Assembly Talk @ Feng Shan Primary (31 Aug)

Ms Vanessa, a Green Team Teacher in Feng Shan Primary, invited Earth Society to conduct a Global Warming Assembly talk to the Primary 3 students on 31 Aug.

On 31 Aug, Earth Society members reached Feng Shan Primary at 7.25 am.

We conducted a Global Warming talk to the Primary 3 students from 7.40 am to 8.10 am. We set up a booth at the school canteen to pass more info to students and teachers from 8.30 to 10.30 am.

Ms Cheryl, another Green Team teacher, visited our booth to get more info from us. We are delighted to learn that she has been a long-time volunteer in Nature Society and has been active in spreading environmental awareness in the school.

After the event, Ms Vanessa wrote the following feedback for us: “I would like to express my gratitude to Earth Society team for taking time to come to Feng Shan Primary and provide our pupils a very meaningful and informative talk.  The brochure and leaflet that are distributed to the pupils contain many useful information too.”

Global Warming Talk @ Nanyang Junior College (04 Aug)

Ms Gloria Pang, Student Rep of Interact Club at Nanyang Junior College, invited Earth Society to conduct a Global Warming Talk to the Interact Club members on 04 Aug.

On 04 Aug, Earth Society members reached Nanyang JC at 5.30 pm. We conducted an GW talk for 20 Interact Club members from 5.45pm to 7.15pm. Students listened attentively to the talk and actively participated in the quiz at the end of the talk.

Feedback from students:

The speaker was very knowledgeable with this topic. I realised that climate change is a global threat that requires global action and a lot of us can make a positive difference and help to fight climate change. 
- Wendy, Interact Club student, NYJC

The session was honestly a lot more interesting than I expected. Information was given in a very engaging way with videos. I learnt that I should probably cut down on beef consumption. I never knew producing beef contributes to global warming.

-   Nicol Lee, Interact Club student, NYJC

The talk was really insightful as I learnt more about the serious issues that are affecting our world and Singapore. I realised that not eating meat can actually play a big role in saving the environment. 
– Gloria Pang, Interact Club student rep, NYJC

Mega Balik Kampung event by GUI @ ORTO (02 Aug)

In celebration of Singapore’s jubilee year, GUI (Ground Up Initiative) organized a Mega Balik Kampung 2-Day Carnival (01 to 02 Aug) at ORTO (previously known as Bottle-tree Park) in Katib Area.

The GUI Carnival has many activities that promote community building and sustainable living. These includes brick-making activities, carpentry activities such as making stools, souvenirs from wood etc. There are also exhibitions on sustainable living and urban farming in the event.

Earth Society members attended the event, join in their Kampung-tour and visited the booths set up by environmental NGOs. 

At the PM Haze booth, Mr Cheng Chin Hsien, explained the Haze situation in Singapore and urge us to support sustainable palm oil products to encourage companies to adopt sustainable farming methods in Indonesia. This would reduce the burning of peat lands in Indonesia and improve the Haze situation in Singapore.

School groups such as Wu-shu team from Hwa Chong Junior College and individual singers supported the event and performed many items on stage during the Carnival.

We wish GUI all the best in promoting urban farming, a sustainable way of living and the Good ‘O Kampung Spirit to the community in the years to come.

Company Lunch talk @ Singapore Manufacturing Federation (31 Jul)

Ms Jane Lin, HR officer of Singapore Manufacturing Federation (SMF), invited Earth Society to conduct a company lunch talk for 40 employees on 31 Jul. Ms Jane Lin came to know of Earth Society when she was doing an internet search for company lunch talks offered by Environmental organization in Singapore.

On 31 Jul, Earth Society members reached SMF at 12.10pm. We conducted a Global Warming talk for the staffs from 12.30 to 1.20pm with a 15 min Question and Answer session after the talk.

SMF staffs listened attentively to the talk. After the talk, many staffs came forward to get more info and sign up on our email list.

Feedback from Staffs:

Interesting topic with lots of videos and easy to follow power-point slides in relation to Global warming. Would like to find out more topics to learn.  

– Jane Lin, HR officer, SMF

Short and simple presentation, get the point straight! Love the presentation!

- Regina Lim, SMF staff

Very great sharing on facts that we are not aware of. Give us time to think about what we consume and use.  

– Eleen Lim, SMF staff

Asean Power Shift by 350 Singapore

350 Singapore, a team in Young NTUC, is a Singapore Chapter to the global 350.org movement. Climate Scientists such as Director of NASA, Dr James Hansen, have advised that to keep the planet in a safe zone, the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere should be kept at 350 ppm (parts per million).  However the current CO2 level in the atmosphere has reached 400ppm.

In Jul 2015, 350 Singapore organized an ASEAN Power Shift event in the United World College of South East Asia in Tampines. It is a 3-days youth Conference held from 24 Jul till 26 Jul.

The event aims to bring together youths from 10 ASEAN countries to a common platform where they will form an aligned position towards the climate negotiations in COP21 in Paris, learn about each other’s environmental initiatives and experiences, and provide networking opportunities to catalyse more ground-up climate initiatives.

350 Singapore invited 200 youths from 10 ASEAN Countries to participate in this event. The organizing committee invited Earth Society to send representatives to attend the event. To support this wonderful initiative, Earth Society members attended the event.

During the 3 days conference, we attended lectures by Keynote speakers, workshops on Environment Activism conducted by various NGOs and listened to youth delegates present their position on Climate change.

Dr Vivan Balakrishnan, Minster for the Environment and Water Resource, graced the occasion and addressed the youths during the second day of the conference.

During the event, we networked with many youths and various NGOs who send representatives to attend the event. (e.g. WWF, Sharksavers, Eco Singapore, PM Haze and Urban farmers.)

We observed that to cut down on carbon footprint and promote an Eco-friendly lifestyle, ALL the meals served during the 3 days Conference are Vegetarian meals. 

We are hugely encouraged by this gesture as it shows that the youths are aware of the huge impact our diets have on the environment.

Straits Time Reporter, Ms Jessica Cheam attended the ASEAN Power shift event and wrote an Article about the event (published in Straits Time on 04 Aug)

Inspiring Asean youth on climate change:

http://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/inspiring-asean-youth-on-climate-change

More info on 350 Singapore and the Asean Power Shift event can be found in 350 Singapore’s Facebook :  https://www.facebook.com/350sg

Bravo to 350 Singapore and we hope that they can organize ASEAN Power Shift every year to promote awareness and action on Climate change among ASEAN youths.

Assembly Talk @ Jurong Secondary (21 Jul)

Jurong Secondary held a Green Month in the school compound between 06 Jul to 31 Jul 2015. Mr Kor Chun Heng, a teacher in Jurong Secondary school, invited Earth Society to conduct a Global Warming Assembly talk to the Sec 3 students on 21 Jul.

On 21 Jul, Earth Society members reached Jurong Secondary at 7.30am. We conducted a Global Warming talk to Sec 3 students from 7.50am to 8.30am. Students listened attentively to the talk. 

After the talk, students who are interested in the topic came forward to get more info from us.

Ms Norliyana, a teacher who attended the talk, wrote the following feedback for us: “So much useful information was shown in the talk. This will help students to reflect and think about how to help the environment.”

Assembly Talk @ Bedok Town Secondary (10 Jul)

Ms Jeannie Yee, Environment Education Advisor in Bedok Town Secondary school, invited Earth Society to conduct a Global Warming Assembly talk to the school cohort on 10 Jul.

On 10 Jul, Earth Society members reached Bedok Town Secondary at 11.25am. We were greeted by Ms Lee Yue Zhi, a teacher in the Eco Committee. We conducted an Assembly talk for the Sec 1 to Sec 5 students from 11.40am to 12.30pm. Students listened attentively to the talk and actively participated in the quiz at the end of the talk.

Ms Jeannie Yee approached us after the talk and mentioned that she had heard an environmental talk conducted by Mr Low at Chai Chee Secondary in 2010. We were pleasantly surprise that she could remember the talk after so many years.

We set up a booth at the school canteen from 12.30 to 1.30pm to pass more info to students and teachers. We left the school at 1.30pm.

Feedback from teachers/ students:

Very entertaining talk with many videos and relevant information presented. Presenter was confident and clear as well. Students seemed to really enjoy the presentation. Thanks!

- Lee Yue Zhi, Eco Committee Teacher, BTSS

I find that the talk was very informative and I learn many things about the environment. I was really surprise that our environment is getting worst. I will take the advise given and try to save the Earth.   - Lim Siew Min, Sec 4, BTSS

I’m quite surprised that many things have happened to our Earth. I enjoyed listening to the talk.    
-  Li Ying, Sec 4, BTSS

I learn about global warming which is already happening around the world. I will try to eat less meat to help the environment.   – Shafik, Sec 3, BTSS.

Assembly Talk @ Deyi Secondary (09 Jul)

Mr Freddy Goh, Subject Head (Geography) in Deyi secondary school, invited Earth Society to conduct a Global Warming Assembly talk for the Sec 1 and Sec 2 students on 09 Jul.

On 09 Jul, Earth Society members reached Deyi Secondary at 12.45pm. We conducted an Assembly talk for the lower secondary students from 1 to 2 pm. Students listened attentively to the talk and actively participated in the quiz at the end of the talk.

After the talk, we set up a booth at the canteen from 2 to 2.30pm to pass more info to students and teachers. 
We left the school at 2.30pm.

Feedback from teachers/ students:

The talk was informative. Major aspects of causes and impacts of Climate change are covered. Presenter is clear and engaging. - Mr Freddy Goh, Geography Subject Head 

Though a repetitive subject, we really do not think about our world. The presentation taught me facts that I did not know before. I appreciated the effort put into the presentation. - Aniruddha, Sec 2, Deyi Secondary

The talk was engaging with slideshow, relevant pictures and interesting videos.

- Brenda Lee, Sec 2, Deyi Secondary

The presentation was engaging with videos and activities. – Remeo Ian, Sec 2, Deyi Secondary

Company Lunch talk @ Keppel Logistics (02 Jul)

Mr Cris Chiam, Logistics Executive of Keppel Logistics, invited Earth Society to conduct a company lunch talk for 25 employees on 02 Jul. Keppel Logistics held an EHS (Environment, Health and Safety) month in Jul and Mr Cris Chiam scheduled our environment talk as part of the program.

On 02 Jul, Earth Society members reached Keppel Logistics at 11.45am. We conducted a Global Warming talk for the staffs from 12 to 12.45 am with a 15 min Question and Answer session after the talk.

Keppel Logistics staffs listened attentively and responded positively to the talk. Many staffs signed up on our email list after the talk.

Feedback from Staffs:

It is very informative and in real time. Putting things into perspective of our current situation. Hope that this could be driven both upstream and downstream (to government and population alike) to drive the message across. The Human story shouldn’t stop here.- Tan Jun Hong, Logistic Executive

It is a very good presentation. I’ve gain a lot of knowledge through this session. Thanks!        

- Khoo Chai Heng, Manager

The talk is very useful. It is an eye opener to care about our environment. I would recommend it to all groups of people. - Zul Hilimi Vin Khailid, Safety and Security officer

The presentation is very informative and educational. The presenter is very good in explaining the information. 

– Cris Chiam, Logistics Executive.

Assembly Talk @ Green View Secondary (30 Jun)

Ms Noraini Ibrahim, from Green View Secondary, invited Earth Society to conduct a Global Warming Assembly talk for the Sec 1 and Sec 2 students on 30 Jun.

On 30 Jun, Earth Society members reached Green View Secondary at 12.15pm. We conducted an Assembly talk for the lower secondary students from 12.30 to 1.10pm. We presented on how global warming is affecting the planet and showcased various solutions that scientists recommended to curb climate change.

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

After the talk, we set up a booth at the canteen from 1.20 to 2.20 pm to pass more info to students and teachers. We left the school at 2.30 pm.

Green Monday Event @ Kampung Senang (21 Jun)

Mr George Jacobs, co-founder of Veggie Thursdays, organized a Free talk by Mr David Yeung, co-founder of Green Monday Campaign in Hong Kong, @ Kampung Senang (Aljunied) on 21 Jun evening.

The Green Monday Campaign encourages Hong Kong students and working adults to adopt a Meatless Monday to reduce Carbon footprint, protect the environment and improve personal Health. The campaign works with schools, restaurants, companies and others. The Green Monday School Program covers over 800 primary and secondary schools with more than 600,000 students. The program has seen primary and high school students opting for vegetarian school lunch choices (on Mondays) increased from 4% to 42% within a year.

Mr George invited Earth Society members to attend the event.

On 21 Jun, about 30 people from various organizations attended the event from 6.30 to 9pm.

Mr David Yeung presented on how Green Monday started in Hong Kong and how it gathered the support of various schools, companies and celebrities. His idea is to put the message across to the influential people (such as school HODs, company CEOs, and celebrities), gather their support and let them help to spread the message to the students, the employees, their fans etc.

More info about Green Monday can be found at their website:

www.greenmonday.org.hk

It was an interesting presentation and discussion. We hope that Green Monday can make a splash in Singapore and encourage more Singaporeans to Go Veggie on Monday and adopt a Green way of Living.

Global Warming talks @ Student care centers (Jun)

During the Jun holidays, 2 student care centers invited Earth Society to conduct GW talks at the centers.

Ms Jess Soh, Division Director of Learning Studio by Zenitant, invited Earth Society to conduct a talk at the school-based student care centre in Farrer Park Primary School on 11 June. She had personally attended one of our talks at Nanyang Primary and was motivated by the talk to help the planet and thus arranged for the students at Learning Studio to learn more about how they can do so too. 30 students attended the talk.

Ms Ayu, Vice Head of Student Care, had the following to say about the talk, “The talk was very educational.  It gave the children a good understanding of why we should be aware of the effects that global warming can impact on us. It is an interesting idea to have Meatless Monday every week. We may embark on this initiative during the school holidays.”

.............

Ms Karen, Manager of Proteach Student Care center at Chua Chu Kang, invited Earth Society to conduct 2 talks to her students on 22 Jun.

On 22 Jun, we conduct a Global Warming talk (lower-primary version) to 25 P1 to P3 students, followed by a GW talk (upper-primary version) to 25 P4 to P6 students. Students listened attentively to the talk and participated actively in the Quiz after the talk.

Feedback from Students:

I like this talk. It is motivational. It taught us about how to prevent global warming. I am sad that Global warming affects the animals and cause harm to humans.

- Andre Tan, P6, Proteach CCK

I think the way it was explained helps us to understand better. This was a great lesson.

- Ramnivas Pranavan, P4, Proteach CCK

I like this talk as it taught us about Global Warming. I learn how to reduce global warming.

- Atheekh, P3, Proteach CCK

Company Lunch talk @ AXA Assistance (10 Jun)

Ms Katherine Lim, HR Admin Executive of AXA Assistance, invited Earth Society to conduct a company lunch talk for 30 employees on 10 Jun.

On 10 Jun, Earth Society members reached AXA Assistance at 10.50am. We conducted a Global Warming talk for AXA staffs from 11 to 11.45 am with a 15 min Question and Answer session after the talk.

AXA staffs listened attentively to the talk and asked a few questions on environmental protection after the talk. Many staffs sign up on our email list after the talk.

Feedback from Staffs:

Great talk with valuable information about climate change. Eye-opener! Thank you for the great presentation.     
– Cher Tan, HR Manager, AXA Assistance

Very engaging presentation, super informative, Thumbs up!

- Katherine Lim, HR Admin Executive, AXA Assistance

The session was very informative, good to know that there are ways and means where we can be agents of change – simply by changing our diet.  - Ms Shiri Yecho, AXA Assistance

Assembly Talk @ Chung Cheng High (28 May)

Mr See Sze Ping ( Clean and Green Committee teacher in Chung Cheng High) invited Earth Society to conduct a Global Warming Assembly talk for the Sec 1 students on 28 May. This the 4th year that Chung Cheng High invited Earth Society to the school.

On 28 May, Earth Society members reached Chung Cheng High at 9.15am. Ms Koh Xiao Woon greeted us at the school. 

We conducted an Assembly talk for the Sec 1 students from 9.15 to 10 am. We presented on how global warming is affecting the planet and showcased various solutions that scientists recommended to curb climate change.

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

Company Lunch talk @ Makino Asia (19 May)

As part of their CSR week (Charity and Society week), Ms Janice Chng, HR officer in Makino Asia Pte Ltd, invited Earth Society to conduct a company lunch talk to 30 Makino employees on 19 May.

On 19 May, Earth Society members reached Makino Asia at 11.45am. We conducted a Global Warming talk from 12 to 12.50pm. We presented on the effects of global warming on the world (i.e Arctic Ice melt, Droughts, floods, Sea level rise etc) and how climate change affects Singapore. (Flash floods, Dry spells). We also showcased various solutions that scientists recommended to curb climate change (i.e. Plant trees, Eat less meat, Green Energy, 3Rs) and what we as an individual can do to help to reduce green house gas emissions. Makino staffs listened attentively to the talk and many came forward to sign up in our email list after the talk.

We observe that the Green trend is reaching the companies as more companies now have environment week and are inviting green organizations to conduct environmental lunch talk for their staffs.