EK Newsletter - July 2015

July 2015

Greetings from EcoKnights and Selamat Hari Raya!

The month of fasting is over and thus begins the month of Open Houses! Happily, July also heralds the season of our favorite local fruits like durian and mangosteen. But we shouldn't forget that we were handed some disconcerting facts about our habits during fasting month – 270,000 tonnes of food wasted, at a rate of 9,000 tonnes daily, in just thirty days! That is an overwhelming amount of food that could still be shared, eaten, or even disposed for composting.

Now, with all the delicious feasts being prepared for Hari Raya and Open Houses, remember to practice green habits. We've got some tips on storing food, and why not consider taking our composting workshop – do you know what items are compostable?

Knights of Nature Junior Camp for Children of MHHE Employees, Pasir Gudang

From 11 to 12 June 2015, EcoKnights and Malaysian Marine and Heavy Engineering Berhad (MHHE) partnered to organize a Knights of Nature Camp at Pasir Gudang for the children of MHHE Employees. In attendance were 52 youths ranging from 13 to 17 years old. The youths worked in groups and were empowered to learn about the environment and foster solutions-based approach to environmental issues. Full report here.

Knights of Nature Junior Camp, Ulu Hati, Selangor

From 8 to 10 June 2015, EcoKnights and CIMB Foundation launched the first Knights of Nature Junior Camp at Ulu Hati, Selangor for twenty students between the ages of 10-12 and their teachers. The students were from ten different schools under CIMB Foundation’s Yayasan Pintar program. Through interactive games and presentations, the students gained awareness of some of the pressing environmental issues, including the growing plastic pollution, and were encouraged to learn the 3R’s. Meanwhile, their teachers were freshly equipped with customized resources and teaching guides to keep up the green momentum in their respective schools. Check out what else the students learned.

Film Making Workshop with Larry Johnson, Point College

On 9 June 2015, EcoKnights joined US Embassy and Point College to hold a film making workshop with American director, producer and editor, Lawrence Johnson. The audience of youths from various educational institutions discussed the concepts related to film making that would help bring out the intended message, such as understanding different cultures. The students were also invited to submit their original productions related to the environment for the chance to be featured during the 8th KL Eco Film Festival in October 2015.

World Environment Day with US Embassy and Sunway at Sunway Iskandar, Johor Bahru

On 4 June 2015, Sunway Property and EcoKnights commemorated World Environment Day at Sunway Iskandar following the latter’s efforts in sustainability by developing Nature’s Capital City in Johor Bahru. The US Embassy marked the occasion in the midst of their #GoGreenLah! cycling expedition, which was spearheaded and led by Ambassador Joseph Y. Yun. The event also involved the adoption of 75,000 trees across Sunway’s green township and the release of 1500 fish into the Emerald Lake. Photos of the event are here

Upcoming Events:

Anugerah Hijau 2015 Submissions for Anugerah Hijau 2015 are now closed, and EcoKnights would like to thank everyone who submitted their creative productions. We will be announcing the Top 10 Finalists for the three categories namely, music, inventions and architecture on the Anugerah Hijau website. The Finalists Workshop will then take place on 14-16 August 2015. So keep your eyes peeled for the announcements!

KLEFF 2015 Submissions for film entries and applications to be a Green Vendor/Exhibitor for the 8th KL Eco Film Fest have officially closed on 30 June 2015. In other news - EcoKnights is now looking for crazy talented and creative bands, singers, and entertainers to perform at Publika during the 8th KLEFF in October 2015! So hurry and apply now!

Meet Miao Miao, the EcoKnights Avatar

Lastly, EcoKnights would like to officially introduce you to Miao Miao, the diva cat who inveigled her way into the office as well as our hearts and laps.

One fine day in late May, the team heard an incessant mewling outside the kitchen area only to find a small hungry stray kitten. She decided to adopt us from that day onwards and entertain us with her daily calls for attention, poses, and shenanigans. Who knew that a stray could be so … unceasingly chatty?

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So here’s wishing you a Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri, and remember, everyday should be the day you cherish and conserve energy and water.