GREEN ACTION WEEK 2025: Break Free from Plastic
“A Meaningful Initiative that Benefits Everyone”
Cik Nur Nadia Zafirah, a teacher from SMK Methodist Girls, Penang shares her experience of attending CAP’s recent Green Action Week (GAW) event:
“Through this programme, I gained valuable knowledge, especially on effective ways to reduce plastic usage while adopting natural and sustainable alternatives.
“I was already aware of the problem with microbeads in cosmetics, but this programme gave me new and practical alternatives that I could actually try out. For body scrubs and shampoo, I tried using chickpea and green gram powder, which was introduced during the GAW event, and within a week I noticed a real difference – my skin felt smoother and cooler.
“I was also glad to bring some of my students to participate in this programme. I strongly believe that early exposure in schools helps raise awareness and instill lifelong habits. When students share this knowledge with their peers, it creates lasting changes in daily life while also reducing plastic waste.
“Another natural alternative that caught our attention was the use of hibiscus leaves and flowers as shampoo. These not only keep the scalp healthy but also provide a cooling effect. I have already shared this practice with my family and school community.
“Overall, this programme has a very positive impact, and I sincerely hope it will continue in the future. Thank you for inviting us to be part of such a meaningful initiative that benefits everyone.”
“Impactful Event – and a Good Reminder to Live More Sustainably”
Jenny Lim, a housewife from Penang who took part in CAP’s recent Green Action Week event, has this to say:
“One change I’ve made very consciously is to stop using plastic boxes. Sometimes when I buy pre-packed stuff, it usually comes in those containers. Though I used to keep them aside for recycling, since I’m not really sure what happens to them, I decided it is better not to use them totally from now on.
“I also make it a point to remind my family to always bring their tiffin carriers. We’ve been doing this for some time, and only once in a while, when we forget, we do end up having to buy food in plastic packaging. Now, we’ve decided that if we don’t bring our carriers, we simply won’t buy food that comes in plastic.
“This is the immediate change I’ve been practising right now after the programme, and it feels good to be more mindful.
“I’m also happy to have received an aloe vera plant during the seed-sharing and exchange activity – it’s a nice reminder to keep living more sustainably.”
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