The main theme of NTU Ecofest, a student-led ground up initiative, was the idea of living consciously.
Many individuals in Singapore have the misconception that individual efforts to be more eco-friendly are insignificant, and only the government or organisations have the power to enact change.
The team wanted to change this passive mindset into an active individual effort, for people to see that environmental issues requires collaboration, and one must make cultural and lifestyle changes for a sustainable future.
The team invited organisations and individuals advocating for ordinary citizens to live more sustainably, to set up information booths or to conduct talks – these include The Sustainability Project, Seastainable, UnPackt and UglyFood, just to name a few. Vendors providing platforms for the public to make sustainable lifestyle choices were also invited to market their eco-friendly alternatives to disposables and plastic-free daily necessities.
The Highlights
The team was encouraged to see a larger-than-expected crowd, and the many discussions about sustainability that took place with their invited partners.
Throughout the four hours that the event ran for, there was a steady stream of visitors and curious onlookers who were attracted by the happenings in the function hall and the sound of the bands performing. Many participants at the event also gave feedback that talking to the vendors inspired them to try changing their lifestyles little by little, because of the way they spoke so passionately about their cause.
Ultimately, the team felt that their goal to encourage conversations on the environment and what participants can do as individuals were reached. Many were inspired by their conversations at the event, and the team is hopeful that participants will take first step towards making more sustainable lifestyle choices.
The Memories
Reflection #1 – The Challenges
The two-member team only had a month between project approval and event day itself, and all of the preparations had to be rushed – liaising with their partners, logistics matters, and publicity.
Being a student-led initiative made this more difficult. Fortunately, the team made it through with the support of their friends.
Reflection #2 – The Takeaways
It was heartening to see that many visitors at the event were actively interested in Singapore’s sustainability groups and efforts – to learn, share and do. To see them understand how being eco-friendly is so much more than just a metal straw, makes all the effort worthwhile.
The vendors were critical to spread the message on changing lifestyles and making it a sustainable one. Rather than just “hard-selling” their products, the vendors also took a special effort to explain why sustainable living is so important in the world we live it. Many visitors feedback that they were inspired by the vendors’ sincere passion in pursuing a business in sustainability to create social change.
This has been a very meaningful project for the team, and hope that there will be more events such as these, to provide a platform for learning to live consciously and choosing to live sustainably. The team is optimistic that it will happen in the near future, and should other schools be willing to embark in this partnership, the team is more than willing to do so.
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