Malaysia Week 09-10Tread lightly in our environment…Leave no trace…

Introduction.

Grade 7 Global Issues classes have been exploring the idea of becoming more environmentally literate.

This means giving people the skills to make better decisions about the environment.

To be sustainable means to use our resources responsibly and preserve for the next generation.

We think this is vital for Malaysia Week.

MW 2010: Head, Heart, Hand.

Head – We all need to be more aware of the impact on the environment.

Heart – we have to care about what we do in MW.

Hand – we have to take some action to be more sustainable.

And we need you to help us.

Head: Reasoning critically…

There are 22 sites in MW – 22 bus trips there and back.

394 middle schoolers take part and each one can do something to be more sustainable.

There are 394 bags going on MW – we must think about what we take in them.

394 kids should think about how they interact with the environment during MW.

A Carbon Footprint

A carbon footprint is a measure of the impact our daily activities have on the environment, and in particular climate change.

It relates to the amount of greenhouse gases that we individually produce in our day-to-day lives through burning fossil fuels for electricity, heating and transportation etc.

A carbon footprint is measured in units of tonnes (or kg) of carbon dioxide equivalent.

Heart: Live ethically…

To care about our environment.

To ethically responsible.

To respect our environment.

MW is a great opportunity

to showcase our care.

Calculating Our Carbon Footprint

For each site, we would like every student to calculate their own carbon footprint.

1. How far is the journey there and back (km)? 160 grams (average) of carbon dioxide per km travelled.

2. How much petrol is used for this journey? 2.3 kg of carbon dioxide per liter of petrol used.

Source: timeforchange.org

Hand: Learn enthusiastically…

We know that there are 5 simple things we can do on MW to be more environmentally responsible

A MW Environmental Charter

1. Recycle – each site should compost perishable waste.

2. Reduce –big bottles of water to reduce the amount of plastic; every student should take their own reusable water bottle to refill.

3. Reuse – each student should have their own plate, cup, bowl, knife, forks, spoon to reduce waste.

Hand: continued…

4. Leave no trace – we must take out what we take in ; we must buy environmentally-friendly plastic bags ; we should buy tissues from recycled paper.

5. Tread lightly – we can measure our carbon footprint; buy environmentally-friendly products ; consider chemicals in the jungle eg,bug spray, toiletries.

More Action! Offsetting Our Carbon Footprint…

One idea is to plant trees on site…Our research indicates that 1 tree in Malaysia takes in 22kg of carbon dioxide per year. We have made contact with groups who could help us with this.

OR

Have students take charge and donate RM20, and with this money Global Issues students could run a tree planting scheme after MW.

Let us know what your site thinks!

Source: www.carbonify.com/carbon-calculator.htm and www.reason2.be/ecology-103-c.asp

What you and your parents can do!

Buy biodegradable products.

Encourage your child to be environmentally responsible.

Really consider shopping for MW – do you need all that stuff? Can you shop around and buy greener products?

Encourage basic packing and green needs for MW.

Read labels carefully – packaging can be deceiving!

Reuse things – a muddy shoe can be washed, an

old shirt can be worn in the river…

What students can do!

Consider waste.

Don’t litter – Stow It Don’t Throw It!

Reuse zip-lock bags, better plastic choices.

Don't pick flowers or damage the ecosystem.

Don't buy souvenirs made from wild or endangered animals.

Stay on the trail, put out fires, - be a guest not an invader!

Use biodegradable shampoo and shower gel, tissues…

Final Thoughts…

“Malaysia week this year is going to be different – greener!”

“We are all going to try and work towards only taking memories and leaving behind only footsteps in the sand.”

“We are all going to try and reduce our carbon footprint.”

“There should be no hairdryers, video games, TV, AC…. This is a good idea for two reasons. The first reason is that it would obviously reduce our carbon footprint greatly. Another reason is that Malaysia week is meant to be all about the great outdoors - but how can we be truly experiencing that if we have our eyes glued to video games?”

Stockists

UFL Adventure - Bangsar Village , Bangsar , 03 2283 3319, http://www.ufl.com.my

Outdoor Gear Centre – 242-C Jalan Ampang, Federal Territory , Jalan Ampang, 03 4251 2423

TCE Tackles - 35-1, Jalan Radin Anum 2, Bandar Baru Seri Petalin , Selangor, 03 9057 7826, http://www.tcetackles.com.my

Corezone – 42, Jalan SS2/24 , Petaling Jaya , 03 7873 5560, http://www.mycorezone.com

Dive Station Aquaventure - Megamall Midvalley , Mid Valley, 03 2282 1948, http://www.divestation.com.m

Evergreen Adventure, A7, Jalan Kuang Bulan, Taman Kepong , Selangor , 03 6277 7778, http://www.evergreenadventure.cc

Giant Ace - Ikano Power Centre , Petaling Jaya , 03 41057 2231, http://www.acehardwareintl.com