Towards a Plastic-Free Future – Consumers Association Penang

*SMK Jalan Damai students making their own cloth bags.*

CAP’S SCHOOL SUSTAINABILITY ACTIVITIES WITH STUDENTS

On 20 August 2025, the Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) organised an awareness programme regarding plastic pollution at SMK Jalan Damai in Bukit Mertajam, Penang. The programme, part of CAP’s Green Action Week activities in 2025, aimed to educate students about the pressing issue of plastic pollution and encourage sustainable practices in daily life.

*Secondary school students making bags from old t-shirts.*

The 2-hour programme began at 7.30 am, with the distribution of a book containing valuable information on plastics and their negative impacts on the environment and public health. CAP education officer Ms Saraswathi Devi Odian delivered an engaging talk on the causes of plastic pollution and the steps that can be taken to address it.

A student cutting fringes to make her bag.

The 50 students were divided into a few discussion groups. To ensure an interactive session with the students, Ms Saraswathi invited representatives from each group to explain the pages from the book on plastics assigned to their respective groups. The students presented their parts confidently and clearly, demonstrating their strong understanding and growing awareness of issues related to plastics including impacts on public health and the environment. Throughout the session, Ms Saraswathi emphasised the importance of reducing plastic usage in daily life and choosing safer, more sustainable alternatives.

*SMK Jalan Damai students proudly showing the bags they made out of old t-shirts.*

Mr Theeban, CAP education officer, conducted a hands-on activity, teaching students how to transform an old T-shirt into a reusable bag. This innovative and eco-friendly idea highlighted the importance of reusing materials instead of discarding them. The steps were simple, as follows: cut off the sleeves, trim the neckline, turn the shirt inside out, make fringes at the bottom, tie the fringes securely, and finally turn the shirt back to its original side to reveal a functional bag.

Both students and teachers enthusiastically took part in the activity. The lively atmosphere reflected their eagerness to learn and contribute to environmental solutions. By the end of the programme each of them successfully created their own reusable bag, turning a simple activity into an eye-opening experience about practical sustainability.

*Students reading CAP book on plastics.*

The programme with the secondary school students at SMK Jalan Damai was not merely an awareness-raising programme but was a meaningful step toward cultivating environmentally conscious habits among students. Through the engaging talk, interactive discussion, skill sharing and practical activity, the programme instilled knowledge, creativity, and environmental stewardship.

*A student avidly reading CAP’s book on plastics.*

Such initiatives not only educate but also empower the younger generation to take action in reducing plastic consumption and subsequently plastic pollution. With continued efforts, schools and communities can work together to create a cleaner, greener, more sustainable plastic-free future.

#GreenActionWeek #sharingcommunity #breakfreefromplastic #reuse