TIPPING THE SCALES AT A WHOPPING 54,856 KG!

When Unilever Malaysia launched its “I Can Make A Difference” recycling campaign in April 2008 at its headquarters in Menara TM, a modest target  was set  for the collection of recyclable materials – mixed paper, cartons, steel and aluminium cans and plastic – in the hope to collect just 10,000kg by the end of 2008.

Even then, the Unileverites were  unsure they could collect the targetted amount and invited fellow tenant-neighbours within Menara TM to help them make the Green Wave a standard lifestyle. Ten corporate neighbours – Telekom Malaysia, ACASIA Communications Sdn Berhad, Averis Sdn Bhd, BASF (M) Sdn Bhd, Biotropics Malaysia Bhd, Cargill Holdings Sdn Bhd, Fibrecomm Network (M) Sdn Bhd, Henkel (M) Sdn Bhd, Iskandar Investment Berhad and Penerbangan Malaysia Berhad – rallied to the call and shared their enthusiasm, all equally game for the challenge.

 The apprehension of falling short of the target was unfounded. By the end of 2008, the target for the recycling campaign was exceedingly met by 50%, prompting the team to confidently extend the green campaign to nearby areas in the vicinity of Bangsar and Pantai as well as its factory in Rawang in Selangor.

For 2009, a higher target – capped at 15,000kg of assorted recyclables – has been set, with monthly status reports coordinated by Alam Flora Sdn Bhd.

The momentum to sustain the collection drive is supported by a series of internal activities such as monthly incentives to encourage the ‘Bring your Recyclables to Office’ mini-campaigns, educational quizzes and the sharing of environmental best-practices among employees and fellow-tenants of Menara TM.

The greenies at Unilever Malaysia’s office have also gone one step further in environmental conservation as plastic bags are no longer used when employees purchase products from Unilever’s in-house shop. Instead, shopping bags are provided for employees to use.

 In September 2009 alone, the collection at Menara TM hit an all-time high. Unileverites brought in a whopping 3,252kg of recyclables while the building’s cleaners collection from other combined offices amounted to 4,077kg – proudly tipping the scales at 7,329kg!

As at end November, the total weight age of recyclables stands at 54,856kg - more than 3 times the expected target set !