For two consecutive years, Zero Waste Malaysia has been participating in the National Geographic Earth Day Run organised by NatGeo Malaysia which was held at Kota Kemuning again this year 💪.
Photo Credit: National Geographic Asia
In line with the theme of ‘’Planet or Plastic’’, both organisers, Gamuda Land and National Geographic, envisioned an advocacy to integrate communities to be conscious about sustainable living.
ZWM contributed to the event through organizing a Zero Waste Exhibition at one of GamudaLand’s twentyfive.7 showhouses (poster) and setting up a ZWM booth to raise awareness about sustainable living.
Zero Waste House 🏠 Exhibition
Prior to the commencement of the National Geographic Earth Day Run, participants were given 2 days (20th – 21st April) to obtain their race packs at Gamudaland’s latest township, twenyfive.7. During these 2 days, ZWM volunteers took that chance to interact with members of the community by showcasing what a zero waste home looks like and how to transform their daily lifestyles to generate zero or minimal waste. This year, we took it up a notch by having several interactive quiz sessions that happened throughout the day. These sessions allow us to engage more with visitors of the house and test their memory power as well as their overall knowledge on different issues regarding eco-friendliness, sustainability and zero waste production.
Zero Waste Malaysia Booth
In continuity to last year’s effort, participating runners and delegates were encouraged to reduce and refuse single use plastics throughout the event. Organisers prepared drinking stations with water dispenser and snacks like bananas as an energy booster for fellow runners. Banana 🍌 peels were then collected and composted by one of the event partners, Weimar. So there’s technically no waste generated!
Photo Credit: National Geograpic Asia
Photo Credit: National Geographic Asia
We were assigned a booth where we decided to doodle our organisation name with chalk that later can be erased instead of printing a disposable signage. Plus,the signature self painted cloth Zero Waste Malaysia banner was our proud reusable backdrop.
The booth was in two sections where we have our mini Zero Waste market sold supplies ranging from metal straws to loofah supplies from Frangipani bulk and our mini exhibition area.
This time around we’ve showcased ‘Disposable Plastic vs Reusable’ section comprise of single use toiletries & daily items that can easily be replaced by sustainable alternatives. It was arranged with a thin line between the items, the contrast positioning indicates change is very possible with baby steps.
There was also an infographic to break some myths of many people on recyclable vs non recyclable items in Malaysia, in hope to further instill that recycling solution is not the best, refusing at the first place will be. In addition to this, Tak Nak Straw has also supported us to display various types of plastic straws alternative like bamboo, and most ingenious- papaya stem straws.
Contributor: Jun, Marylyn
Event Date: 28th April 2019