A Community Project with UM Cares, Unilever and Telekom Malaysia

It was an early Saturday morning. While some of us would be lazing around at home, wondering about brunch's menu or perhaps planning for a trip to the mall, EcoKnights' President, Yasmin Rasyid, and also the organisation's treasurer, Mariam Osman, headed to Pantai Dalam, Bangsar for a day of community enrichment and green awareness. Joining forces with University Malaya's UM Cares, Unilever and Telekom Malaysia, this community project took place at Kondo Rakyat (Rakyat Condominium). Kondo Rakyat has approximately 6000 residents living in 4 blocks of low-cost apartments. The demographics of the residents are from the lower to lower middle income group, mostly living with their extended family members, with a young family and are low in their eco awareness. In addition, the common solid and organic waste disposal methods are directly to the trash bin, and there are very little recycling efforts in the condominiums. Initiated in 2010, this project entails reducing the knowledge gap of the condominium residents about the environment, promoting a healthy and greener lifestyle among the residents and also instilling the spirit of community effort. To kick start this effort, a half day workshop was organised to teach the key community members on several green areas, namely, condominium composting, DIY eco enzyme workshop and green entrepreneurship. The workshop started off with a strong and inspiring green message from Encik Idrus, the Community Head of the 5000 or more residents at Kondo Rakyat. This was then followed by a quick introduction by Dr Aziz, the Founder of UM Cares and kick started first with Miss Jihan from Qadhijah Organic Farm (located in Parit Buntar, Perak) on the benefits or organic farming and the environmental and economic benefits of composting. The second session was conducted by EcoKnights President, Yasmin Rasyid, who introduced a chemical-free way of household management. Yes, this path to a healthy management of the house, despite its well sought after demands, is much easier than it looks.

Pic above: A short briefing was held in the morning with the participants.

Pic above: Awesome turn out from the community members.

Pic above: An example of a small balcony ecosystem.

Pic above; Community members came very prepared with their organic waste for both composting and ezo enzyme making.

Pic above: "Sharing is Caring"

Pic above: Learning some tips and tricks from Puan Mariam of EcoKnights

Pic above: A community member writing down Pic above: An announcement about the the eco enzyme formula workshop on the community message board

Pic above: The ingredients - brown sugar, water, fruit peels and a recycled container.

Pic above: Community members proud of their first DIY eco enzyme project.

As an eco enzyme user for the last two years, Yasmin explained the practicalities of making your own cleaning agent at home, and also the benefits of eco enzyme especially in terms of human health. The process of making eco enzyme also benefits the environment in two main ways - one it helps reduce the amount of organic waste disposal to our already pack landfills. Secondly, because of the e need to reuse and/or recycle mineral water bottles for this DIY process, the amount of plastics bottle discards will also be significantly reduced. The last speaker was Dr Fatimah Kari, who dabble on planting some entrepreneur-based ideas on the green products that can be generated if the community members in Kondo Rakyat are able to cash in on their own efforts. Whether it's eco enzyme, or compost, or even fruits and vegetables, the potential of generating some income from this simple workshop is great and this could benefit the women in each household as an additional or supplementary source of income. The speakers and residents then adjourned to the practical session where each resident present got their hands dirty and made their own compost and eco enzyme. The women residents were especially keen on this effort and showed a very high level of interest and enthusiasm. We hope that the workshop is the beginning of the transformation of Kondo Rakyat to one that is eco-friendly and also healthy. EcoKnights would like to thank UM Cares for this noble effort and for the invitation to be part of this community project. We are already looking forward to facilitate and encourage the residents.

We design the effort as a way to enable the community to work hand in hand with the local authorities and the general public to reduce litter and waste. This is also to create awareness and importance on the environment when it comes to recycling. The public must understand that the cleanliness of our environment is a shared responsibility, not just the authorities said Shyam, CEO of My Khatulistiwa Sdn Bhd and founder of Sampah Masyarakat. The message that has been imparted is to look after the surroundings that we live and work in. General cleanliness can be a continuous community project and the public play a significant role in keeping their surroundings clear of litter. It also makes hygienic sense to keep clean. The Significance of Recycling

Imagine what will happen if all the landfills in Malaysia is full; where do you think the next landfill will be? Chances are, at your backyard. This is why we stress the importance to start recycling. Sampah Masyarakat is the first initiative in the country to lead massive clean ups such as this. The idea to launch a public cleanliness campaign which practices lead-by-example took root in 2008. Now in their 3rd year, this multi racial group of volunteers has been cleaning up Batu Caves after Thaipusam and the Mahavihara after Wesak Day. We got so motivated when we saw that the youths were interested to involve themselves in the cleanliness effort. In the actuality of the matter, our volunteers consist of young adults of all races. We will work together to make an impact and we hope to see more individuals prolong their

volunteer work or begin their own Sampah Masyarakat effort, Shyam added further. After the Thaipusam Festival

This year about 50 volunteers will be participating in cleaning up at Batu Caves on Saturday, 22 January 2011 from 8 am to 12 pm. The initiative is supported by Recycle & Reward who will be providing the logistics to turn the recyclable into Green Points and cash, which will then go into My Khatulistiwas CSR fund and will be used for various green activities throughout the year. The cleanup will also be assisted by the Sai Youths Community Cleaning Club whose main activity is to raise environmental consciousness among the public mainly on cleanliness. For more information on the Sampah Masyarakat and sponsorships, contact Shyam at 019 3060 852 or email at shyam@khatulistiwa.com.my. The event and group can also be found on Facebook.