Articles / Newsletter
19-Aug-2018 | 
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Education, The Star Online
THE Global Environment Centre (GEC) together with Recycle for Life (RFL) by Cenviro (a recycling programme that rewards cash through the use of a smart card) has launched its S.M.A.R.T (Start Managing All Resources Today) Ranger Programme in 80 Klang Valley schools.
The zero-waste programme that is funded by The Coca-Cola Foundation is expected to benefit some 40,000 students.
The two-year project that ends in March 2020, is designed to address the issue of sustainable waste management.
The school programme will encourage the participants to recycle using a buyback system where selected recyclables such as paper, plastic, steel, aluminium and electronic waste are purchased with cash based on the recyclable’s market price.
In each school, SMART Ranger training will be conducted for selected teachers and up to 15 core SMART Ranger students to provide them with a feeling of ownership and responsibility towards the project, which will help to ensure its sustainability.
“We thank the Coca-Cola Foundation for supporting us. We are excited to be partnering with Recycle for Life not only to implement the zero waste concept at schools but to set up inclusive buy-back recycling systems,” said GEC’s River Care Coordinator Dr Kalithasan Kailasam.
GEC is a Malaysian non-profit organisation established in 1998 to address key environmental issues.
It is nationally recognised for its work in educating the community and schools on Solid Waste Management (SWM) through its SMART Ranger Programme that emphasises the solid waste issues in Malaysia and how to deal with waste responsibly.
“We hope to increase environmental awareness and to cultivate the entrepreneurship spirit in participating school children as they turn their trash into cash through the RFL Programme,” said Cenviro Sdn Bhd managing director Khalid Bahsoon.
“Coca-Cola has announced in its World Without Waste pledge to recycle used bottles or cans for every one the company sells by 2030. This is a massive global ambition and we are glad to be able to support other recycling initiatives,” said Coca-Cola’s Bottling Investments Group Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei CEO Gareth McGeown.
Federal Territory Kuala Lumpur deputy education department director Ismail Musa was also present.