The Sun, 28 April 2010

Tadika Krisaliz pupils showing their ‘green side’ at Starbucks Tropicana Mall last Thursday.

STARBUCKS and environmental conservation non-governmental organisation (NGO) Wild Asia recently collaborated to teach 20 six-year-olds the "3Rs" at Tropicana City Mall.

The young "greenies" from Tadika Krisaliz sorted out daily household garbage into what should be recycled, re-used, reduced or thrown away, under the guidance of Wild Asia educators during the Trash to Treasure project on April 2.

"We believe many are unsure which items can be recycled or re-used. By teaching these children, we hope they can show their parents and other children how to reduce the garbage that is choking up our landfills," Berjaya Starbucks Coffee marketing and communications director Sydney Quays said.

Next, the children created an organic solution of garbage enzymes from leftover vegetables and fruit peel. After three months of "marinating", the solution then becomes both an eco-conscious and cheaper alternative household cleaning liquid and plant fertiliser.

Carefully monitoring the mixing process of the organic solution, six-year-old Tan Shan Chien said measuring the ingredients was fun and that he would get his mother to use the solution as a floor cleaner.

The last exercise, arts and crafts, had the children turning paper rubbish like toilet rolls and newspapers into shapes of their favourite animals as well as dolls and wallets.

Trash to Treasure is the second Project Green co-organised by Starbucks and Wild Asia, with last year’s River Story educating primary schoolers on the importance of small living organisms, such as backyard and river ecosystems.

"We believe in environmental conservation through education, engaging businesses and inspiring people to speak up. The children were made aware of the surrounding wildlife biodiversity and how it contributes to their lives," Wild Asia programme manager Deborah Chan said, adding that the organisation hosts outdoor activities like stream dipping and tree planting.

Starbucks Malaysia recycles all its glass bottles, paper cups and cardboard boxes, offering customers RM2 off their purchases when they bring a reusable tumbler.