Running for the second year, the Nurture for Nature programme is an environment-focussed programme. It is aimed at instilling passion and nurturing a habit amongst young Malaysian students to be proactive on environmental issues by cultivating the practice of beverage carton recycling. The programme is also supported by the Ministry of Education (MOE) and the Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM).
Describing the magnitude of the number of cartons collected, Ms Terrynz Tan, Communications and Environment Director of Tetra Pak (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd said, “If we line up all the cartons in a straight line, it would line the streets from Kuala Lumpur all the way to Ipoh!”
Tan applauded the students’ dedication in collecting such a huge number of used beverage cartons and said it reflects the success of the Nurture for Nature programme. The enthusiasm of both students and teachers were evident by the cheers and thunderous applause that resounded as the winners of the beverage carton recycling competition were announced.
Students and teachers from the winning schools pose with their trophies, certificates and mock cheques.SK Sri Kelana was declared the grand prize winner. The students who had worked relentlessly for the past six months to collect the most number of beverage cartons for recycling, proudly walked away with a cash prize of RM5,000 and a field trip for their Nature Rangers team.
Coming close in second place was SK Ampang Campuran and in third place, SK Cochrane Perkasa. They both took home RM 3,000 and RM 2,000 and also a trip for their Nature Rangers team respectively.
6 Kejora from SK Sri Kelana also received a special award and a trip as the classroom with the highest collection of beverage cartons throughout the duration of the programme and best SPOC (key teacher in charge) was awarded to Pn Ong Eng Too from SK Seksyen 9 Shah Alam.
“The environment is an integral part of our business operations, and in line with our motto, “PROTECTS WHAT’S GOOD”TM, this Nurture for Nature programme is an extension of our commitment towards the environment. We are very honoured to have on board the Ministry of Education and FRIM support us again this year to further our environmental cause,” explained Tan.
This year, the programme was extended to an additional 25 primary schools in Klang Valley compared to the maiden initiative last year, making it a total of 50 participating schools in 2010. “The increase in the number of schools caters to our children who are increasingly conscious of environmental challenges and recognise that they, regardless of their age, can play a part in conserving it!” said Tan excitedly.
Besides the beverage carton recycling contest, the core activities in the Nurture for Nature programme also included environmental talks. As a continuation from last year’s topic, “Recycling”, this year the subject matter was “Global Warming”.
Tetra Pak also assisted the 50 schools to set up a Tetra Pak Notice Board for students to read up on environmental issues and also track their progress in the contest. In addition, Tetra Pak also assisted the schools to set up a Nature Rangers team which comprises of 10 elected students to assist their teachers in the logistics of the beverage carton contest. They also functioned as motivators to encourage their peers to be more proactive about recycling.
According to Tuan Haji Mohd Anuar bin Abdul Hamid, Deputy Chief Director, Counselling and Discipline Management Sector & Daily School Management Department of the Ministry of Education, the Nurture for Nature programme is in line with the ministry’s effort to promote the 3R (reduce, reuse and recycle) concept especially in schools.
“We believe the formation of the Nature Rangers team will instil a sense of responsibility and team work amongst the students, and hope it will eventually become an extra-curricular society to allow more students to participate in environmental activities. We are aware that some schools have since set up their own eco-focus groups as a result of their involvement in last year’s programme. On behalf of the ministry, Tetra Pak and FRIM, we applaud their efforts!”
As a finale to this year’s Nurture for Nature, Tetra Pak also donated a total sum of RM 10,000 which will be channelled towards the maintenance of FRIM’s Environmental Education Centre (EEC). The EEC which was made a reality through Tetra Pak’s sponsorship last year was launched in June this year to serve as a strategic location for FRIM to organise talks, workshops and group activities for school children and the public. Tetra Pak also fitted the centre with recycling bins, stationeries and collaterals made from recycled beverage cartons.
Present to receive the donation on behalf of FRIM was Puan Norhayati Nordin, Head of Corporate Management. “FRIM is always seeking avenues and partners to implement environmental programmes especially for the young. It is imperative that children understand the environmental issues and learn to cultivate a sense of appreciation for our natural resources to ensure its continued existence for posterity. To complement Tetra Pak’s recycling activity, FRIM will, in 2011, institute efforts to reduce the use of polystyrene and encourage the use of environmentally friendly alternatives in its cafeteria,” said Norhayati.
FRIM's Puan Norhayati Nordin (left) receiving the mock cheque from Tetra Pak's Ms Terrynz Tan.Echoing Tetra Pak’s sentiments, Norhayati stressed the importance for children to embrace their role as champions for Mother Earth. “Regardless of our age, every single one of us can do something and contribute towards the conservation and preservation of our environment,” concluded Norhayati.
The kids won a trip to the SHA Paper Mill in Shah Alam to witness the beverage carton recycling process and a trip to the Skytrex Adventure Park in Bukit Cahaya (Pic left and below).
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