…On AXA Mansard’s ‘Trash to Treasure’ Initiative

In celebration of its annual sustainability week, AXA Week for Good, AXA Mansard has once again demonstrated its commitment to environmental conservation and corporate social responsibility. Hundreds of AXA Mansard employees volunteered to educate the Nigerian public on the detrimental impact of waste on water and the environment, aligning their efforts with the company’s ‘Trash to Treasure’ initiative.

This initiative, part of AXA Hearts In Action (AHIA), AXA’s global volunteering program, exemplifies how corporate entities can make substantial contributions to society and the environment through employee engagement, financial support, and in-kind donations. As Rashidat Adebisi, Chief Client Officer of AXA Mansard, aptly stated, “Through the AHIA, our employees do not just give time to great causes; we work together for a better future. We share our knowledge and expertise as a people with a shared purpose of acting for human progress by protecting what matters; by helping vulnerable communities around us.”

The ‘Trash to Treasure’ initiative saw AXA Mansard employees participating in awareness walks and collecting waste from their homes, offices, and local environments. This effort aims to improve the health of marine life and raise public awareness about the necessary behavioral changes to combat climate change. The collected waste is not just discarded; it is used to provide health insurance for children in vulnerable communities through the Chess-In-Slums Africa Foundation, illustrating the social, economic, and environmental benefits of recycling waste.

According to Adebisi, Nigeria is among the top 20 contributors to marine debris globally, with 88% of plastic waste not being recycled. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for initiatives like ‘Trash to Treasure’ that highlight how waste can be transformed into valuable resources. “Our initiative demonstrates that waste, if properly managed, can be of great value, rather than something that threatens our collective well-being and poses a great danger to our world,” she noted.

AXA Mansard’s approach not only tackles environmental issues but also addresses broader societal needs. The initiative supports the two main pillars of AXA’s sustainability agenda: climate change and inclusive protection. By removing waste from waterways and the environment, the company supports its climate change and biodiversity pillar. Simultaneously, using the proceeds from waste recycling to provide health insurance for vulnerable children addresses the inclusive protection pillar.

This dual-focus initiative exemplifies how corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts can drive sustainable development. By integrating environmental stewardship with social welfare, AXA Mansard sets a benchmark for other corporations to follow. Their actions demonstrate that businesses can play a pivotal role in addressing climate change, promoting sustainability, and supporting vulnerable communities.

CSR REPORTERS affirms, AXA Mansard’s ‘Trash to Treasure’ initiative is a commendable example of how corporate actions can have a positive impact on both society and the environment. By prioritizing sustainability and engaging employees in meaningful activities, AXA Mansard is contributing significantly to Nigeria’s environmental conservation efforts and the well-being of its citizens. This initiative not only helps mitigate the impact of climate change but also fosters a culture of environmental responsibility, setting a powerful precedent for other organizations to emulate.