National Geographic (Nat Geo) hosted its first-ever Earth Day Run that attracted over 2,000 runners and eco-warriors alike in an effort to promote awareness on single-use plastic pollution.
The event also became a platform to empower the public to live healthier and more sustainably at home. The run was organized in conjunction with Earth Day and celebrated annually on a global scale on April 22.
This year, the theme for Earth Day centered around No Plastic Waste, more importantly on reducing single-use plastic which remained a key element throughout the entire run. Runners were provided with reusable water bottles or brought their own water bottles.
This is the only run where no single-use plastic cups or water bottles were given out, but runners were able to refill their water bottles using reusable water tanks and pumps at the designated water stations.
Gamuda Land, Malaysia’s leading property developer with a philosophy of delivering innovative housing developments rooted through sustainable environment was the official venue sponsor for the run. Other partners include unifi TV, Fox Sports, Stadium Astro and Nivea Men.
During the race pack collection, Zero Waste Malaysia held an exhibition at TwentyFive.7, a project by Gamuda Land to showcase a ‘zero waste home’.
The exhibition shed light on the small changes that can be made to a person’s everyday lifestyle to minimize waste generated from the kitchen, the bathroom and on the go. By simply carrying stainless steel bottles for water storage, drinking water without using straws, and using recyclable bags for shopping and other purposes, a household will be able to reduce single-use plastic usage.
The exhibition also displayed plenty of alternative options for everyday use that can replace plastic usage – such as beeswax wrap to pack and keep food fresh; bamboo straws perfect for multiple usage; as well as natural-based deodorant and organic-based laundry detergent kept in ethical packaging without plastic.
Apart from Zero Waste Malaysia, some of Malaysia’s green heroes such as Biji-Biji Initiative, Petrosains and Cenviro, an environmental Conservation Organization were also present to run educational and fun activities for eco-fair visitors.
The Nat Geo Earth Day Run is known across the region to promote environmental awareness and highlight sustainable living. Throughout the years, the run has supported environmental causes such as water management, climate change initiatives and more.
For more information visit www.natgeoearthdayrun.com/malaysia/.