SAMARAHAN: Institute of Teacher Education Tun Abdul Razak (IPGKTAR) staffers have embarked on a mission to stop the use of polystyrene in food and beverage packaging at the campus.
Director Anis Alisya Abdullah explained on Friday that the ‘No Polystyrene’ programme was a continuation of the ‘Say No to Plastic’ programme launched in 2017.
“Although there is an increase in awareness among IPGKTAR staff, however, in terms of practice, it’s still not fully done.”
She said change could not happen overnight, therefore, “they (IPGKTAR) are determined to rekindle their passion for preserving their beloved campus and reaching the eco-campus status through this.”
“Such culture has been disseminated last year through briefings and gatherings. We have held a discussion with the campus canteen to stop the use of polystyrene,” she said when launching the Eco-Friendly Programme 2.0 – No Polystyrene as well as officiating the Certificate of Collaboration (COC) signing ceremony with the State Department of Environment (DOE).
“As a result, they agreed to the initiative and starting Feb 1, graduate teachers should bring their own food containers and water bottles if they want to buy ‘take away’ from the canteen.
“For daily drinks, graduate teachers can use the water cooler provided around the campus or even better, prepare their own water,” she stated.
She strongly believed that such measures would be able to further stimulate the ‘No Polystyrene’ campaign at their (institute) level, nationally and internationally.
“Through this programme, we hope that this culture and practice is continued by our graduate teachers for the future of our generation.”
State DOE director Hamzah Mohamad, who acknowledged the benefits of the campaign, said: “It is good that IPGKTAR is holding such a campaign and we hope that the practice of ‘No Polystyrene’ will spread outside the campus and to other agencies.”
Yesterday, a COC was signed between DOE and IPGKTAR to implement environmental awareness programmes in the institute.
