Enhancing Urban Sustainable Living within Universiti Sains Malaysia and Its Neighboring Communities*

Transcription

1 Enhancing Urban Sustainable Living within Universiti Sains Malaysia and Its Neighboring Communities* Norizan Md Nor Asyirah Abdul Rahim, Fera Fizani, Suzyrman Sibly, Tarmiji Masron, Syarilla Suhaili, Govindran Jegatesen, Siti Mariam, Amalina, Muhamad Azahar Abas and Ridzlie Ridzuan Centre for Global Sustainability Studies (CGSS) Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Penang Abstract USM has envisioned sustainability as a core development theme of the university in light of global sustainability issues. In becoming a world-renowned university for sustainability, USM facilitates sustainability attainment through i) innovations and technology, and ii) changes in lifestyles. Subsequently, CGSS has launched a project that engages its surrounding communities via the dissemination of USM s sustainability lifestyle practices focusing on the areas of recycling and composting involving awareness campaigns at stakeholders venues. It was initiated by conducting situational analyses with stakeholders, after which specific sustainability awareness/practices campaigns were then devised, encompassing the setting-up and monitoring of composting units and recycling bins at six schools (SMK Bukit Jambul, SMK Bukit Gambir, SMK Dato Haji Mohd Noor Ahmad, SK Minden Height, SK Sungai Gelugor and SK Bukit Gambir), commercial entities (Giant Supermarket), residential areas (Taman Brown, Sungai Gelugor and Taman Tun Saadon) and an SME industry (Cincaria Sdn.Bhd) all located around USM s vicinity. We believe that this project will provide a platform to assess the level of sustainability integration across USM and its neighboring communities via community engagement practices. Participation from various community groups in the study area will also facilitate better understanding in finding ways to promote sustainability through awareness campaigns, knowledge transfer and community engagement on various levels. (Keywords: sustainability, recycling, composting and community engagement) Introduction Green practices such as recycling and food/garden waste composting at schools, residential areas and work should be primary goals toward attaining and maintaining sustainability; unfortunately, such goals are often absent among urban inhabitants. Consequently, these issues are challenges to be resolved if sustainable lifestyles are to be achieved among the communities surrounding USM. This project aims to achieve sustainability integration by encouraging and integrating sustainable lifestyles among communities together with USM and relevant stakeholders via a campaign on sustainable lifestyles as the main agenda of the project. Programs such as the University in A Garden, Kampus Sejahtera, White Coffin (ban on polystyrene food packaging) and Say No to Plastic were initiated by the campus community and were pivotal in transforming USM into a more livable and sustainable campus. As it complements USM s Accelerated Programme for Excellence (APEX) mission i.e. Transforming Higher Education for A Sustainable Tomorrow, this project will certainly impact surrounding communities by promoting and inculcating sustainable lifestyles. 1

2 Research Goals and Objectives This research project aims to integrate and extend the university s efforts to achieve two major goals (a) to be a world-renowned university for sustainability and (b) to be a sustainability-led university. Realizing that the university has a key role to play in searching for ways to enhance sustainable living, this project attempts to extend what was promoted in USM s campus to neighboring communities, as these communities are a good showcase for mini-urban lifestyle activities given the diverse mini-urban land uses among them. The main objectives of the project are: a. to promote and diffuse USM s sustainable lifestyles to surrounding neighborhoods b. to engage participants from various community levels into the sustainable agenda c. to create an enabling environment toward realizing a sustainable community d. to explore the challenges facing comprehensive sustainability implementation This project is divided into 3 main phases: 1. Phase 1 Situational Analyses activities to produce digital maps, collate recommendations/ideas from stakeholders and prepare sustainable lifestyle kits for USM s Sustainability Neighborhood Area. 2. Phase 2 Data Collection and Community Engagement would increase awareness and education activities via the project launch, followed by roadshows, campaigns & seminars/workshops. Monitoring and assessment will be conducted during this phase. 3. Phase 3 Analyses and Assessments will provide findings on project implementation and suggest improvements for the project. Dissemination of research findings to various stakeholders via newsletters, progress and project reports will follow. Recycling and Composting in Penang: A Situational Analysis The population increase has also caused the volume of solid waste in Malaysia to increase - especially in urban areas, resulting in the great challenge facing Malaysia with regard to proper solid waste management. In Malaysia, there is presently no periodical and systematic analysis and documentation of waste generation rate resulting in inaccurate and outdated databases (Nasir et.al, 2000). Most of Malaysia s waste is organic, making up more than 40% of the total waste stream (Jalil, 2010). In the 1980s and 1990s, organic waste was approximately 50% - consisting mostly of processed kitchen and food wastes. 2

3 Table 1: Method of Waste Disposal in Malaysia Treatment Percentage of waste disposed Recycling Composting Incineration Inert landfill Sanitary landfill Other disposal sites Total Source: Periathamby and Hamid, 2009 In 2002, Malaysia s recycling rate was 5% (Table 1) and with a minimal increase is targeted to be 22 % in The 3R s (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle), encourages consumers to recycle items because recycling and composting of organic waste can reduce the amount of solid waste generated - decreasing municipal costs in waste management; solid waste management is a challenge for Penang due to limited space for landfills. According to state government statistics, 15% of waste collected by the Penang Island Municipal Council (MPPP) and 18% by the Seberang Perai Municipal Council (MPSP) are recycled. Unfortunately, the recycling rate for plastics is just 3%, although plastics form 15% to 17% of Penang s waste (Menon & Bhatt, 2010). Penang generates tons of trash and the mainland about 800 tons this means that each person in Penang generates approximately 1 kg of waste daily. Table 2: Composition of Municipal Solid Waste for Penang Island from Waste composition (wet basis, wt %) Sample source Residential Commercial (average) (average) Food waste Paper Cardboard Plastic Textile Diaper Rubber/Leather Source: Penang Municipal Council,

4 Table 2 shows the composition percentage of Penang s municipal solid waste as produced by residential and commercial premises. Food waste is the main solid waste generated followed by plastic and then recyclables such as paper, cardboard and textile. Diapers are widely used by family with children and although diapers are non-recyclable, they are compostable when their plastic linings are removed. Similarly, hypermarkets and office buildings generate food waste as their main solid waste followed by paper. Certain institutional and residential areas in Penang have successfully implemented practices in sustainable waste management. Since 2007, SMK Seri Balik Pulau together with the Danish International Development Assistance (DANIDA), Penang Municipal Council (MPPP), the Education Department of Penang, and the Socio-Economic and Environmental Research Institute (SERI) have implemented recycling banks with the aim of motivating and encouraging pupils to adopt 3R practices. Consequently (from 2008 to 2009), recyclables amounting to 22,137 kg have been sold to recycling agents. A Japanese composting method aimed at solving waste problems in Asian countries - the Takakura Home Method (THM), was introduced into Malaysia in SERI and CAP have since published a composting manual for households providing a general overview of the composting process and instructions for daily use. In 2007, SERI and CIDA-AIT launched a community composting project using Indigenous Microorganism (IMOs) in Taman Duku, Bukit Mertajam in order to tackle solid waste management problems. Study Area The study was undertaken in the Parliament Area of Bukit Gelugor, Penang. The area is within an 8 km radius from Universiti Sains Malaysia encompassing 3 primary and 3 secondary schools, 4 residential estates, commercial premise and a Small Medium Enterprise. Certain criteria assisted in the selection of this area. Firstly, the small geographic space facilitates small or medium scale sustainability implementation (Mega, 2009). The selected area also has various density populations and multicultural diversity comprising of Malays, Chinese and Indians; additionally, the focus area also has high rise and landed housing estates. The primary schools selected are S. K. Bukit Gambier, S. K. Minden Heights, S. K. Sungai Gelugor, while the three secondary schools are S. M. K. Bukit Jambul, S. M. K. Bukit Gambir and S. M. K. Datuk Haji Mohd Nor Ahmad. Residential areas chosen are Taman Tun Sardon, Taman Brown, Sungai Gelugor, Lengkok Bawah Bukit Gelugor and Jalan Aquarium. Commercial entities such as Giant Hypermarket Bayan Baru and Cincaria Sdn Bhd were also included in this study. 4

5 Figure 1: Location Map of Universiti Sains Malaysia and Its Neighboring Areas Research Method A participatory research framework based on the pilot project approach was used in this study with an emphasis placed on action research strategies. It was designed by involving major stake-holders (experts, urban municipalities, schools, households, industries and leaders) in order to develop community skills for recycling and composting. Action research emphasizes collaboration between researchers and practitioners (Avision et. al. 1999; Avision, Baskerville & Myers, 2001) which aims to address the practical concerns of people in an immediate problematic situation. In other words, it focuses on addressing problems through collaboration (Avision, Baskerville and Myers, 2001). (i) Participants The participants of this research involves twenty identified stakeholders from USM s neighboring community area selected from education institutions, governmental/ngos s, residential areas, commercial, and industrial premises. These twenty stakeholders are situated within an 8 kilometer radius from CGSS and were selected via a situational analysis exercise based on our research objectives. 5

6 Table 3: List of Stakeholders Category Stakeholders Institutional - Universiti Sains Malaysia - SMK Bukit Jambul - SMK Bukit Gambir - SMK Datuk Haji Mohd Nor Ahmad - SK. Bukit Gambir - SK. Minden Height - SK. Sungai Gelugor Governmental/NGO s - Majlis Perbandaran Pulau Pinang (MPPP) - Perbadanan Pengurusan Sisa Pepejal dan Kebersihan Awam (PPSPPA) - Yayasan Komuniti Pulau Pinang - Majlis Belia Negeri Pulau Pinang - Jabatan Alam Sekitar - Persatuan Pengguna Pulau Pinang (CAP) Residential area - JKKK Taman Tun Saadon - JKKK Taman Brown - JKKK Sungai Gelugor - JKKK Jalan Aquarium Commercial - GIANT, Bayan Baru Industry (SME s) - Cincaria Sdn.Bhd Source: Fieldwork, Centre for Global Sustainability Studies (CGSS), ii) Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and Logical Framework Analysis (LFA) Two qualitative methods were used in this project: Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and Logical Framework Analysis (LFA). These qualitative methods were used to identify problems and setbacks on issues facing recycling and composting activities. The employment of both methods is crucial in understanding issues, challenges and the necessary solutions. (iii) Target Groups Survey Distribution A quantitative survey was conducted to assess community perception and level of understanding toward sustainability elements. A pilot study involving 85 participants was also conducted during the Community Outreach Programme held in Bukit Gedung with 437 questionnaires randomly distributed to stakeholders and later analyzed using the SPSS software. Interviews were also employed during the survey. An interview with the Director of MPPP contributed information/data regarding Penang s recycling programs while the 6

7 Director of PPSPPA identified composting methods used by the organization. Data on school recycling initiatives were also collected in a similar manner. iii) Fieldwork The allocation of recycling bins and composting stations were identified prior to the project s launch and location of recycling bins and composting stations can be found in Tables 4 and 5. Initially, campaigns were conducted to identify and assess community perception and awareness regarding Penang s recycling and composting programs. The first awareness campaign was held in the residential area of Bukit Gedung and a demonstration using THM was also conducted by CGSS together with a pilot study. A campaign was also held at GIANT Hypermarket involving consumers as respondents to disseminate recycling information. Similar awareness campaigns on recycling and composting were held at schools. Table 4: Location of Recycle Bins in USM and its Neighboring Communities Stakeholders Location Universiti Sains Malaysia 1) Centre for Global Sustainability Studies 2) School of Humanities 3) Pematang Pelajar 4) Cahaya Siswa Complex 5) Desasiswa Bakti Permai 6) Desasiswa Saujana 7) Hamzah Sendut Library (1) Institutional 1) SMK Bukit Jambul 2) SK Bukit Gambir 3) SK Minden Height 4) SK Sungai Gelugor Industry (SME) Residential 1) Cincaria Sdn. Bhd 1) Jalan Aquarium Mosque 2) Taman Tun Sardon Food Court 3) Taman Brown Hall 4) Sungai Gelugor Hall Source: Fieldwork, Centre for Global Sustainability Studies (CGSS),

8 Table 5: Location of Compost Stations in USM and its Neighboring Communities Stakeholders Location Universiti Sains Malaysia 1) Sports Centre 2) Desasiswa Bakti Permai 3) Convocation Site Institutional 1) SK Minden Height 2) SK Bukit Gambir 3) SMK Bukit Gambir 4) SMK Datuk Haji Muhammad Nor Ahmad 5) SMK Bukit Jambul Source: Fieldwork, Centre for Global Sustainability Studies (CGSS), Findings and Discussion i) Sustainable Lifestyle Awareness Campaign Figure 2: Age Group of Respondents Surveys aimed at identifying the level of urban sustainable lifestyle awareness were distributed during the awareness campaign to 437 respondents and the findings analyzed using SPSS Version 19. Figure 2 shows the age groups of the respondents, with respondents aged below 20 at 46.7% within the age range of years indicating that most of the respondents were school students. 20.6% of the respondents were aged between years, 15.6% of the respondents were between years, 11.9% of the respondents were between years and finally, 5.3% of the respondents were aged between years. 8

9 Figure 3: Location of Respondents Figure 3 depicts the geographic locations of our project. GIANT Hypermarket had the highest percentage of respondents comprising 38.2% of the 437 respondents interviewed during the three day awareness campaign. Specific target groups for both primary and secondary schools (10% from an entire school s population) were chosen to represent a school. SMK Datuk Haji Mohd Nor Ahmad respondents were 18.5%, SMK Bukit Gambir 10.3%, SMK Bukit Jambul 11.0%, SK Minden Height 7.8%, SK Sg. Gelugor 6.2% and Cincaria Sdn Bhd had 8.0%. Figure 4: Awareness on Sustainable Development 9

10 Figure 4 depicts the sustainability awareness of respondents with regard to various education levels. Respondents were varied and included those at the university level to respondents who were classified as non-educated. The data shows us that while most respondents are aware and understand the concept of sustainable development, there remained a small percentage of respondents who were uninformed of the concept of sustainable development. Table 6 states criteria contributing toward sustainable communities and cities, and the attainment of sustainable development. Awareness campaigns were conducted at selected schools and community outreach programs, with recycling facilities holding the highest criteria percentage in our study area. 296 out of the 437 respondents (67.7%) agreed that recycling facilities were available in their residential areas, while 310 from the 437 respondents (70.9%) agreed that planting of shade-providing trees is sustainable. On the other hand, composting initiatives were still rather low as only 157 per 437 respondents (35.9%) had composting exposure with the remaining respondents lacking all knowledge of composting. 320 out of 437 respondents (73.2%) agree that they live in a community imbued with sustainability elements i.e. 1) an active neighborhood and 2) an enthusiastic community. Table 6: Sustainability Practices in our Study Area Elements Frequency Percentage (%) Preparation of recycling facilities % Planting of trees that provide shade % Exposure on composting initiatives % Efficient management of solid waste % Utilization of energy-saving products % Availability of facilities for the disabled % Recreations and green space facilities % Active neighborhood and an enthusiastic community % Quality residences for all community members % Affordable pricing for all goods % Source: Fieldwork, Centre for Sustainability Studies (CGSS),

11 Figure 5: Mediums for Information on Sustainable Development Figure 5 projects the percentage of how consumers obtain their information on sustainable development via different mediums. 30.7% (134) of the respondents gained such information through newspapers, magazines and educational books - largely because the respondents were mostly university educated. The internet constituted 28.1% (123) of the respondents followed by the Others 20.8% (91) category which is considered other kinds of media. In Table 7, the elements of sustainable lifestyle practices elicit various outcomes. 182 respondents (41.6%) now observe water-saving measures, such as ensuring faucets are completely turned off and utilizing pails when washing cars. In waste management practices, 173 respondents (39.6%) now separate recyclables such as papers, plastic bottles, glass and aluminum cans while utilizing recyclable products such as reusable bags when grocery shopping. Unfortunately, the transportation element is still rather low with 155 respondents (35.5%) opting to utilize their own vehicles instead of public transportation systems. 11

12 Table 7: Respondents Feedback toward Sustainable Lifestyle Practices Elements Never practiced Rarely practiced Practiced sometimes Often practiced Most often practiced Frequency % Frequency % Frequency % Frequency % Frequency % Energy saving Waste management Water saving Transportation Consumption Source: Fieldwork, Centre for Global Sustainability Studies (CGSS), ii) Recycling Table 8 shows the composition of recyclables at schools which were collected after two weeks from recycling bins with the items weighed and sold to vendors. SMK Bukit Gambir generated the highest income (RM38.95), followed by SMK Bukit Jambul (RM 21.05) and SK Sungai Gelugor (RM20.30). The most recycled items were mixed and white papers at 56kg and 55kg respectively. Plastic was at 18 kg, newspapers at 13 kg, metals at 10 kg, boxes at 6 kg and aluminum cans at 0.5kg. Results indicate that recycling rates were still low due to a lack of recycling bins and awareness programs. Table 8: Composition of Recyclables Generated at Schools Location Weight (kg) Income Boxes Newspapers Metal Plastics (RM) White Paper Mixed Paper Aluminum Cans SMK Bukit Jambul SMK Bukit Gambir SK Sungai Gelugor SK Minden Height SK Bukit Gambir Total Source: Fieldwork, Centre for Sustainability Studies (CGSS),

13 iii) Composting Food waste is non-recyclable and is usually sent to landfills, but when managed efficiently via composting, the amount of food waste generated can be reduced. Various composting techniques were implemented at USM and selected schools utilizing THM, Heap Composting and Cage Composting. THM was introduced by PPSPPA while heap and cage composting were both introduced by a visiting professor - Prof. Sultan Ismail from The New College, India. Different composting methods are used for different types of waste e.g. cage and heap composting methods are suitable for garden waste but THM is more suited to kitchen waste. THM is challenging on a larger scale as it requires many ingredients and procedures, while cage and heap composting are both practical in a school setting and use cow feces as the main source of microorganisms to degrade solid waste. The five schools chosen as case studies are SMK Bukit Jambul, SMK Datuk Haji Muhammad Nor Ahmad, SMK Bukit Gambir, SK Minden Height and SK Bukit Gambir. Cage composting was applied to all schools except SK Bukit Gambir. The total weight of solid waste used at Universiti Sains Malaysia was 748kg in contrast to those used at schools (75kg) due to differences in space area and waste composition. In all composting methods, the estimated weight of the product is lower than that of the initial waste used due to the degradation process of solid waste (See Table 9). Table 9: Composting Activity in Universiti Sains Malaysia and its Neighboring Communities Method/Location Material (kilogram) Estimated Soil Chicken Food/garden Cow end product feed waste dung (composted manure) Universiti Sains Malaysia Takakura method 0.5kg 0.25kg 0.5kg - 1kg Heap composting kg 10kg` 32kg Cage composting kg 10kg 30kg Total 748kg 63kg Schools SMK Bukit Jambul kg 2kg 3kg (cage composting) SMK Bukit Gambir kg 2kg 3.5kg (cage composting) SMK Datuk HMNA kg 2kg 4.25kg (heap composting) SK Minden Height kg 2kg 4.5kg (cage composting) SK Bukit Gambir kg 2kg 3.5kg (heap composting) Total 75kg 18.75kg 13

14 Conclusion Recycling and composting initiatives are crucial steps in promoting sustainability in urban environments/communities consequently, public participation is crucial in sustaining such projects. 3R contributes greatly in reducing the amount of waste produced daily and while 3R implementation is possible, a change in societal attitude and lifestyles is indisputably necessary. Reduction in daily resource consumption entails lesser usage of energy and natural resources for a more sustainable future; notably, a growth of 22.0% in recycling and composting is required if Malaysia is to reach its 2020 recycling goal. The project discussed in this paper is still in the midst of implementation and it is hoped that it will attain its desired goals with long-term monitoring and continuous improvement within a set time frame. * This study is based on an on-going research project under the Delivering Excellence program funded by Universiti Sains Malaysia (April 2011-March 2012). Reference: Agamuthu, P., Hamid, F.S. and Khidzir, K. (2009). Evolution of solid waste management in Malaysia: Impacts and Implications of the Solid Waste Bill Journal of Matter Cycles Waste Management, 11: Avision, D., F. Lau, P. A. Neilsen, and M. Myers (1999). Action research projects. Communication of ACM, 42(1): Avision, D., R. Baskerville, and M. Myers (2010). Controlling action research projects. Information Technology and People, 14(1): Sustainable Development in Malaysia: A Case Study on Household Waste Management. Journal of Sustainable Development, 3(3): Mohd Nasir Hassan, Rakmi Abdul Rahman, Theng Lee Chong, Zulina Zakaria and Muhammad Awang (2000). Waste recycling in Malaysia: Problems and prospects. Journal of Waste Management & Research, 18: