BEGINNING this month, it is mandatory for two million homes in the country to separate their rubbish.
Under the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Act 2007 (Act 672), recyclable and non-recyclable waste have to be separated at the point of origin if the waste is to be collected by solid waste management concessionaires.
Although there are many ongoing programmes on recycling and waste management at higher education institutions, only 10.5 per cent of Malaysians practise recycling of waste.
One successful recycling initiative is the CAREton Project, an effort by Tetra Pak which champions recycling efforts and partners youth in the process.
UCSI University is the first university in the country involved in this project.
Initiated by CAREton Project adviser Assistant Professor Dr Crystale Lim Siew Ying from the Faculty of Applied Sciences, the project is managed by a dedicated team of students who are involved in the planning, execution and management of the events and activities.
The project provides a platform for the public to preserve the environment and help those in need at the same time by recycling used drink packs.
Tetra Pak Malaysia, Singapore and the Philippines environment manager Manjula Murugesan said the best way for green campuses to nurture a sustainable mindset in the next generation is to encourage small green habits that culminate in permanent lifestyle changes.
This year’s project is dedicated to helping the victims of the east coast floods in cooperation with EPIC Homes.
“The east coast floods displaced tens of thousands of people. While many evacuees have since returned to their villages, they remain homeless as their houses were destroyed by the prolonged flooding,” said Manjula.
“We have committed CAREton Project 2015 collection to rebuilding efforts to help victims who are in need of roofing tiles for their new homes.”
Learning Curve’s ZULITA MUSTAFA spoke to those behind the success of the CAREton Project and also provides inside views on other “green campuses”.
Read it all exclusively in the print edition of New Sunday Times on Sept 27.