, the importance of eco-friendly products has never been crucial. We hope more Malaysians will spread awareness and educate one another on sustainable living. With Shopee as one of our partners, we can expand our customer base and encourage the community to go green.” said Ivor Lim Xian Z and Chew Hoi Meng, Founders of HYGR.

As more users continue to seek sustainable alternatives, Shopee will support eco-friendly sellers and their innovations that allow users to reduce environmental impact. Shopee hopes to connect users with more brand choices with a social impact mission and lean towards a more sustainable direction.

For more information on the Shop Green with Shopee initiative, visit https://shopee.com.my/m/shop-green-with-shopee.