On the 4th of June 2022, The Habitat Foundation was invited to be part of an event organised by Penang Green Council in conjunction with World Environment Day. With the theme ‘Fuyoh’: Once Upon A Time, this bazaar at HinBus Depot aimed to recreate the memories of the 50s lifestyle where plastic does not exist. Local entrepreneurs, artists, performers were brought together to showcase their ideas and examples of sustainable living to the community.

In September 2021, Penang Hill was designated as a UNESCO site under the Man and Biosphere Programme (MAB). As a way to promote the beauty of Penang Hill as a natural site rich in biodiversity, history and culture, and to ensure that it continues to be preserved sustainably, The Habitat Foundation took this opportunity to listen to the voices of the people and to share about the Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve.

We set up a simple booth for people to vote on how they have been helping the environment and what they wish Penang to be in the near future. Through this interaction, there was a heightened awareness about Penang Hill as a UNESCO site and its importance for the people and the environment.

Wishing tree which displays some of the wishes of the people for the future of Penang.
The Chief Minister of Penang visited our booth and participated in the activities.
One of our younger participants adding her contribution to a greener Penang.
Our staff shared about the importance of Penang Hill as a UNESCO site.
Children taking turns writing down their wishes for the future of Penang.
A lady writing down her wishes for Penang.

Within a short period of time, we had received overwhelming responses from the crowd at our booth, ranging from both young and old. Below are the results of the voting at the end of the day:

Action in helping the environmentVotes
1. Saving energy 83
2. Volunteer with environmental-based organisations48
3. Carpooling/walk/cycling87
4. Making own composts55
5. Recycling101
6. Reusing waste 54
7. Planting53
8. Bringing own containers 100
9. Using reusable bags117
Actions taken by local Penangites to reduce carbon footprint on Penang Island

It was a fruitful day getting to know the community of Penang and understanding that hope and concern of the people towards the environment. More of such events will continue to take place around Penang as we commit ourselves to work for a greener environment.