ROAD TO SUSTAINABLE LIFE: THE GREEN FELLOWSHIP CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION TO SUSTAINABLE LIFE

ROAD TO
SUSTAINABLE LIFE:



The Green Fellowship

CHAPTER 1:
INTRODUCTION TO SUSTAINABLE LIFESTYLE

Published by:
Centre for Languages and Pre-University Academic Development (CELPAD)
International Islamic University Malaysia P.O. Box 10 50728 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: +603-6421 4917 Website: https://www.iium.edu.my/kulliyyah/celpad
_______________________________________________________________________________________
ROAD TO SUSTAINABLE LIFE:

The Green Fellowship
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION TO SUSTAINABLE LIFESTYLE

Writers/Designers:

Nor Amirah Sakinah Binti Alias

Muzammilah Binti Tajuddin

Siti Norfazira Farhana Binti Mohd Razak

Nur Suhaila Binti Saaidi

Siti Haida Binti Mohd Ishak

Nurul Shariah Binti Samsudin

Mohd Dzaquan Imran Bin Mohd Alias

Editor/Proofreader:

Lily Cartina Binti Affendi

Pictures Credit:

Canva Pro & websites as stated in references

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Perpustakaan Negara Malaysia Cataloguing-in-Publication Data

Road to Sustainable Life: The Green Fellowship Chapter 1: Introduction to Sustainable Lifestyle
/Writers Nor Amirah Sakinah Binti Alias, Muzammilah Binti Tajuddin, Siti Norfazira Farhana Binti
Mohd Razak, Nur Suhaila Binti Saaidi, Siti Haida Binti Mohd Ishak, Nurul Shariah Binti Samsudin,
Mohd Dzaquan Imran Bin Mohd Alias
Mode of access: Internet
eISBN:
1. Sustainable life
2. Growing own plants
3. Plastic usage
4. Sustainable fashion
5. Conservation of water and energy
I. Nor Amirah Sakinah Alias. II. Muzammilah Tajuddin III. Siti Norfazira Farhana Binti Mohd Razak
IV. Nur Suhaila Binti Saaidi V. Siti Haida Binti Mohd Ishak VI. Nurul Shariah Binti Samsudin
VII.Mohd Dzaquan Imran Bin Mohd Alias

ROAD TO
SUSTAINABLE LIFE:



The Green Fellowship

CHAPTER 1:
INTRODUCTION TO SUSTAINABLE LIFESTYLE

FOREWORD

‫ِبْس ــــــــــــــــــِم ِهللا الَّرْحَم ِن الَّرِح ْيِم‬

I take great honour in writing the foreword for this e-book, Road to
Sustainable Life: The Green Fellowship. Chapter 1: Introduction to
Sustainable Lifestyle. It is part of CELPAD Flagship Project called
Community Humility Module that aims to educate and transform the
community through community engagement projects.

Sustainable lifestyle enables humankind to contribute towards sustainable
communities which will lead to better living conditions and environment
for all. This book targets five Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG
4 Quality Education, SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 12
Responsible Consumption and Production, SDG13 Climate Change and SDG
15 Life on Land, all of which are fundamental to sustainable living. This
book approaches the serious matter of sustainability in a light and
succinct manner which I believe will appeal not only to students but will
also attract a wide readership. Of importance are the activities that are
provided at the end of each unit which gives opportunities to mobilise the
selected SDGs via a variety of hands-on activities.

This chapter is a highly commendable effort by the writers. I would like to
congratulate the writers and the CELPAD Flagship Team for their
continuous effort to promote sustainable lifestyle. I am confident that this
first chapter will be a good source for educating the community to
become khalifah on this earth who uphold the spirit of Rahmatan Lil
Alamin.

Thank you. DR. ROSNANI KASSIM
DIRECTOR OF CELPAD IIUM

FOREWORD

‫ِبْس ــــــــــــــــــِم ِهللا الَّرْحَم ِن الَّرِح ْيِم‬



Aspired by the University’s Whole Community Transformation (WCT), the
Centre for Languages and Pre-University Academic Development
(CELPAD) Flagship called Community Humility Module aims to furnish
individuals with KHAIR values through the development and delivery of
Community Humility Modules.

The birth of this very first chapter on Road to Sustainable Life: The Green
Fellowship. Introduction to Sustainable Lifestyle is indeed a pride to the
CELPAD Flagship. This meets the objective of transforming community
service work into written documents and at the same time contributing to
the Flagship module itself. It is also in line with the University’s aspiration
to promote sustainable development goal and contribute to the well-being
of the society. Presenting content in a wide-range of subtopics, this book
is deemed friendly for the better understanding of the concept of
sustainability for all walks of life.

On behalf of the CELPAD Flagship team, I would like to convey our
heartiest congratulations to the English Language Division, Centre for
Foundation Studies, the International Islamic University Malaysia, on the
determination and work done in writing and publishing the book. I can be
rest assured that this success will be the catalyst to even more greater
achievements for the CELPAD Flagship and the CELPADIANS at large.

DR. LIZA BINTI ABDULLAH
CELPAD FLAGSHIP PROJECT LEADER

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

‫ِبْس ــــــــــــــــــِم ِهللا الَّرْحَم ِن الَّرِح ْيِم‬

Road to Sustainable Life: The Green Fellowship Chapter 1 (Introduction to
Sustainable Lifestyle) has finally been completed since its planning more
than a year ago. This e-book module is created under CELPAD’s
Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) project, Community Humility Module
which is overseen by Dr. Liza Abdullah as the project leader.

This module is an initiative by English Language Department (ELD) SDG
committee members (CFS Gambang Campus) to produce an e-book that is
not just beneficial for the staff and students of IIUM, but also to the people
around the world.

On behalf of my team, I would like to convey a heartfelt gratitude to Dr.
Liza Abdullah as the project leader for the guidance towards completing
this book and not to mention to ELD Heads of Department, Mdm. Nawal
Awadh Omar Basahai and Mdm. Nur Syahirah Shuhaimi for the endless
support and encouragement especially in terms of ideas and financial.

Finally, to the people who make this book possible, Sr. Muzammilah
Tajuddin, Sr. Siti Norfazira Farhana Binti Mohd Razak, Sr. Nur Suhaila Binti
Saaidi, Sr. Siti Haida Binti Mohd Ishak, Sr. Nurul Shariah Binti Samsudin
and Br. Mohd Dzaquan Imran Bin Mohd Alias. All of you have poured great
effort and spent a lot of time collecting information, writing, editing, and
designing the book until it is successfully published.

May Allah SWT reward us all. Thank you.

NOR AMIRAH SAKINAH BINTI ALIAS
CELPAD FLAGSHIP (ELD CFS GAMBANG)

THE TABLE OF

CONTENTS

01 INTRODUCTION: SUSTAINABLE LIVING
02
03 BY NOR AMIRAH SAKINAH ALIAS
04
05 REDUCING PLASTIC USAGE

BY SITI NORFAZIRA FARHANA MOHD RAZAK

SUSTAINABLE FASHION

BY NUR SUHAILA SAAIDI

WATER & ENERGY CONSERVATION

BY SITI HAIDA MOHD ISHAK

GROWING OWN FOOD

BY MUZAMMILAH TAJUDDIN

UNIT

01

INTRODUCTION:
SUSTAINABLE

LIVING

BY
NOR AMIRAH SAKINAH BINTI ALIAS

INTRODUCTION:SUSTAINABLE LIVING

TOPICS

What is a sustainable living?
Ways to have a sustainable living.
The importance of practicing a sustainable living.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

To be able to define a sustainable living.
To practice sustainable living.
To understand the importance of sustainable living.

WHAT IS SUSTAINABLE LIVING?

Sustainable living is a lifestyle that encourages one to preserve
natural resources to ensure its sufficiency for generations to
come. Practicing sustainable living will eventually decelerate
the depletion of natural resources and reduce environmental
damages. Despite having lots of advantages, sustainable living
is still considered radical. Therefore, we need to be determined
and high-spirited in order to adapt to this lifestyle until it
becomes part of daily routines and habits.

One of the key factors in sustainable living is preserving the
environment. Albeit crucial, preserving the environment seems
oblivious to certain groups of people. For instance, when
choosing products at a grocery store, consumers tend to
favour affordability and effectiveness without considering the
environmental impacts, especially those that will take place in
the long run. It is fair to say that this decision was made due to
lack of knowledge and awareness.

INTRODUCTION:SUSTAINABLE LIVING

WAYS TO HAVE SUSTAINABLE LIVING

Below are overviews on methods to practice sustainable living and incorporate it as
part of daily routines. These methods will be discussed further in the next chapters.

1) REDUCE PLASTIC USAGES

Most items these days are made of plastic due to low production costs. This leads
to excessive usage of plastic which, over the years, has contributed to overflowing
landfills. Lack of awareness about recycling made matters worse. The emergence
of the COVID-19 pandemic increased the usage of Personal Protective Equipment
(PPE) such as surgical masks, latex gloves, and disposable plastic gowns. Although
PPE is a crucial part of pandemic management, it has, unfortunately, led to another
problem known as the plastic pandemic.

2) SUPPORT SUSTAINABLE FASHION

The movement to support and practice sustainable fashion has always been a
challenge. The presence of fast fashion, a fashion movement where clothes were
not made to last due to styles and trends that are constantly changing, is the main
challenger. Youngsters, especially, want to appear trendy and will not wear clothes
that are out of style. Hence, heaps of clothes are usually tucked away in the closet,
or worse, thrown away.

INTRODUCTION:SUSTAINABLE LIVING

3) CONSERVE WATER AND ENERGY

Water and energy are natural resources that are currently depleting. One of the
main reasons that lead to the depletion is lack of awareness about conservation.
Currently, the level of knowledge and awareness about conservation is worrying,
which causes water and energy crises in certain parts of the world.

4) PRODUCE HOMEGROWN FOOD

When speaking of growing our own food, the image of a big farm in the countryside
often comes to mind. This expectation hinders the process of being self-
sustainable as most of us are currently living in the city with only a tiny balcony.
Little do we know, even a tiny balcony can produce an abundance of food if it is
done correctly. This is important, especially when a country is facing food
production and food security issues.

INTRODUCTION:SUSTAINABLE LIVING

WHY HAVING SUSTAINABLE LIVING IS IMPORTANT?

1) Improve Health Condition

It is proven that choosing walking or cycling as a method of
commuting can improve physical fitness and lower the
chance of contracting comorbid diseases. Apart from that,
it is also good for the environment as it will reduce toxic gas
emissions from vehicles, making the air cleaner and
fresher.

The presence of inorganic and toxic substances can be
found in fruits and vegetables, especially those that are
mass-produced. The effects of consuming inorganic and
toxic substances will not surface immediately. It will be
prominent later in life. Therefore, it is best to start
producing organic homegrown food that will do good for
our body.

2) Cost Saving

Understanding the concept of sustainable fashion can help
us save lots of money. When we understand the importance
of sustainable fashion, we will be more mindful when
purchasing new clothes. Instead of purchasing new clothes
for the sake of being trendy, clothes will be recycled and
repurposed.

Water and energy conservation will also have a financial
impact. The cost of having treated water and electricity can
go up to hundreds of Ringgit per month. When practising a
sustainable lifestyle, we will learn to use water and energy
more sensibly due to the environmental impact.

INTRODUCTION:SUSTAINABLE LIVING

WHY HAVING A SUSTAINABLE LIFESTYLE IS IMPORTANT?

3) Building Better Future Generations

A sustainable lifestyle will be beneficial to future generations in many ways. First, it will
teach them to be fashion-conscious. Clothes will be worn, exchanged, and recycled instead
of thrown and ended up in landfills. This will cause the fast-fashion industry to slow down,
leaving positive impacts on the environment. In addition, this will help preserve natural
resources in fabric production that future generations will still have the opportunity to
enjoy.
Other than that, using less plastic materials will reduce landfill waste and it will protect the
ocean and its inhabitants from harmful pollutants.

INTRODUCTION:SUSTAINABLE LIVING

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2018, May 3).
Sustainable Lifestyle - CDC. Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention. Retrieved April 28, 2022, from
https://www.cdc.gov/sustainability/lifestyle/index.htm

Environment, U. N. (n.d.). Sustainable lifestyles. UNEP. Retrieved
April 28, 2022, from https://www.unep.org/explore-
topics/resource-efficiency/what-we-do/sustainable-lifestyles

Environment, U. N. (n.d.). Why sustainable lifestyles matter. UNEP.
Retrieved April 28, 2022, from https://www.unep.org/explore-
topics/resource-efficiency/what-we-do/sustainable-
lifestyles/why-sustainable-lifestyles

Perbadanan Pengurusan Sisa Pepejal Dan Pembersihan Awam.
(n.d.). Retrieved April 28, 2022, from https://www.swcorp.gov.my/

Rinkesh, A. (2020, May 14). A guide to sustainable living: Principles,
benefits, and examples. Conserve Energy Future. Retrieved April
28, 2022, from https://www.conserve-energy-
future.com/sustainable-living-principles-benefits-and-
examples.php

UNIT

02

REDUCING
PLASTIC USAGE

BY
SITI NORFAZIRA FARHANA MOHD RAZAK

REDUCING PLASTIC USAGE

TOPICS

Single-use plastics in everyday life
Emerging issue: Plastic Pandemic
Solutions to reduce plastic usage

LEARNING OUTCOMES

To acknowledge the problem of using plastics excessively in everyday life
To inculcate sense of accountability in dealing with this issue
To exercise the suggested solutions in daily life

HOW TO MAKE PLASTICS?
Plastic is produced through the polymerization
and polycondensation process of polymers.
Some examples of polymers are cellulose, coal,
natural gas, salt, and crude oil. These polymers
are all products of nature.

HOW IS REDUCING PLASTIC WHICH INDUSTRIES USE PLASTICS?
USAGE RELATED TO Healthcare, packaging, electronics, building
and constructions, clothing, etc.
SUSTAINABLE LIFESTYLE?

Since sustainable living is a lifestyle of mindfulness

towards the environment, reducing plastic usage is

related to this as it will have environmental impacts.
Making the switch from plastic to recyclable
alternatives is one of the best practices to reduce
plastic use as it will still provide the assistance that
we need, but in a more environmental-friendly way.
For example, switching from plastic bags to reusable
bags will still help us carry our groceries, but it has a
much better impact on the environment.

REDUCING PLASTIC USAGE

WHAT IS PLASTIC?

Plastics are made of natural products like cellulose, coal, natural gas,
salt and crude oil which are also known as polymers. The processes of
producing plastics are polymerization and polycondensation.

PLASTIC USAGES..

healthcare
all sorts of packaging
electronics
building and
constructions,
clothing,

SINGLE USE PLASTICS
IN EVERYDAY LIFE

Definition: Plastic that is commonly
disposed of after being used once.
Examples: Plastic cup lids, cigarette
butts, plastic straws, food wrappers,
plastic cutleries, plastic grocery bags,
takeaway containers, etc.

REDUCING PLASTIC USAGE

COVID-19 &
PLASTIC PANDEMIC

The COVID19 global outbreak changed the lives of many, especially those in the medical
industry. Right after the news regarding COVID19 spread like wildfire across the globe, the
demand for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) surged tremendously, which, unfortunately,
also increased medical waste. PPEs such as surgical masks, gloves, hand sanitizer bottles,
face shields, and wipes are mostly made of plastic and need to be disposed after a single use.
As of now, there is no acknowledged solution that has been introduced to curb this problem.
Apart from the increasing medical waste, there is an escalating usage of plastic packaging
since the commencement of the Movement Control Order (MCO) in Malaysia. People tend to
purchase food and necessities online and most of the goods are packed using plastic. Online
sellers need to ensure the products are safely delivered, thus opting to use more bubble
wraps and plastic. This has resulted in the emergence of the plastic pandemic.

SOLUTIONS FOR
REDUCING PLASTIC USAGE

TIP 1 TIP 2 TIP 3

Replace single-used
Ban disposable Say NO to plastic

plastic bottles with
take-away bags and bring

reusable bottles. reusable shopping

containers and bags instead.
carry your own


containers.

REDUCING PLASTIC USAGE

ACTIVITY 1

A week without using plastics!



Objective:
To get students to explore methods to
eliminate plastic from daily life.
Duration:
7 days (one week)
Platform:
Instagram
Task:
Upload daily activities that substitute
plastic with other alternatives. Attach the
#aweekwithoutplastic in captions.

#aweekwithoutusingplastics

REDUCING PLASTIC USAGE

ACTIVITY 2

Plastics and Covid-19

Objective:
To broaden students’ understanding
on the COVID19 pandemic and its
impact on the planet.
Platform:
Microsoft Word
Task:
Conduct research on the correlation
between increase of plastic usage
and COVID19. Findings need to be
presented in a 500-word essay which
is to be submitted via email to the
committee.

REDUCING PLASTIC USAGE

References

Benson, N. U., Bassey, D. E., & Palanisami, T. (2021). COVID pollution:
Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on global plastic waste footprint.
Heliyon, 7(2). doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e06343

How plastics are made • plastics Europe. Plastics Europe. (2021,
October 24). Retrieved September 30, 2021, from
https://plasticseurope.org/plastics-explained/how-plastics-are-
made/.

Terry, B. (n.d.). 100 Steps to a Plastic-Free Life [Review of 100 Steps
to a Plastic-Free Life]. My Plastic Free Life. Retrieved September 25
C.E., from https://myplasticfreelife.com/plasticfreeguide/

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). (n.d.). SINGLE-USE
PLASTICS A Roadmap for Sustainability [Brochure]. Retrieved
September 23, 2021, from
https://wedocs.unep.org/bitstream/handle/20.500.11822/25523/sing
leUsePlastic_sustainability_factsheet_EN.pdf

UNIT

03

SUSTAINABLE
FASHION

BY
NUR SUHAILA SAAIDI

SUSTAINABLE FASHION

TOPICS

Identifying sustainable and non-sustainable materials.
Problems that hinder the sustainable fashion movement.
Steps to establish sustainability in the fashion industry.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

To be able to define sustainable fashion.
To determine which lifestyle is more sustainable than the other.
To create something new out of old clothing items.

FASHION & SUSTAINABILITY

Fashion is one of the fastest growing industries in the world.
Millions of clothes are produced each year to meet the demands of
consumers who, thanks to the advent of technology and social
media, are racing to keep up with the latest fads and trends.
Clothes - depending on the materials - could take decades to
decompose and will lead to pollution.

Sustainable fashion is the solution to combat the fashion industry
waste. Also known as eco-fashion, sustainable fashion is not just
about avoiding clothes made of polyester or purchasing clothes
with 'sustainable’ or ‘green’ on the hang tag. It is, in fact, the whole
process starting from the ethically sourced materials, fairly paid
and well-treated workers, green and clean production, and
effective waste management.

SUSTAINABLE FASHION

TYPES OF FABRICS

As the awareness about the environmental impact from the fashion industry
grows, a few fashion companies and consumers are opting for clothes made
of sustainable materials. A few examples of sustainable materials are:

SUSTAINABLE FABRICS

Natural fibre (hemp, linen).
Organic cotton (all natural without genetic
modifications or synthetic pesticides. Slightly
more costly than conventional cotton).
Futuristic innovative fabric.
Wool, silk, bamboo, cotton (biodegradable
materials which will take maximum 5 years to
decompose).

However, natural materials are
not necessarily sustainable due
to the high amount of resources
(water, dye, and transport) that
are required for production. For
instance, the production of
organic cotton may use less
pesticide but it still requires a
massive amount of water.

SUSTAINABLE FASHION

UNSUSTAINABLE FABRICS

Cheap synthetics (polyester, nylon, spandex).
Lycra (takes up to 200 years to decompose).
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane (PU),
and spandex (are produced using crude oil,
the same raw material as plastic, take
decades to decompose).

SUSTAINABLE FASHION

PROBLEMS THAT HINDER
THE SUSTAINABLE FASHION MOVEMENT

WHAT IS
"FAST FASHION"?

Fast fashion is the most significant contributor to non-
sustainability in the fashion industry. “Buy, wear, and discard” is
the approach promoted by fast fashion, and consumers somehow
love it as they get to refresh their wardrobes frequently. Studies
have shown that in the last 15 years, the number of times a
clothing item is worn before being discarded has reduced by 36%,
causing detrimental effects on the environment as clothing
production multiplies to meet the demands of the consumers.
Hence, increasing textile waste. In 2018, Malaysia produced a
total of 195,300 tonnes of fabric waste. It is also estimated that
around 2000 tonnes of textile waste are produced daily,
according to Kloth Data 2019. These numbers are enormous and
scary. These numbers are enormous and scary. Imagine the
amount of non-biodegradable waste that is clogging the landfills
right now.

SUSTAINABLE FASHION

WHAT IS
"GREENWASHING"?

As the awareness on the importance of sustainability grows, many are
demanding companies to change their policies and start working towards
sustainability. Therefore, some fashion companies have begun manufacturing
and promoting “green” garments, which are supposedly eco-friendly and less
harmful to the environment. However, these companies failed to realise that
sustainability is not just labelling garments “green” and “made with organic
cotton”. They must be transparent and inform the consumers of the processes
in the whole production chain. Although some customers are wary of brands
promoting these so-called “green garments” and demand them to provide more
details, others are content enough with simple labelling gestures, thinking
these fashion companies are supporting and practicing sustainability. In other
words, they are being greenwashed by those companies.

SUSTAINABLE FASHION

STEPS TO ESTABLISH
SUSTAINABILITY IN
THE FASHION INDUSTRY

Sustainable fashion can be achieved when both producers and consumers
work together and take the necessary steps, such as:

Choose natural materials when buying clothes.
Buy less and choose good quality clothing if the purchase of
synthetic fabric is unavoidable as it is much long lasting.
Upcycle, by repairing damaged clothing instead of throwing it
away.
Avoid being greenwashed by certain fashion brands.
Take good care of and wear existing clothes more often.
Dispose of unwanted clothes properly (re-selling or swapping
clothes with friends will help give a second life).
Buy second-hand or vintage clothes as it is equally valuable
as new clothes (there might be some unique fashion pieces
that can be found).

There are fashion companies that provide
services such as mending damaged garments,
selling second-hand clothes, and taking back
unwanted clothing from customers to be recycled
or properly disposed. Some organisations and
movements were created to combat non-
sustainability in the fashion industry such Kloth
Cares in Malaysia, whose goal is to keep fabrics
out of landfills.

ACTIVITY 1 SUSTAINABLE FASHION

Let's upcycle!

Objective:
To create something new out of old clothing
items.
Duration:
5 days
Platform:
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook etc.
Task:
Upcycle old clothes. For example, convert a
t-shirt to a bag or cushion cover. Students
need to create something new out of old
clothing items. Creation needs to be
uploaded on Instagram with related
hashtags such as #sustainableliving,
#sustainablefashion, and such. Showcasing
the upcycling process is highly encouraged.

#upcycleyourclothes
#sustainablelifestyle

SUSTAINABLE FASHION

ACTIVITY 2

Let's raise awareness!

Objective:
To conduct a survey and collect data on the

public's awareness of sustainable fashion.
Duration:
1 week
Platform:
Google Forms, Teams, any social media
platforms
Task:
Students need to conduct a public survey on

sustainable fashion. Questions may be

related to the amount of clothes one owns

and how many times one wears a piece of

clothes. Create a sustainable fashion

campaign based on the results of the

survey.

SUSTAINABLE FASHION

References

Chan, E. (2021, April 12). Vogue’s ultimate guide to sustainable fashion.
Vogue.https://www.vogue.in/fashion/content/vogues-ultimate-guide-
to- sustainable-fashion

Chu, M. M. (2019, November 23). Huge amount of fabric waste dumped.
The Star. https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/11/23/huge-
amount-of-fabric-waste-dumped

Cotler, A. (2019, October 7). Why sustainable fashion matters?
Forbes.https://www.forbes.com/sites/ellevate/2019/10/07/why-
sustainable-fashion-matters/?sh=6ee216b271b8

Moorhouse, D. (2020). Making fashion sustainable: Waste and collective
responsibility. Elsevier, 3(1), 17-19.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oneear.2020.07.002

Murugesan, M. (2020, January 7). Recycling fabric with Project Denim

Angel. New Straits Times.

https://www.nst.com.my/lifestyle/flair/2020/01/554384/recycling-

fabric-%C2%A0project-denim-angel

Ro, C. (2020, March 11). Can fashion ever be sustainable? BBC.
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20200310-sustainable-fashion-
how-to-buy-clothes-good-for-the-climate

Welle, D. (2020, July 7). Can fast fashion be sustainable?
EcoWatch.https://www.ecowatch.com/sustainable-fashion-
2646356550.html

UNIT

04

WATER & ENERGY

CONSERVATION

BY
SITI HAIDA MOHD ISHAK

WATER & ENERGY CONSERVATION

TOPICS

Water and energy conservation
Issues on water and energy consumption
Ways to conserve water and energy

LEARNING OUTCOMES

To instill awareness on water and energy conservation among students and
the community.
To produce students and communities who appreciate the natural resources
of our planet.
To build a sustainable lifestyle in the community starting from the campus.
To create graduates who will be able to contribute to society by giving
awareness about sustaining the planet.

WATER & ENERGY CONSERVATION

WATER AND OUR PLANET

Although planet Earth is 71% covered with water, fresh clean water is only limited
to 3% (WWF, n.d.)., making it valuable and costly. Fresh water supply is currently at
stake due to climate change, decreasing freshwater reserves, and many other related
environmental issues.

Water is an important natural resource that is often taken for granted. Although
wasting water is not illegal, it does have a great impact. Issues of misusing and
wasting water have been taken lightly, most likely due to constantly having
continuous supply although there are studies that reported only a small percentage
of water on Earth can cater to the growing population.

Other than water, energy consumption has also increased due to the growing
population. If no action is taken, it might lead to major energy crises in the future.
Therefore, preserving and conserving water and energy is crucial for the planet and
its inhabitants.

This planet is our home. To ensure our home is always habitable, it needs to be
protected to ensure sufficient natural resources. One of the ways is to ensure the
sustainability of Earth's natural resources is by conserving water and energy. Water
and energy conservation are interrelated. By conserving water, it leads to energy
conservation and vice versa.

WATER & ENERGY CONSERVATION

WATER & ENERGY CONSERVATION

Definition: The practice of using water and energy efficiently and necessarily to

ensure continuous availability.

As the population grows, so does water and energy consumption, which affects
the sustainability for future generations. Water will always return to Earth through a
cycle but not in the same quantity, and quality, and most of the time it will not return
to the same spot as the water cycle is a complex system of ongoing transportation or
movement within the land and atmosphere.

Water conservation is interrelated to energy conservation. This is mostly because
clean water needs to be treated, which requires a great amount of energy. Clean
water is produced through several processes which require energy before being
distributed for domestic use. A system of pipes is used to deliver water to users. This
system requires electricity to pump and distribute water at the appropriate pressure.
Water goes through several energy-intensive processes including electric heating
before reaching our homes. The wastewater from our homes is then transported to a
treatment plant before being released into the natural water cycle, which also
involves energy.

Why should we conserve water and energy?



To avoid extreme events such as drought and floods
To avoid climate change
To maintain the supply of clean water
To reduce the demand on natural resources of Earth
To build a sustainable environment



Taking action in conserving water and energy is important. Everyone should

play their role in ensuring the sustainability of water and energy. Conserving water

and energy is not a job for researchers, geologists, hydrologists, scientists, or city

planners alone but it is a job and role for everyone who needs continuous supply of

Earth’s natural resources.

WATER & ENERGY CONSERVATION

ISSUES ON WATER & ENERGY CONSUMPTION

The Aral Sea of Kazakhstan

The Aral Sea in Kazakhstan was once known as one of the world’s largest
freshwater lakes. However, for the past few decades, the size of the Aral Sea has
decreased.
Excessive pollution from fertilizers and pesticides from the local farming
activities caused the lake to be as salty as an ocean.
Thompson (n.d.) claimed that the sea has now become a polluted land due to the
diversion of water for irrigation and power generation.
According to WWF (n.d.), it is a concerning issue due to the impact it has on the
environment as well as on the nearby population. Issues such as food shortages,
infant mortality rate, and a decrease in life expectancy are on the rise.
Measures to revive the lake have been taken, however, according to researchers,
it may not be fully revived to its original state.

WATER & ENERGY CONSERVATION

ISSUES ON WATER & ENERGY CONSUMPTION

The Current Condition of the Arctic Sea

The temperature in the Arctic has increased at a faster rate as compared to the
rest of the world, mainly caused by the release of greenhouse gases.
It has also decreased the levels of sea ice, causing the melting of permafrost
hence increasing the sea levels all over the world.
The implications of the Arctic Sea’s current condition have severely affected the
marine mammals that depend on the ice for their survival.
The increase in seawater acidity level, the aftermath of burning fossil fuels, is
worrying. This condition poses great harm to marine species residing in the
Arctic Sea.

Increasing Water and Energy Consumption due to the MCO and
the COVID-19 Pandemic



Water and energy consumption peaked during the MCO as most of us are
required to stay at home.
Electrical energy was greatly consumed to cater for online learning or working
from home. Items such as internet modems and laptops need tremendous
amount of energy to function.
The usage of basic home necessities such as lights, fans, and air-conditioners
also increased.
Not forgetting, water consumption also took a hike.
It is undeniable that water is essential in our daily life. Consumption of water has
greatly increased during MCO due to many reasons, such as more cycles of
laundry, frequent cooking, habits of hygiene, and personal care during the Covid-
19 pandemic.

WATER & ENERGY CONSERVATION

WAYS TO CONSERVE
WATER & ENERGY

1. Limit water and energy usage by:
Turning off the tap or shower while brushing teeth or shampooing. A running
tap can waste more than 6 litres of water in one minute.
Taking shorter showers. A usual shower uses five to ten gallons of water in
just one minute.
Turning off electrical appliances after every use. E.g.: turn off the rice cooker
after the rice is cooked.
Avoiding opening the microwave or oven door repeatedly because it allows
heat to escape and requires more energy to complete the cooking. Wait until
the timer rings.
Using smaller kitchen appliances due to less energy consumption.
Checking for water leaks at home.
Opting for energy-saving and water-saving appliances.
Using ink-jet printers instead of laser printers.
Defrosting your refrigerator regularly. Frost buildup takes up the energy to
keep the refrigerator at its ideal temperature.

ACTIVITY 1 WATER & ENERGY CONSERVATION

Poster Making

Objective:
To create awareness on the current world situation
To guide the society on the possible ways to conserve water and energy
To make the society aware of the importance of conserving water and energy

Duration:
5 days
Platform:
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/TikTok
Task:

Students are required to create a poster related to one of these topics: – digital or

hand-drawn
i. Current state of the world due to the excessing water and energy consumption.
ii. Possible ways to practice water and energy conservation.
iii. Future consequences of excessive water and energy consumption.
Poster type: Digital poster (using editing software or application such as Canva,
Adobe) or hand-drawn poster
The selected posters should be uploaded on official websites or social media of the

university.
Students may upload it on their social media by including accessible or general

hashtags for visibility and engagement along with an additional hashtag created

specifically for the project. Examples of general hashtags with high numbers of

engagements: #conservewater #conservenature #conserveenergy




#conservewater
#conservenature

ACTIVITY 2 WATER & ENERGY CONSERVATION

Debate

Objective:
i. To allow students share their thoughts on the issues

ii. To encourage students to be more involved in

environmental issues

iii. To enhance students’ knowledge on the issues
Duration:
5 days
Platform:

Any kuliyyah or mahallah or online platform
Task:

Students need to participate in an open debate discussing

issues such as:

1. How can students and the university take part in tackling

the climate change issue?

2. What are the possible measures that can be taken by the

Government to control greenhouse gases emissions?

3. How to promote the use of energy-saving appliances in

all households?

WATER & ENERGY CONSERVATION

References

CNN Wires. (2016, February 26). NASA releases time-lapse of the
disappearing Arctic polar ice cap. https://fox2now.com/news/nasa-
releases-time-lapse-of-the-disappearing-arctic-polar-ice-cap/

Evans, M. (2020, December 4). Benefits of Water Conservation.
https://www.thebalancesmb.com/conservation-efforts-why-should-
we-save-water-3157877

Kinver, M. (2021, July 23). Then and now: Arctic sea-ice feeling the heat.
https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-57650226

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (2019, February 1).

Water Cycle. https://www.noaa.gov/education/resource-

collections/freshwater/water-cycle

Save On Energy. (n.d.). How Does Saving Energy Help The Environment.
https://www.saveonenergy.com/green-energy/how-saving-energy-
helps-the-environment/

The Berkey. (n.d.). A Guide to Water Conservation - Saving Water and
the Earth. https://theberkey.com/pages/a-guide-to-water-
conservation

The Earth Observatory. (n.d.). World of Change: Shrinking Aral Sea.
https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/world-of-change/AralSea

Thompson. (n.d.). The Aral Sea Crisis.
http://www.columbia.edu/~tmt2120/introduction.htm

World Wild Life. (n.d.). Water Scarcity.
https://www.worldwildlife.org/threats/water-scarcity

UNIT

05

GROWING
OWN FOOD

BY
MUZAMMILAH TAJUDDIN

GROWING OWN FOOD

TOPICS

Exploration of Food System
How to Grow : The Basics

LEARNING OUTCOMES

To identify steps that are involved in food system
To explain the importance of understanding the food system
To use the right method to do basic planting

Definitions

Food – source of nourishment for humans, animals, and plants.
Food system - a complex web of activities involving the
production, processing, transportation, and consumption. Issues
concerning the food system include the governance and
economics of food production, its sustainability, the degree to
which we waste food, how food production affects the natural
environment and the impact of food on individual and population
health.

GROWING OWN FOOD

Introduction

Food is essential to all living things as it provides nutrition and energy for
growth, physical activities, and basic body functions. The body requires the
right amount of nutritions for development, functionality, and resistance to
diseases. Different types of nutrients have different functions and cater to
different needs, making food diversity vital for the body. Improper and
excessive food intake increase the risk of chronic diseases. Good nutrition
also means possessing food that is safe with preserved nutritional quality.

How is growing own food
a way to live

a sustainable lifestyle?

Having a home garden is a traditional way of producing
food which has been practised for generations. When
mending a garden, the decision-making process, be it the
types of plants and methods of the production are in the
hands of the farmer. Most homegrown food is produced
and grown using methods that are safe and free from
harmful chemicals, thus keeping the soil, plants and the
environment healthy. Moreover, growing food organically
is the only way to sustain and nourish the soil besides
training oneself to be self-sufficient.

GROWING OWN FOOD

FOOD SYSTEM

Non-sustainable food production, such as overfishing, soil disintegration or
water deficiencies, debilitates food security. Food production is directly
impacted by climate change, which causes recurrence of storms, dry seasons,
and other natural disasters. It will then lead to greenhouse gas emissions,
water shortage, and more extensive biodiversity issues. Overconsumption
worsens these with the rising of weight rates (obesity) and diet-related ailment.

GROWING OWN FOOD

FOOD SYSTEM

Every step of the food production process involves many parties such as
agriculture suppliers, farm workers, bankers, farmers, truck drivers, millers,
bakers, and food handlers. Other factors that affect the food production process
are geography, weather, road conditions, and economic and political stability,
making it a complex and vulnerable activity.

There are different steps for each community and family based on a particular
situation which demands a specific process. Another area that requires
attention is the food waste caused by presence of pests and spoilage at home
and commercial levels. Therefore, food supplies need to be protected from
rodents, insects, spoilage, and mould in order to increase production and
distribution. Each year, poor post-harvest practices contributed to
contamination, spoiling tonnes of food.

SOLUTIONS

TIP 1:
Create awareness of its importance

among the public.



TIP 2:
Develop a safe food system to secure

food.



TIP 3:
Produce homegrown conventionally.

GROWING OWN FOOD

ACTIVITY 1

Exploration of The Food System

Objective:
Students will be able to identify and list the journey of food item
Duration:
1 hour
Platform:
In classroom or any online platforms
Task:
1.List the ingredients in a recent meal.
2.What are the activities involved in getting these ingredients to make
the food on our plates? For example, the transformation of the raw
ingredients into the edible food, the people involved at each step.
(Teacher can refer to Teacher's Guide.)
3.Present the ideas in pictures or diagrams. (This is the first illustration
of the food system, which includes the people, activities, resources,
and impacts involved in feeding people.)
4.Watch the Power Point slides attached (scan the QR code below) on a
food system. Discuss.

Additional : Students can also refer to the images of how one type of
food item is brought to the dining table (scan the QR code below).

GROWING OWN FOOD

ACTIVITY 1

Exploration of The Food System

Teacher's Guide

GROWING OWN FOOD

ACTIVITY 2

The Importance of Food System

Objective:
Students can explain why understanding the food system is important.
Duration:
1 hour
Platform:
In classroom or any online platforms
Task:
1.Discuss in groups in response to these questions:
a. How does the food system affect me?
b. Why does the food system matter to me?
c. Which part(s) of the FoodSpan Infographic that is important to me?
2.Share your responses with class.

GROWING OWN FOOD

ACTIVITY 2

The Importance of Food System