Approximately 1.3 billion tonnes of food go to waste world wide. That’s equivalent to roughly 220 Great Pyramid of Giza! In Malaysia, it was reported that 15,000 tonnes of food is wasted every day, of which 3,000 tonnes is still fit for consumption. Fortunately, Electrolux Malaysia has launched an initiative to raise awareness about this problem and encourage people to reduce food wastage.
The event, ‘#myhappyplate’, was held over the course of six weeks earlier this year and was a huge success. Over 12,000 Malaysians pledged to finish their food at mealtimes, minimising food waste and reducing their carbon footprint. Scores of people also shared photos on Instagram and Facebook of their ‘cheerfully’ empty plates.
Through the pledges made online, Malaysians were directly responsible for Electrolux Malaysia sponsoring 1,000 food bundles to families in need. The food bundles consisted of essential, non-perishable food items, including rice, milk powder, oil and instant noodles. They will be distributed over three months by the partner charity organisations GT Community Care Services Berhad and Life-Care Community Services. The first batch was packed and distributed in early September.
As part of the campaign, Electrolux Malaysia also teamed up with the consultant dietitian, Ms. Indra Balaratnam, to develop nutritious and healthy recipes made with leftovers, which she shared in cooking classes organised for the public. Over 50 participants plied her with questions and learned how to make the most out of their leftover food, which is definitely something more of us should be doing.
All in all, this was an inspiring initiative. We should all be more conscious about our presence in the world and what we can do to preserve the Earth, since it is our only home in the universe, at least for now. More and more people are eager to take on a ‘green living’ approach, and it’s important to remember that every little bit counts.
Another way to go green is to start recycling. Check out our articles on recycling here:
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