I was honored to be invited to witness the launch of Green Clean campaign at Me.reka Makerspace, Publika Shopping Gallery on 16 Apr 2019. It is a part of Jordan Asia Pacific's efforts to raise the awareness on the 3R concept: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.
The gracious event was attended by the Ambassador of Norway to Malaysia, Her Excellency Ms. Gunn Jorid Roset, and officiated by the Director General of the Department of Environment (DOE), Malaysia, Yang Berbahagia Dato’ Dr. Ahmad Kamarulnajuib bin Che Ibrahim. The event also saw the attendance of environmental non-governmental organisations as a show of support for Jordan’s Green Clean initiative.
Eric Yong, Country Manager of Jordan Asia Pacific
Run from April to December 209 in different phases, the Green Clean Campaign is expected to be revealed later. Eric Yong, Country Manager of Jordan Asia Pacific said, “Recognising the need to raise the awareness on the 3Rs in Malaysia, we aim to work with our eco-partners to share as much information to the public through the help of our media colleagues over the course of this campaign.” Sharing a ‘sneak preview’ of what is to come in the next phase, Eric said, “We will be rolling out an old toothbrush collection drive and when that takes place, we hope to get as much support from the Malaysian public as possible.”
Professor Dr. P. Agamuthu
Speaking at the event were Professor Dr. P. Agamuthu, a Professor at the University of Malaya, as well as International Advisory Board Member of the Society of Solid Waste Management Experts in Asia and Pacific Islands, and William Koong, the Chief Executive Officer of Biji-Biji Initiative, a leading social enterprise which champions sustainable living, reusing wastes creatively, and collaborative production using discarded materials.
According to Professor Dr. P. Agamuthu, there were approximately 14 million tonnes of municipal solid wastes generated in Malaysia in 2019, or 40,000 tonnes a day, and the overall recycling rate that year was 17.5 per cent. He also shared that plastic was the second highest household waste at 13.2 per cent, behind food waste which comprised of 44.5 per cent household waste composition in 2017.
Professor Dr. P. Agamuthu said, “Malaysia aims to become a zero-waste nation and that is where 3R comes in. In order to reduce the generation of wastes, we need to reuse, recycle and compost most of what is thrown away. Unfortunately, the current uptake of 3R is minimal as a majority of municipal solid wastes are sent to landfills.” He continued, “3R is important to avoid the mining and extraction of new materials, to reduce demands on natural resources, to reduce carbon and other emissions, for waste reduction, and to reduce the usage of non-renewable energies. In order to successfully implement 3R in Malaysia, participation of all stakeholders is crucial.”
Sharing his knowledge on plastic recycling, William added, “Plastics are classified into seven different categories and not all of them are recyclable. In fact, some plastics produce hazardous materials after being reused multiple times or if being put under extreme conditions. It is therefore important to reduce plastic usage and to avoid single-use plastics.” He continued, “Plastic recycling plays a part in providing a source of sustainable raw materials while reducing the impact to the environment and landfill problems.”
According to Professor Dr. P. Agamuthu, there were approximately 14 million tonnes of municipal solid wastes generated in Malaysia in 2019, or 40,000 tonnes a day, and the overall recycling rate that year was 17.5 per cent. He also shared that plastic was the second highest household waste at 13.2 per cent, behind food waste which comprised of 44.5 per cent household waste composition in 2017.
Professor Dr. P. Agamuthu said, “Malaysia aims to become a zero-waste nation and that is where 3R comes in. In order to reduce the generation of wastes, we need to reuse, recycle and compost most of what is thrown away. Unfortunately, the current uptake of 3R is minimal as a majority of municipal solid wastes are sent to landfills.” He continued, “3R is important to avoid the mining and extraction of new materials, to reduce demands on natural resources, to reduce carbon and other emissions, for waste reduction, and to reduce the usage of non-renewable energies. In order to successfully implement 3R in Malaysia, participation of all stakeholders is crucial.”
Sharing his knowledge on plastic recycling, William added, “Plastics are classified into seven different categories and not all of them are recyclable. In fact, some plastics produce hazardous materials after being reused multiple times or if being put under extreme conditions. It is therefore important to reduce plastic usage and to avoid single-use plastics.” He continued, “Plastic recycling plays a part in providing a source of sustainable raw materials while reducing the impact to the environment and landfill problems.”
Her Excellency Ms. Gunn Jorid Roset also shared information on Norway’s efforts in plastic recycling. She said, “97 per cent of plastic bottles in Norway are recycled. This being the outcome of our nationwide bottle deposit scheme.” She added, “Plastic producers also play a part in improving plastic recycling in Norway. They are incentivised with zero taxation on Environmental Tax if they achieve a collective recycling target of 95 per cent.”
Yang Berbahagia Dato’ Dr. Ahmad Kamarulnajuib said, “The 3Rs are the cornerstone to becoming a zero-waste nation and this cannot be achieved overnight. Everyone plays a part in the efforts to becoming a sustainable nation. From separating your household wastes, to manufacturing fully recycled products for consumption, it is crucial for us to start being ‘Eco at Heart’.”
“It is also important for us to look at another R, which is “Replace”. Manufacturers and importers need to look into alternatives which are friendly to the environment and safe to use. Consumers also need to be discerning when purchasing consumables and equip themselves with the knowledge on which products are eco-friendlier as compared to others.” he continued.
Yang Berbahagia Dato’ Dr. Ahmad Kamarulnajuib said, “The 3Rs are the cornerstone to becoming a zero-waste nation and this cannot be achieved overnight. Everyone plays a part in the efforts to becoming a sustainable nation. From separating your household wastes, to manufacturing fully recycled products for consumption, it is crucial for us to start being ‘Eco at Heart’.”
“It is also important for us to look at another R, which is “Replace”. Manufacturers and importers need to look into alternatives which are friendly to the environment and safe to use. Consumers also need to be discerning when purchasing consumables and equip themselves with the knowledge on which products are eco-friendlier as compared to others.” he continued.
Jordan's Green Clean Toothbrush
During the launch, Jordan introduced the Green Clean Toothbrush, which Jordan says is their greenest toothbrush ever. Sandee Chai, Jordan Asia Pacific’s Regional Brand Manager said, “At our core, we are 100 per cent Eco at Heart. Designed by renowed interior designer, Andreas Engesvik, the product’s functional design combined both beauty and sustainability in one eco-friendly Green Clean toothbrush.” She continued, “Made of 100 per cent recycled plastic, with 100 per cent bio-based bristles, and packaged in a 100 per cent green packaging, the Green Clean toothbrush has given materials a new life and has enabled the minimising of resource use, which is in line with our 3R philosophy.”
Jordan Green Clean toothbrushes can be purchased at selected pharmacies and supermarkets in major cities around Malaysia, at an introductory price of RM7.90. What are you waiting for? Start living ‘Green Clean’ today!
For more information, visit Jordan's Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/jordanmalaysia/ and Instagram Account at https://www.instagram.com/jordanmalaysia/?hl=en
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