GREENing NTU 2014/15 S2: Ditch Da Disposables

Earthlink NTU had its second edition of Greening NTU this year on 9th and 10th of March. Continuing from 2014, the theme for this year s campaign is Ditch Da Disposables. It is to encourage the students of NTU to reduce the usage of plastic bags, takeaway containers, paper cups and other non-biodegradable materials.

Held at Concourse, South Spine, the main highlight of the campaign is a story tunnel depicting the life and journey of Frankie the disposable fork. The team of organisers meticulously planned and set up the tunnel. Student ambassadors led the participants through the tunnel while playing the role as Frankie. The images in the tunnel showed the life cycle of a disposable fork, particularly from the production factory to places such as canteen, dining table or dustbin, and finally into a landfill. In progressing through the tunnel, participants realized that the life of Frankie is brief, but requires a considerable amount of energy and economic resources to produce. Furthermore, it induced the participants to think whether is it necessary to pour so much effort into manufacturing a product that only can be use once. After passing through the tunnel, the participants completed a short survey and many had intention to reduce the use of disposable products in their daily life.

Besides that, a photo competition was also held. To participate in the competition, participants were asked to talk about the green acts they had done, for instance bringing their own container for takeaway or not using air-conditioner. The pictures were taken and uploaded to Earthlink s Facebook page. By utilizing the power of social media, Earthlink was able to highlight that small actions by individuals can lead to significant positive impacts on the environment collectively.

The event organisers also conducted a mini game booth, which also entitled the participants to enter the lucky draw. The game was simple and easily understandable. It aim is to educate the participants about the wasteful nature of disposables and the durable trait of reusable items. Participants were given a handful of recyclable and non-recyclable items. Their main target was to place them in the correct places. Besides that, the team of organisers were able to gain support from on-campus retailers to carry out a two-week stamp collection programme. Whenever the cardholder refuses a plastic bag upon purchase, one can obtain a stamp. If one collected five stamps, Earthlink will present a mystery gift to the respective cardholder.

Overall, the event garnered positive reviews from the public, especially the story tunnel. It was very interactive and much more engaging compared to past campaigns that used conventional information boards. Student ambassadors also played an important role by actively engaging the 140 people participating in the campaign. For example, they guided the participants through the tunnel while interactively narrating the life cycle of Frankie. Other than that, they were also tasked to convey the main message of the campaign and explain the stamp collection programme.

Special thanks to the event sponsors, namely PUB, Ministry of Social and Family Development, Lakerol, Honsei Coffee and iGave for their generosity and support towards this campaign.