UCSI University has emerged as one of the finalists for the International Green Gown Awards 2019 for its project entitled ‘Towards Zero Waste – Feel and Heal’. The project was initiated by UCSI’s Aquatic Science Student Association.

The International Green Gown Awards are endorsed by the United Nations Environment and are supported by The Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), L’Agence universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF) and the International Association of Universities (IAU).  

Often, we don’t think twice about leftovers after we have eaten. These food scraps are actually useful as they can be refurbished into compost. Subsequently, compost can be used for fertilising plants for personal consumption and commercial purposes.

This practice can become a reality and a way of life for all individuals. By incorporating this practice into daily life, one can minimise waste and live sustainably at the same time.

One of the major lessons to be learnt from this project include giving back to Mother Nature. Also, always think of the uses of materials and substances after it has exceeded its original function or life cycle. There might be another way it can contribute back to society. Lastly, sustainable living will give way to patience and perseverance, which will bring out the best in one’s character and work.

For UCSI, bringing education to meet the immediate needs of the local and global community is foundational to transformative education. One of its goals is to build partnerships in healing and protecting the environment.

Hence, through this project, UCSI champions specific UN SDGs including SDG 4 – Quality Education, SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production and SDG 13 – Climate Action.

Putting these and the other SDGS foremost in mind will bring about a sense of responsibility and consideration towards the environment that we live in. Change starts in the individual. Like a chain reaction, this movement can envelope all who live on this planet and one day, we can all look forward to a healthier, balanced and sustainable way of living; one that can be maintained for future generations.