华文讲座 @ 柔佛五福城市购物中心（11月）

马来西亚柔佛州的五福城市购物中心Sutera Mall在今年11月期间举行The Good Earth 美化地球环保展览，向人民提倡再用再循环的环保理念。五福城市的Mr Saw邀请地球协会在11月9日 和11月15日 到购物中心举办两场华文讲座。这是五福城市第2次邀请我们参加他们的环保活动。

刘先生在11月9日到达五福城市，受到五福城Mr Saw的热情招待。刘先生参观了五福城市的环保展览，并在2点开始《全球暖化》的讲座。刘先生在讲座中呈现了全球暖化对世界的影响（包括近年来在马来西亚发生的水灾、美国的旱灾、北极的冰川融化等），也呈现了科学家们提出的解决方案（保护雨林、绿色能源、减少肉食等等）。大约30位Sutera Mall的顾客出席讲座。我们在讲座结束后分发环保手册/环保影碟给Sutera Mall顾客，为他们提供更多环保讯息。讲座在3点钟结束。

我们在11月15日到五福城市举办了另一场环保讲座。

希望将来会有更多购物中心举加入环保团队，举办环保活动，提倡绿色生活。

Booth @ Woodland Rings Primary (10 Nov)

Mdm Mazlindah, from Woodland Rings Primary, invited Earth Society to set up a booth during the school’s 7th N5 Science Carnival event (held on 10 Nov). Five neighbouring schools also participated in the event.  

On 10 Nov, Earth Society members arrived at Woodland Rings Primary on 7.30 am. We put up an Exhibition panel, set up a booth and projected some environmental animations onto the wall of the hall. Students who visit our booth can watch environmental cartoons such as “Animals save the Planet” and WWF animations.

We distributed “Eco-kids website” leaflets and MRT card holders to students at our booth.  

We manned the booth from 7.30am till 3pm.

PM Haze Exhibition @ Vivocity

PM Haze (People’s Movement to Stop Haze), from Young NTUC, has partnered with Singapore Institute of International Affairs (SIIA) to put up a Haze exhibition from 7 to 9 Nov @ Vivocity ground floor.

They aim to help people understand more about the causes of the haze, the efforts being taken to fight it, and opportunities for people in Singapore to take action instead of just suffering in silence.

Mr Tan Yi Han, one of the founder of PM Haze, invited Earth Society members to attend the Haze Exhibition.

On 07 Nov, Earth Society members visited the Haze Exhibition booth in Vivocity shopping mall. Volunteers from PM Haze lead us to tour the exhibits and explained the haze situation to us. We learn that the haze is a result of burning of peat lands for agriculture purpose.

More info on PM Haze and their exhibition can be found in their website:

Website : pmhaze.org

Face Book:  www.facebook.com/pmhaze

Assembly Talk @ Balestier Hill Secondary (21 Oct)

Mdm Azlina Ibraim, a teacher in Balestier Hill Secondary, invited Earth Society to conduct an Assembly talk in the school on 21 Oct.

On 21 Oct, Earth Society members reached Balestier Hill Secondary at 9.20 am. We conducted a Global Warming Assembly talk for the Sec 1 to Sec 3 students from 9.40 to 10.25 am. The students and teachers listened attentively to the talk.

After the talk, we set up a booth at the school canteen to pass more info to interested teachers and students. We manned the booth till 11.30 am.

Mdm Azlina Ibraim gave the following feedback on the Assembly talk: “The talk was informative – covering a lot of areas on Global Warming. Incorporation of videos engaged the students.”

Assembly Talk @ Geylang Methodist Secondary (17 Oct)

Mr Chng Kiong Choon, Senior Teacher (Geography) in Geylang Methodist School (secondary), invited Earth Society to conduct an Assembly talk in the school on 17 Oct.

On 17 Oct, Earth Society members reached Geylang Methodist school at 7.15 am. We conducted a Global Warming Assembly talk for the Sec 1 to Sec 3 students from 7.45 to 8.20 am. The school cohort listened attentively to the talk.

After the talk, we set up a booth at the school canteen to gather feedback and pass more info to interested teachers and students. We manned the booth till 10.30 am.

Feedback from Students:

The talk helps us to understand that the world’s climate is changing due to human activities. The talk taught us how to prevent such changes and turn the world into a better place.   – Oh Zi L, Sec 2, GMS

I like the talk because it shows me the importance of saving the world by preventing global warming. The videos are interesting and catch our attention. 

– Hui Jun, Sec 1, GMS

I think it is very inspiring getting to know the dangers we are going to face in the future. I am going to do Veggie Thursdays and save the Earth! I’m going to share it with my family too!  – Khushbu Pun, Sec 2, GMS

"Disruption" Movie Screening and Discussion ( 27 Sep )

“350 Singapore” from Young NTUC organized an Eco-movie screening and discussion event at NTUC center (One Marina Boulevard) on 27 Sep.

Earth Society members participated in the event from 3pm to 5.30 pm.

The movie screened was “Disruption". It is a film which shows the devastating consequences of climate change if we do nothing to counter it. It also gives us an inside look into how passionate individuals from diverse groups such as environmental groups, trade unions, faith groups and social groups got together to drum up grassroots support for what is normally a distant issue for the layperson.

The movie is available for view on the website :

http://watchdisruption.com/

After watching the movie, a volunteer from “350 Singapore” led the participants to discuss on the topics covered in the movie. Some participants commented that the movie helped to raise awareness about climate change but did not offer a solution to it. Participants discussed on ways to reduce carbon food print such as buying more local produce (verses imported produce), supporting solar technology and reducing meat consumption.

After a fruitful discussion, the event ended at 5.30pm.

Health and Environment talk @ Great Eastern Center (08 Sep)

Mr Jordan Ho, Financial Adviser, invited Earth Society to conduct a Health and Environment talk at Great Eastern Center on 08 Sep.

Mr Jordan was introduced to Earth Society by Mr Low and thought that our message of Environmental protection and Healthy living is in line with Great Eastern’s “Live Great” philosophy.

On 08 Sep, Earth Society members reached Great Eastern Center at 9.30am.

We conducted a company talk from 9.45 till 10.30am. We shared on topics such as Reducing obesity, Alkaline the body to avoid Cancer, How Global Warming is affecting the planet and How reducing meat consumption can conserve the resources on the planet.

Great Eastern staff responded warmly to the talk and many left their email with us for further correspondence at the end of the talk.

Feedback from staffs:

Thank you for coming to share with us. Such information although available widely but has not been consolidated for the masses to understand. The linkages are done perfectly to bring everything into perspective. Very useful indeed!

- Yong Zhi, Great Eastern, Advisers Alliance

Thank you for your very informative sharing on Healthy living and Climate change. I find the statistics are very staggering and really something I didn’t know. I love the videos used as they give us more visuals and support.

- Jordan, Financial Adviser

Very in depth information about what is happening globally. Creates awareness among people who are always busy at work.    - Swee Yong, Advisers Alliance

身心灵健康与环保研讨会（9月6日）

赖玉珠女士，轻安村创办人，邀请地球协会成员参加轻安村Kampong Senang  第 6届身心灵健康与环保研讨大会 (Holistic Wellness Symposium)。

今年研讨会的日期是9月6日，地点是在醉花林Chui Huai Lim Club。

健康与环保研讨大会分两场：华文研讨会（9点到1点）, 英文研讨会（2点到6点）。

在9月6日当天，地球协会成员出席了早上的华文研讨会。

今年研讨会的主题是：健康生活是成功之道。

华文研讨会邀请了潘哲娜女士（印尼国际热爱大自然促进会顾问）、苏星龙先生（本地名厨）和陈瑞莲女士（般尼克气疗培训师），为大家讲解如何透过接触大自然，调整饮食和自身的调养来实现健康生活。

国际热爱大自然促进会的青年成员也在研讨会中随着热爱大自然的歌曲，跳起健康的舞蹈。
华文研讨会在青年们跳跃的舞步中圆满落幕。

身心灵健康与环保研讨大会网站：http://eco-harmony.net/hws2014/

Environment Talk @ Bedok Green Secondary (22 Aug)

Mdm Lee Choon Tien, teacher-in-charge of Environment Club in Bedok Green Secondary, invited Earth Society to conduct an Environment talk in the school on 22 Aug. This is the 3^rd invitation we receive from the school in the past 3 years.

On 22 Aug, Earth Society members reached Bedok Green Secondary at 10.30am. We set up and manned a booth from 10.30 am to 1.30 pm.

We conducted an Assembly talk to the school cohort from 11.40 till 12.20pm. We presented on Overfishing, Deforestation, Animal factory farms, Greenhouse gas emissions and Environmental                                                                                              protection.

Students listened attentively to the talk and participated actively in the Quiz at the end of the talk. After the Assembly, many students visited our booth to write feedbacks for the talk and get more info on Environmental protection.

Feedback from Teachers:

The presenter shares with deep conviction and his passion could be felt by many. The talk was highly informative and I would recommend this to other schools. The selected video clips are short and interesting!

- Mr Karen Ching, Teacher, BGSS

The presentation was very informative and the timing is good, with use of animation, videos and stories to engage students and allow them to understand the effects of human action on the environment.

- Ms Fronlie, Teacher, BGSS

Feedback from Students:

I find the talk interesting and I’ve learnt a lot more about the Earth’s current state. I feel motivated to save the Earth.  – Hamada Masahiro, Sec 1, BGSS

The talk taught me about the environment. I also learn about the ocean and how the fishes are going extinct.  – Johnathan Ng, Sec 1, BGSS

I like the talk because it informs us about the issues causing Global Warming and convinces us to change for the better of the ecosystem. I believe that we can make a change and contribute to conserving the environment after learning about the states of the Earth, especially about the Ocean.  – Trisha Poh, Sec 4, BGSS

Lots of info that I can use in my Biology class. An interesting talk with videos and pictures. 
– Trisha Poh, Sec 4, BGSS

Environment Talk @ Winstedt School (15 Aug)

Mr Rizal Bin Baharom, Deputy Head of School (Winsted School), came across our Earth Society website when he was doing a search for Assembly talks in the internet. He was interested in the Assembly talks we provided and invited Earth Society to conduct an Environment talk to the school cohort on 15 Aug.

On 15 Aug, Earth Society members reached Winsted School at 9.15 am. We conducted an Environmental talk for 70 students (K1 to P6 level) from 9.30 till 10.00 am. The students listened attentively and participated actively in the Quiz at the end of the talk.

Feedback from Teachers:

The talk was very educational and the videos were very useful for the students to understand. Thank you for the reminder to protect the Earth ! - Mr Rizal, Deputy Head of School, Winsted School 

The presentation was very inspirational and informative with relevant statistics. I would love to use the content for my class to further study about it. - Ms Hye, Teacher, Winstedt school

Assembly Talk @ St Andrew’s Junior School (13 Aug)

Ms Poh Toon Ling, teacher-in-charge of Eco club in St Andrew’s Junior School,

invited Earth Society to conduct an Assembly talk in the school on 13 Aug.

On 13 Aug, Earth Society members reached St Andrew’s Junior School at 7.45am. We conducted a Global Warming Assembly talk for P4 to P6 students from 8 till 8.30am. The students listened attentively to the talk.

After the talk, we set up a booth at the school canteen to gather feedback and pass more info to interested teachers and students. 
                                                                                    We manned the booth till 11 am.

Feedback from Teachers/ Students:

The content of the talk is meaningful and relevant to students. Facts from Singapore are shown in the slides. Videos that accompanied the slides engaged the students. Presentation time is appropriate and objectives were clear. The students enjoyed the learning. Good work! The Brochure given out was informative and interesting too.

 – Ms Poh Toon Ling, Eco-Club teacher, St Andrew’s JS

I like the talk because I learn how to conserve energy. I also learn that the world is in danger as the ice is melting quickly. I also learn about veggie Thursday. – Gareth Pang, P6, St Andrew’s JS

I think the talk is meaningful as it tells us about global warming. We all need to play a part to protect Earth.  
– Tan Jin Loy, P6, St Andrew’s JS

Assembly Talk @ Compassvale Secondary (30 Jul)

Mrs Winnie Lim, Environment Club teacher-in-charge of Compassvale Secondary, invited Earth Society to conduct an Assembly talk in the school on 30 Jul.

On 30 Jul, Earth Society members reached Compassvale Secondary at 12.45pm. We conducted an Assembly talk on Global Warming for Sec 1 to Sec 5 students from 1 to 1.45pm. Students participated actively in a Quiz after the talk.

After the Assembly talk, we set up a booth at the school canteen from 1.45 till 2.30 pm. We left the school at 2.30pm

Assembly Talk @ Coral Secondary (11 Jul)

Ms Fabian Lim, Assembly co-ordinator of Coral Secondary, invited Earth Society to conduct an Assembly talk in the school on 11 Jul.

On 11 Jul, Earth Society members reached Coral Secondary at 7.30am. We conducted a Global Warming Assembly talk for the Sec 1 to Sec 4 students from 7.50 to 8.30 am. The school cohort listened attentively to the talk.

After the talk, we set up a booth at the school canteen to gather feedback and pass more info to interested teachers and students. We manned the booth till 10.30 am.

Feedback from Students: 

We learnt that Global Warming is destroying the ecosystem. We found the talk interesting and informative.   
– Tan Reagan, Biandon Ng, Coral Secondary

The talk taught us what we can do to save the Earth from falling apart. e.g Having a healthy lifestyle.   

– Karine Toh Miao Ru, Sec 2, Coral Secondary

I learnt that we should conserve water as it is a precious resource.    I will try to consume more vegetables and cut down on meat. I enjoyed the cute and informative videos in the talk.     
– Su Hui Ning, Sec 4, Coral Secondary.

环保讲座 @ 中国西安邮电大学 (6月5日)

中国西安邮电大学, 通信与信息工程学院副院长，刘颖博士，邀请地球协会在6月份到中国为大学生做环保讲座。刘副院长是在前几年到新加坡进行学术交流时认识地球协会的。刘副校长热衷于环保，并认同地球协会素食环保的环保理念。刘副院长在今年初就写信邀请地球协会的刘先生到西安邮电大学举办环保讲座。经过一番接洽与安排，刘副院长决定邀请刘先生夫妇在6月4日至6日到中国西安邮电大学举办环保讲座，学校将提供机票与住宿。

刘先生夫妇在6月4日傍晚抵达中国西安咸阳机场，刘副院长派人热情接待。

在6月5日，学校安排了2场环保讲座，一场在中午、一场在傍晚。

刘先生在中午为40名研究生演讲，在傍晚为300名大学生演讲。

演讲内容包括：全球暖化对世界各地的影响（冰川融化、旱灾/水灾增加、海平面上升、粮食水源问题等），如何减低温室气体（多种树/减少肉食/用绿色能源/再循环）。演讲中呈现了许多环保短片,如：科学家谈全球暖化短片、NASA总裁DrJames Hansen 谈暖化的影响、联合国IPCC主席帕乔尔谈减少碳足迹、戈尔Al Gore谈绿色能源短片、中国演艺界拍摄的《周一请吃素》短片等。

同学们都聚精汇神地聆听讲座,专心地看环保短片。当同学们看到2013年热播电视剧《咱们结婚吧》的女主角高圆圆说：“周一请吃素”时，大家都会心一笑。：〉

讲座完毕，许多学生都上前来索取环保网站，环保册子等资料。一些学生则填写讲座反馈，并提供电子邮件以跟我们保持联系。

刘先生夫妇在6月6日中午离开西安邮电大学。此次中国之旅，刘先生夫妇受到邮电大学师生的热情款待，也在师生心里播下了环保的幼苗。希望日后还有机会到中国去举办讲座，为环保尽一份绵力。

以下是一些学生的反馈:

此次演讲对我有极强的震撼力，感谢老师此次环境保护的倡导演讲。此后我会加强自己的环保活动！- 李钧杰，西安邮电大学 学生

看了讲课，有很多感触。全球暖化，天气渐热。少吃肉、多吃素，有益健康，更有益地球。 - 王鹏，西安邮电大学 学生

希望大家多做宣传，为保护地球美好环境做出自己的一份贡献。

-西安邮电大学 学生

响应保护地球的号召。为了以后更好的生活，为了我们共同的家园，决定周一吃素，从我做起。 
– 彭同学，西安邮电大学 学生

Environment Seminar @ Parsons Brinkerhoff company (28 May)

Mr Lakkur Sai Prakash, an Engineer in Parsons Brinkerhoff company, invited Earth Society to conduct a 1 hour seminar to 20 staffs on 28 May from 5 to 6pm. This is the 2^nd year that Parsons Brinkerhoff invited us to the company.

On 28 May, Earth Society members reached Parsons Brinkerhoff at 4.55pm.

We conducted a 45 mins presentation on Overfishing, Deforestation, Greenhouse gas and Environmental protection. At the end of the seminar, we introduce some environmental heros such as Dr Jane Goodall, Captain Paul Watson of the Sea shepherd and NASA director Dr James Hansen to the staffs.

Staff’s Feedback:

The talk is really great. I learnt something today. - Jonathan Naidu, Engineer

It was an informative talk and an eye-opening experience to learn about the impacts of a meat-based diet on environment.   – Sushant Ghargi, Environmental Engineer

Assembly Talk @ Chung Cheng High (28 May)

As part of the post-exam activities for Sec 1 students, Ms Koh Xiao Woon ( Clean and Green Committee teacher in Chung Cheng High) invited Earth Society to conduct a Global Warming Assembly talk for the students on 28 May.

This the 3rd year that Chung Cheng High invited Earth Society to the school.

Mr Low conducted the Assembly talk from 1.30 to 2.30pm. He presented on how global warming is affecting the planet and showcased various solutions that scientists recommended to curb climate change. He also showed short environmental video clips during the presentation.

The talk was very well-received by the teachers and students.

Teachers’ Feedback:

Thank you so much for coming down to give our students such a comprehensive talk on Climate Change. The presentation was very good for our students and it contains a lot of videos and pictures that helps them to learn and understand better. We appreciate it a lot and hope to continue to work with you again in the future.

- Ms Koh Xiao Woon, Teacher,

  Maths and Science Department, Clean and Green Committee

Eco-Conversation on Food Security @ SMU (24 May)

Nature Society, SMU Verts and Green Future Solutions jointly organized an Eco-conversation at SMU on 24 May from 9am till 1pm. The title of the event is “Conversations on Sustainable Singapore – Food Security”. The objective of the event is to gather the participants’ thoughts on Food Supply / Food waste, and to generate constructive and specific suggestions for the Sustainable Singapore Blue print review conducted by Ministry of Environment and Water resources. (MEWR)

Earth Society members signed up and participant in this meaningful conversation. The conversation consists of 2 presentations by invited speakers, small group discussions and a group presentation at the end of the event. 

About 40 participants attended the event. The event was graced with the presence of NMP Ms Faizal Jamal.

……..

During the event, Mr Melvin Chow (Director of Planning and Management Department in AVA) presented on the current food situation in Singapore.

We currently have 50 Vegetable farms, 3 Chicken egg farms and 127 fish farms in Singapore producing 12% of our vegetables, 26% of the eggs we eat and 8% of the fish we eat. The majority of the food we eat (about 90%) are imported from other countries.

Mr Chow informed that as our food supply depends heavily on imports, Singapore is vulnerable to global food situations such as spikes in food prices, reduction of food supplies due climate change etc. Singapore’s key strategy to ensure food security is to diversify our food sources. (eg. We import chicken from A/B/C countries. If a disruption occurs in A country, we can still import chicken from B and C countries.)

Mr Chow recommended that we as individuals can increase Food Security by reducing our food waste and buying local farm produce. 

Mr Chow’s presentation slides are available at :

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/3733514/Conversations%20on%20Sustainable%20Singapore%20-%20Food%20Security%20(Melvin%20Chow).pdf

Mr Allan Lim, Urban farmer and founder of the Living! Project, was the 2^nd speaker in the event. He shared on Comcrop (Community Crop) rooftop farming in *SCAPE building in heart of Orchard Road. The rooftop farm is a 6000 square foot commercial farm that uses aquaponic system for farming.

In the aquaponic system, fishes in a fish tank produces wastes that provide nutrients for the vegetables that are grown in hydroponic vertical racks. The water from the vegetable hydroponic racks which have higher dissolved oxygen content are then channelled back to the fish tank for the fishes. This forms a self-sustaining close-loop system.

Every week, students from Victoria Junior College and Singapore Polytechnic, as well as the elderly from Tampines-Changkat Constituency, come together to tend to the vegetables at the rooftop farm.

The rooftop farm targets to grow up to 15,000 fresh vegetables each month!

More info on Comcrops rooftop farm can be found at their website:

https://www.facebook.com/ComCrop

…………

During the small group discussion/ presentation, Earth Society members suggested to educate our Singapore population on reducing meat consumption by half to reduce our reliance on meat imports and to improve Food Security in Singapore.

We also suggested that Health Promotion Board can extend the Health Promoting School Canteen program (a program that encourages students to eat a healthy diet consisting of ¾ fruits/ veggies/grains and ¼ meat) to the working adults.

Both suggestions were placed in their final report for Food Security conversation:

http://www.greenfuture.sg/wp-content/uploads/downloads/2014/06/Conversations-on-Sustainable-Singapore-Food-Security.pdf

The final report would be submitted to MEWR, NEA and AVA for their reference and consideration for action.

Assembly Talk @ Admiralty Secondary (28 Apr)

Ms Selvi, Environment Club teacher-in-charge of Admiralty Secondary, invited Earth Society to conduct an Assembly talk for the school cohort on 28 Apr.

On 28 Apr, Earth Society members reached Admiralty Secondary 12.15pm.  We conduct an Assembly talk on Global warming for the students from 12.30 to 1.30pm. Students listen attentively to the talk and participated in the Quiz at the end of the talk.

We set up a booth to pass Eco-friendly leaflets to the students from 1.30 to 2.30pm.

Feedback from Students: 

I have enjoyed the talk. After the talk, I have learnt that with everyone’s cooperation, we can help to reduce global warming. I have learnt to cut down on the consumption of beef and eat more veggies.   - Jeryl Koh, Sec 3, Admiralty student.

The talk brings awareness and gave me a whole-world experience of climate change. I have learnt that global warming causes a lot of problems. We are also adding to the problem with our way of life.    

– Wei Han, Sec 2, Admiralty student

The talk is very meaningful to me as I learn many ways to help the environment. I hope such sessions can be conducted more often to educate us on environmental issues.     

– Jia Jun, Admiralty student

Booth @ CHIJ St Nicholas Girls School (25 Apr)

As part of their Earth Day activities, Mr Kuah Ee Qiang from CHIJ St Nicholas Girl’s School (Secondary) invited Earth Society to set up a booth in the school on 25 Apr. St Nicholas Girl’s school is a school that houses a primary school and a secondary school.

On 25 Apr, Earth Society members reached St Nicholas Girl’s School at 9.15am.  We set up a booth to pass Eco-friendly leaflets to the students. We also set up a TV to show some environmental video clips to the students.

Mr Kuah has also invited Building and Construction Authority (BSA) to set up a booth on that day. The BSA booth offers free educational program on Green buildings for the secondary students.

Earth Society members manned the booth from 9.30 till 12.30. Primary and secondary school students visited our booth during their recess time. We noticed that the school has many beautiful wall paintings in the primary section and went to take a look during our free time. We left the school by 1pm.

Assembly Talk @ QiHua Primary (24 Apr)

Ms Ee Jia Ying from Qi Hua Primary invited Earth Society to conduct an Assembly talk in the school on 24 Apr. This is the 2^nd year that Qi Hua Primary invited us to the school.

On 24 Apr, Earth Society members arrived at Qi Hua Primary at 12.45 pm. We conducted an Assembly talk on Overfishing and Deforestation for the school cohort from 1.10 to 1.30pm.

After the talk, we set up a booth at the school canteen to pass more information to the students. We left the school by 2.20pm.