Green 1 set to be S’pore’s first—ever "zero waste event"

SINGAPORE: Singapore’s Green 1 (G1) is back for a second year and it promises to be the "largest environmentally sustainable lifestyle event".

Organisers bill the event as Singapore’s first—ever "zero waste event", and said they have made every effort to reduce costs involved in staging G1.

The Singapore Environment Council (SEC) said the event, to be held on September 2, is expected to cost about S$250,000 — about a fifth of the cost of a typical event on a similar scale. The cost has been covered by sponsors.

Speaking at G1’s launch on Friday, executive director of the Singapore Environment Council, Jose Raymond, said: "The way in which we’ve planned this event leading up to event day, we have cut down on our waste, we’ve ensured that whatever material we use is either recycled, or can be reused in some way or another."

SEC expects the event to attract about 15,000 participants.

To be held at the Marina Barrage, it will feature activities such as a music festival, corporate trishaw races, exhibitions and a walkathon. About 10,000 people are expected to sign up for the walkathon.

The government will also launch its nationwide exhibition on climate change at the event.

Mr Raymond said there is a lot to be learnt at the event.

"People can realise that walking a little bit more can help them live a little longer. It can help them lead a healthier lifestyle. It also helps us reduce our carbon footprint. The event will also inform people that they should recycle as much as possible, and have as little waste as possible on a daily basis," he said.

"Our landfill space is not infinite... I think Singaporeans will have to realise that the more we throw, the more we’re going to have an urgent need in 30 years time of another landfill space."

Another highlight at the event is the Nissan Leaf —— the world’s first mass—produced electric vehicle —— will be on display. The Leaf is 100 per cent electric and does not produce any pollution or greenhouse gas emissions.

Nissan said the car is one of four electric vehicles (EV) in the government’s EV test—bed programme, aimed at testing the feasibility of electric cars in Singapore. The public can take the car out for a test drive during the event.

General manager of Tan Chong Motor Sales, Ron Lim, said: "It’s all about conserving the environment, and reducing the carbon footprint, and that’s what the G1 event is all about. We thought it’s good for us to partner this event, and at the same time, expose Singaporeans — create that awareness that 100 per cent electric vehicle is now available, and for them, it’s a choice — even if you still decide to drive a car — you can still contribute towards building a greener environment in Singapore".

—CNA/ac/ck