Schools contribute to anti-plastic campaign
Kota Kinabalu: About 25 schools have contributed to the Sabah Environmental Action Centre (EAC) collection of RM267,090.86 (June 2010 to March 2013), said Mayor Abidin Madingkir.
This collection, according to Madingkir, involves 266 other bodies/organisations which participated in their campaign aiming to reduce plastic usage through the 20 sen payment for each plastic bag given away.
On complaints received from consumers who were dissatisfied with the charges, he encouraged them to bring their own bags especially bio-degradable bags.
“Apart from being able to save money, it also helps save the environment by reducing the amount of plastic used reduces the amount of rubbish thrown away which are made out of plastic,” added Madingkir who officiated at the 3R programme – Zero Waste for a Greener Environment at SK Stella Maris, here.
Also highlighted by him was the effort to reduce the usage of polystyrene containers and plastic bags due to its negative health implications.
On top of that, he said any pollution involving these items would lead to long-term hazardous effects to the environment. The Zero Waste for Greener Environment is an initiative by City Hall, EAC Sabah, EAC Kota Kinabalu and Shell Malaysia.
Shell Malaysia is the main sponsor for this programme.
“Thank you to SK Stella Maris for their strong support. This is their third participation in our campaign which aims to reduce the usage of plastic bags. The first recognition given to them was on June 7, 2010. I’m sure that with another recognition as one of the schools without rubbish, it would motivate staff and students to engage more in our efforts.”
“According to City Hall’s records, there are 74 areas without rubbish in Kota Kinabalu and out of this number, 31 of them are schools. Among activities carried out by us include activating the recycle centre with Taiwan Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation where 13 ‘Collection Points’ for recycled items have been set up in KK.”
Meanwhile, also acknowledged by him was SMK Pulau Gaya’s active efforts towards becoming a school without rubbish.
Source: Daily Express
