
True to its name, “Project 0” symbolises the starting point of RM0 of Zero Waste Malaysia’s (ZWM) first ever month-long fundraising campaign. It was held all throughout the month of December 2019 and was aimed at raising RM100,000 to fund our operations in 2020.

Project 0 was supported by donors amongst the ZWM community, as well as individuals who took it upon themselves to fundraise on our behalf. Our fundraisers held their own version of fundraising by garnering donations in exchange for artwork, weekly challenges, as well as their own personal contributions. Many of them announced pledges like going plogging for every RM100 raised, planting a tree for every RM50 donated as well as pledging to swim in a frozen lake in Beijing. Our youngest fundraiser raised funds by selling her own homemade jelly, and another even raised funds in honour of her 20th birthday! Many local zero waste businesses also chimed in by including donation jars in their stores, as well as donating a percentage of their proceeds to Project 0 through each purchase.

Alongside Project 0, ZWM also decided to kick off the #ZWMChallenge on Instagram as a means of garnering even more engagement and interaction with the community. Participants would have to nominate 3 individuals to share a photo or video of how they’re practicing a zero waste lifestyle. This included simple things like bringing your own glass jar when getting your boba fix, refusing plastic during pasar malam (night market) runs, and bringing your own containers when you take-away your dinner. Participants were hoping to win the prize a ZWM handkerchief and one Mooncup sponsored by A Bit Less Bulk Store, a local zero waste shop.
On top of that, ZWM also participated in the Green Christmas Market which was organised by Berjaya Group. The ZWM team sold upcycled ZWM handkerchiefs and tote bags which helped contribute to Project 0 as well.

Additionally, ZWM also held a clothing auction at Five Arts Center, Petaling Jaya where attendees would contribute their clothing to be auctioned off with the proceeds going to Project 0. The event was supported by Becore Studio who sponsored vegetarian potluck as well as a cosy henna painting session during the night of the auction. The auction contributed a total of RM1,200 to the fundraising efforts.

At the very end of Project 0, ZWM decided to host a public cleanup at Petaling Street on the final Saturday of December 2019 to wrap up the month-long effort. The event was also broadcasted live on our Facebook and Instagram platforms. Virtual participants were able to interact with the cleanup volunteers by engaging in live Q&A sessions regarding Project 0 and talk about how and why they are trying to practice a zero waste lifestyle. After two and a half hours of picking up trash together, we managed to collect 7 bags of waste and successfully sent RM3.20 worth of plastic bottles sent to the recycling centre.
By the end of the month, 80% of our target was reached with an overall total of RM80,325.95 successfully raised by our many generous contributors. The funds received were allocated as needed to support the operating and programme cost for year 2020 including the launch of our ZWM lesson plan, as well as the W0W virtual classroom program later in 2020.