National Geographic hosted its first-ever Earth Day Run that attracted over 2,000 runners to participate and eco-warriors alike in an effort to promote an awareness on the use of a single plastic pollution. The event became a platform to empower the public to live healthier and more sustainably at home.

In conjunction with Earth Day that was celebrated annually on a global scale on 22 April, the theme this year for Earth Day was centered around No Plastic Waste and more importantly, reduce the single-use plastic which was the main key element throughout the entire run. Runners were provided with reusable water bottles or brought their own water bottles. The Earth Day Run was the only run that didn't provide any single-use cups or water bottles, but the runners are able to refill their water bottles using the reusable water tanks and pumps at the designated water stations.

Photo Credit: National Geographic Earth Day Run

About Earth Day Run

FOX Networks Group Senior Vice President - Territory Head of Malaysia & Singapore, Vineet Puri said,

The National Geographic Earth Day Run combines people’s passion for fitness and health to advocate for a better, healthier lifestyle. Malaysians can adapt their learnings from this event to cut down on their usage of single-use plastic and eventually develop a zero-waste habit that starts from the comfort of their home. We hope that the run can become a catalyst of change for Malaysians to start living sustainably.

Malaysia's leading property developer with a philosophy of delivering innovative housing developments rooted through sustainable environment, Gamuda Land, was the official venue sponsor for the run. Other partners include unifi TV, Fox Sports, Stadium Astro and Nivea Men.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Gamuda Land, Ngan Chee Meng said,

Sustainability to us, is not just about providing ample greenery and lush environment. An important part of our town making principles is listening to what the land tells us. Before we craft each of our towns, we looked at their natural attributes, studied how the land rose and fell, where the waterways flowed and the types of trees and plants that grew there. We maintained what good the land offered, enhanced what needed help and blended them into our neighborhoods and town centers. That has been our nature for the past 25 years. And when we get it right; our town works, the community is happy, the biodiversity thrives and the place making is set.

Photo Credit: National Geographic Earth Day Run

'Zero Waste Home' Exhibition

During the race pack collection, there was an exhibition held at TwentyFive.7 by Zero Waste Malaysia, a project by Gamuda Land to showcase a 'zero waste home'.

The exhibition shed light on the small changes that can be made to a person's daily lifestyle to minimize the waste being generated from the kitchen, bathroom and on the go. By simply carrying stainless steel bottles for water storage, drinking water without using straws, and using recycle bags for shopping and other purposes, a household will then be able to reduce the single-use plastic usage.

The exhibition showed plenty of alternative options for everyday use that can replace plastic usage - such as beeswax wrap to pack and keep the food fresh; bamboo straws perfect for multiple usages; as well as natural-based deodorant and organic based laundry detergent kept in ethical packaging without plastic.

Photo Credit: National Geographic Earth Day Run

Malaysia's green heroes

Other than Zero Waste Malaysia, some of Malaysia's green heroes such as Biji-Biji Initiative, Petrosains, and Cenviro, an environmental Conservation Organization were also present to run the educational and fun activities for eco-fair visitors.

Putri was happy to see the support the Malaysians give through joining the event though it was their first time organizing a running event. She said,

We were thrilled to see the support from Malaysians joining us for this event. Although this is our first time organizing a run, we achieved our target number of runners within a few weeks of registration. Not only were people geared up to run for a cause but seeing them engaged in our carnival activities showed that Malaysians are ready to take a step further in creating a greener environment,”

National Geographic Earth Day Run is known across the region to promote environmental awareness and sustainable living. Throughout the years, the run has supported environmental causes such as water management, climate change initiatives and more.

What do you think about their cause? Will you want to be a part of it too?