Month: October 2023

Facing the continuous growth of the global population, it is becoming increasingly challenging to produce meat products to meet the growing demand, given the substantial land requirements for livestock rearing and the carbon footprint it leaves. This land could be more efficiently utilized for cultivating crops for direct human consumption. Thus, the Proveg Innovation Challenge Launch was held at NTU on 11 October 2023 with the aim of introducing the Proveg Food Innovation Challenge to NTU students. The challenge seeks to encourage individuals to participate actively and submit innovative ideas for a more sustainable food system.

Earthlink NTU is honoured to have Ms. Shirley Lu, the Proveg Managing Director be the speaker for this event launch. Ms. Shirley is a prominent figure in the green food economy innovations. She is the Coordinating Lead Author for a UNEP General Environment Outlook Brief on Business’s Role in Food System Transformation. She also pioneered a groundbreaking plant-based innovation campaign in China, expanding it across Southeast Asia.

During the talk, Ms. Shirley pointed out the benefits of a plant-based diet on both the environment and physical health. Vegetarianism has a lower environmental impact as growing plants requires less land space and has a lower carbon footprint than rearing livestock. Vegetarian diets tend to be lower in calories and saturated fats and higher in fiber content, lowering the risk of chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, certain cancers, and heart diseases. 

In recent times, the sustainable and plant-based food industry has gained traction with the introduction of cultured meat. Ms. Shirley also pointed out the huge market potential that this emerging industry can bring. Both vegetarians and flexitarians – people who have a primarily vegetarian diet but occasionally eat meat or fish, could benefit from the introduction of cultured meat. This emerging industry is paramount in offering alternative eating habits that are sustainable and reducing the reliance on animal-based meat products. 

After the talk, an intimate Q&A session was held, where participants had the opportunity to interact personally with the speaker, clarifying questions and learning more about the sustainable food industry. The session concluded with a lucky draw session where the lucky few participants have the opportunity to attend the New Food Conference that is hosted by Proveg in Berlin from October 25th to 26th. 

From this event, our participants have gained new insights and exposure to the sustainable and plant-based food industry. At Earthlink NTU, we are committed to making our planet a better place. Let us start by changing our own lifestyles to incorporate more sustainable habits.

Written by:

Nigel Chok Kin Chun 

On the 5th of October 2023, 34 participants from Earthlink NTU were graced with the opportunity to visit the Senoko waste-to-energy plant in northern Singapore. This tour was meant to create awareness among the students on the environmental benefits of waste-to-energy facilities in waste management in Singapore.

Upon arrival at the facility, we were greeted by a warm and friendly guide who gave us a detailed briefing on the evolution of waste management in Singapore. As Singapore is a small island nation with limited land capacity, the guide explained the gradual transition from landfill being the primary waste disposal method to the current practice of incineration and recycling. Through incineration, Singapore can harness the electricity generated in a process known as waste-to-energy, supplementing the energy production of a nation with limited natural resources. 

The tour concluded with participants having an opportunity to engage in a meaningful discussion about waste treatment. For the participants, it was an eye-opener towards the complex processes involved in converting waste to energy. It also highlights the ingenious steps that Singapore has taken in order to maximise the usage of landfills and supplement their power generation through incinerating waste. In the 21st century, land is becoming increasingly scarce due to a combination of factors, including population growth, rapid urban development, and the mounting volume of waste being deposited in landfills. As such waste-to-energy plants are a positive step in order to mitigate the usage of land for waste. 

Written by:
Nigel Chok Kin Chun