Workshop 1: Zero Waste
Workshop 1a
Marine Waste
Fish and sea turtles actively seek out pieces of plastic, mistaking them for food. In fact, last December, a dead whale was found to have more than 100 kg of fishnets, ropes and plastic pieces in its stomach. Every year, over 100000 marine mammals die as a result of plastic pollution in the ocean.
In today’s world, marine waste has become a great concern due to the destruction it can cause to our ecosystem. These human-created wastes that have been deliberately or accidentally released into the ocean come in the form of glass bottles, petroleum and many more, but the most common one is plastic. Plastics do not biodegrade quickly. Instead, they simply break down into tiny particles of microplastic, which can collect in the stomachs of marine animals, interfering with digestion. Plastic also releases chemicals that accumulate in the animal’s body, interfering with the animals’ reproductive systems.
In GreenCon 2020, participants will explore the different types of marine waste and the various impacts they can cause to the natural environment.
Resources
Workshop 1a
The Government’s Stake in Environmental Issues
In the 2015 Paris Agreement, countries including China, India and Singapore committed to limit the increase in global average temperature to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. In order to do so, we have to emit net-zero emissions by 2050.
While individual actions are important, that alone is not enough. Our current situation will only become better if there is systemic change. Governments need to be on the same page as us, as they have the power to implement policies that address environmental issues, thus evoking a greater and more effective change.
Participants will explore various climate policies implemented by the government, evaluating their effectiveness and what more needs to be done.
Resources
Workshop 1b
Zero Waste Lifestyle
The amount of waste thrown away in Singapore has increased seven-fold over the last 40 years. In fact, in 2018, 7.70 million tonnes of solid waste was generated in Singapore. As such, with the greater awareness for environmental protection, many individuals have since adopted a zero waste lifestyle in order to reduce their impact on the environment, via methods such as reducing the use of single-use items, and recycling.
Schools play an important role in making a zero waste lifestyle more accessible for students, for example by reducing the use of single-use plastics in the canteen.