Group aims to do away with plastic

PLASTIC bags are certainly convenient when it comes to carrying food and other items but it is a fact that it contributes to environmental problems.

In view of the pollution caused by the thin and semi-transparent material, a group of local celebrities who called themselves The Recyclists are coming together to organise a No Plastic Bag concert.

The event, co-organised by Yayasan Nanyang Press will be held at 7pm on July 17 at Eastin Hotel, and will have a musical performance, fashion show and a Malaysian version of the comedy show Whose Line Is It Anyway?.

The person behind the project, TP Lim, promised a carnival-like atmosphere with assorted booths offering eco-friendly products like detergent, recyclable bags, organic food and handicraft.

To get the message across, a Project Daily Million will also be launched during the concert to unite one million Malaysians to reduce, reuse or recycle one plastic bag a day.

“We are trying to encourage the people to reduce the use of resources in the first place, so we do not have to resort to recycling at the end of the day,” he said.

The Recyclists’ logo – in the shape of a seed with a recycling arrow – was designed by interior designer Eric Leong.

“The message is to plant a seed of recycling in everyone’s heart,” Lim said.

Related merchandise – T-shirts and wristbands – are on sale and the public can make a pledge to do their part for the environment.

Among the local personalities who will contribute their talents to the event are Atilia, Sharizan Borhan, Ida Mariana, Deborah Henry, Xandra Ooi, Chelsia Ng, Harith Iskandar, Llew Marsh, Na’a Murad, Razif Hashim, Janet Lee, Mia Palencia, Peter Ong, Nell Ng and Yang Wei Han.

The fashion show, choreographed by DR Events, will showcase fashion wear from Justin Yap and Charles & Keith from the Valiram Group.

Tickets to the concert are priced at RM50 each while raffle tickets are available at RM50 per booklet of 10.

The sponsors include DR Events for the lighting and sound system, Eastin Hotel for the venue and refreshments, LiuLiGongFang for the donation of part of the sale proceeds from their specially-designed pendants and Valiram Group for the raffle prizes.

“Remember to come wearing something in green,” Lim said.

The money raised from this event will go to Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) and Independent Pet Rescuers (IPR).

MNS executive director Dr Loh Chi Leong said landfills were packed to the brim and the waste often clogged up the drains and rivers, causing floods in the city.

“The Drainage and Irrigation Department said the money used to clean up the rivers was RM100mil each year, and another RM100mil worth of damage due to the floods,” he said.

He added that many turtles and seabirds had died after consuming plastic bags, thinking it was food.

Peter Ong, who is an IPR member, said the volunteer group was trying its best to end the plight of animals that fell victim to irresponsible pet ownership.

“We have a group of about 50 volunteers to take care of the animals we rescue.

“We fork out money from our own pockets to pay their food and medical bills.

“The funds raised will be given to these volunteers to help lift their financial burden,” he said.

IPR has a stall every Saturday at Plaza Damas in Sri Hartamas for the public to adopt the de-wormed and vaccinated animals.

“We strongly encourage pet owners to spay and neuter their pets to curb the problem of stray animals.

“Pets are lifelong commitments and should not be deemed as a status symbol,” Ong said.

For details, call 03-7650 8676 (Sarryan or Linda) or visit http://projectdailymillion.com/ or http://therecyclists.blogspot.com/.