TTDI Garden hosts eco-day with Roots & Shoots volunteers

The TTDI Community Garden came alive with a unique gathering aimed at promoting sustainable practices. The garden, under the guidance of Margaret Lee, welcomed 14 enthusiastic volunteers from Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots Malaysia for an immersive day of eco-education.

This event is part of the Roots & Shoots Malaysia Award (RASMA), a youth achievement initiative that recognises young Malaysians who complete volunteer activities centered around respecting, protecting, and nourishing all living things. Supported by Yayasan Hasanah and the Ministry of Finance, in collaboration with The Habitat Foundation, RASMA delivers positive impact by fostering a generation committed to sustainability and community involvement.

The day’s activities included lessons on composting, sustainable gardening, and even explored the world of Maduku Kelulut honey, blending education with hands-on environmental action. This initiative reflects the garden’s commitment to eco-consciousness, offering a nurturing environment to learn and take meaningful action toward sustainability.

Learning composting and vermiculture

Reshvin Singh, a young environmentalist, led the composting workshop, guiding volunteers on how to transform organic waste into nutrient-rich compost. As the volunteers dug in, Reshvin explained, “Composting connects us to nature’s cycles—nothing is wasted.” He demonstrated the importance of combining green and brown waste materials to create the ideal compost mix, emphasizing how everyday actions can make a big difference.

The workshop also introduced vermiculture, or worm composting, showcasing how worms can transform household scraps into valuable compost, adding a unique layer to the garden’s holistic approach to soil health.

Maduku Kelulut Honey: A lesson in biodiversity

Amid the hands-on activities, participants paused to learn about Maduku Kelulut honey, celebrated for its antibacterial and healing properties. John Chan, an ecotourism professional and activist with My Bee Savior NGO, shared his insights, drawing from his background in ethnobotany, bee ecology, and conservation.

Since 2022, John has been active in bee conservation, working to protect these crucial pollinators and highlighting the interconnectedness of biodiversity. “The more we protect natural habitats, the more nature gives back,” he remarked, connecting the dots between sustainable beekeeping, composting, and environmental stewardship. Organic produce and Maduku Kelulut honey harvested from the garden were available for purchase, supporting TTDI Community Garden’s ongoing eco-friendly initiatives.

A lasting impact for a greener future

As the event concluded, Reshvin gathered the volunteers for a moment of reflection, reminding them, “Collective actions, no matter how small, add up.” The participants left not only with knowledge but a renewed sense of purpose, understanding that even the smallest efforts in sustainability matter.

This collaboration between TTDI Community Garden and Roots & Shoots Malaysia stands as an inspiring example of how local actions can ripple out, contributing to a global movement toward environmental responsibility. Through continued partnerships, both the garden and Roots & Shoots remain committed to fostering a generation of environmental stewards.