With minimal use of posters and banners and a light-emitting diode (LED) backdrop, Singapore’s largest “environmentally-sustainable lifestyle event” will be the first to be “zero waste“.
To be held on September 2, Singapore Green 1 (G1) 2012 is organised by the Singapore Environment Council (SEC) and will feature green touches like recycling bins placed within the event arena to ensure that water bottles used by participants are recycled.
The council hopes the G1 2012 will demonstrate to event organisers and corporations that such events can be organised with minimal waste - in line with the objectives of the National Climate Change Strategy released on Thursday to reduce waste and raise Singapore’s recycling rate from 59 per cent last year to 70 per cent by 2030.
Such events can be cost effective, noted SEC Executive Director Jose Raymond. The G1 2012 will cost the SEC about S$250,000, about one-fifth the usual cost of an event this size.
More than 15,000 participants are expected to take part in the activities planned at the Marina Barrage, which include a soapbox car exhibition that the public can also try out, a corporate trishaw race and a “green carnival” that will feature music performances and an art exhibition, among others.
An opportunity to test-drive the world’s first mass-produced 100-per cent electric vehicle, the Nissan Leaf, will be available too.
The SEC also hopes to educate the public on how they can help reduce their carbon footprint through a walkathon that will help “link the protection of environment with healthy living”, said Mr Raymond.
About 10,000 participants are expected to sign up for the walkathon, which has two starting points: Lavender and Stadium MRT stations, with both ending at the Marina Barrage. The New Paper Big Walk, which expects about 20,000 participants, will also be held at the same time.
The National Climate Change Secretariat will also showcase its plans to address climate change at the event.
