Jointly organized by social enterprise Biji-Biji Initiative and the U.S. Embassy Kuala Lumpur, Planet Us is an interactive, educational exhibit that will educate and inspire Malaysian youth to play a more proactive role in tackling the climate crisis and in contributing to an environmentally sustainable future.
Spearheaded by the U.S. Embassy’s American Corners network, Planet Us will take place in The Square, Publika Shopping Gallery Kuala Lumpur from February 15-19, and at Taman Tugu from February 24-26. The exhibit features a variety of workshops on topics such as edible gardening, zero waste living, and upcycling. Visitors can also look forward to the interactive, physical exhibition, which imparts engaging information on urban sustainability, wildlife protection, and preservation of marine resources. In addition, visitors can participate virtually in the Planet Us upcycling competition, which encourages youth to turn waste into something purposeful and exciting. Participants can also play the online game at the Planet Us website (http://www.planetus-exhibit.com) to test their sustainability habits and better understand the daily steps they can take to reduce waste.
Planet Us emphasizes three climate actions for sustainability: Conserve the responsible use of natural resources, Preserve environmental resources, and Innovate using technology and research to solve environmental challenges. Through these three climate actions, Planet Us aspires to enhance environmental literacy, encourage sustainable habits, and implement solutions to climate change among Malaysian youth.
“Supporting Malaysian efforts on sustainable climate action are a key goal of our embassy. We are thrilled to have worked with Biji-Biji Initiative, who do amazing work on education and sustainability within communities. Since June 2022, Planet Us has continued to educate thousands of young Malaysians about the impact of their daily actions on the environment. We encourage Malaysian youth to continue increasing their awareness of environmental sustainability and to recognize that every small step they take can go a long way towards protecting the environment,” said U.S. Embassy Kuala Lumpur’s Deputy Chief of Mission, Michael Newbill.
Program partner in KL, EcoKnights, represented by its President Dr. Yasmin Rashid said, “Through our participation in the Planet Us exhibition and workshops, I hope we are contributing to make an impact towards climate change. A little can go a long way. I look forward to being able to share the knowledge that I have gathered by being a part of this campaign with my family and friends so we can all live in a more sustainable Malaysia.”
CEO of Biji Biji, Juliana Adams noted, “We each have a role in creating a more sustainable future. Whether it is reducing our energy consumption, recycling, or supporting sustainable products, every action makes a difference. It is our responsibility as Malaysians to take action now to create a sustainable future for ourselves and future generations. Together, and through awareness nurtured by Planet Us, we can create a more sustainable and prosperous nation.”
Since its inception in June 2022, Planet Us has engaged youth across Sarawak, Kedah, Kelantan, Sabah, and Penang before making its final stop in Kuala Lumpur. Each stop includes workshops, panel discussions, community clean-ups, and other activities in which the public can participate. The program is expected to reach 5,000 Malaysian youth by the end of the campaign. To date, approximately 6,000 Malaysians have made environmental pledges on the Planet Us website, and hundreds of Malaysians have joined the upcycling competition. Winners will be announced during the finale event of Planet Us and will receive microgrants worth up to RM 5000.
