Workshop participants learning to make cleaners and air fresheners from food discards. — Courtesy photo
RESIDENTS are encouraged to turn their food waste into environmentally friendly enzyme household products to prevent rubbish from ending up in landfills.
Yong Peng District Council (MDYP) Zone 24 councillor Ong Gin Hong said each day, about 80 tonnes of rubbish are collected from its jurisdiction.
MDYP covers areas such as Yong Peng, Kangkar Baru, Lam Lee, Sri Medan, Parit Yaani, Parit Sulong and Ayer Hitam, he added.
“The rubbish comprises food waste, recyclable items and also bulk waste.
“The amount has been increasing each year and this could also reflect people’s low awareness about separating their rubbish.
“Without separation at source, a lot of items that could be recycled such as cardboard items, clothing, toys and furniture as well as food waste, all end up in the landfill,” he said in an interview.
Ong said some non-governmental organisations (NGO) are also actively promoting recycling and food waste management.
He recently co-organised an enzyme-making workshop with NGOs such as Eko Enzim Malaysia to reduce food waste as well as combat global warming and climate change.
“During the workshop, participants were taught how to make environmentally friendly enzyme products by mixing one part brown sugar, three parts of vegetable and fruit peels and 10 parts water.
“After a fermentation period, the liquid made from the discarded food items can be used as cleaning products and air fresheners,” he said.
Ong also shared his own experience of benefitting from homemade enzyme products.
He hoped that the people would continuously practice such green habits at home.
“It all boils down to personal attitudes.
“Government agencies can organise events and awareness programmes but if the people themselves do not have the will to change their lifestyle, there will not be much improvement,” he said.
