Running to save the planet together

National Geographic’s Earth Day Run this year is aimed at reducing the amount of single-use plastic. — Filepic

NATIONAL Geographic’s Earth Day Run with the theme “Planet or Plastic?” is an initiative to raise awareness of plastic pollution and reduce the amount of single-use plastic littering the world’s oceans.

In conjunction with Earth Day, the run will take place on April 28 at Gamuda Walk in Kota Kemuning, Shah Alam.

For the second year, Gamuda Land will be the official run partner while other collaborating organisations include Touch ‘n Go eWallet, Stadium Astro, Fox Sports, Nivea Men, Fitness First and Zero Waste Malaysia.

This year’s Earth Day Run will introduce for the first time a 2km category exclusively for Gamuda Parks Junior Rangers aged six to 13 years.

“We commend National Geographic for its efforts in making our planet a better place for generations to come,” said Gamuda Land chief executive officer Ngan Chee Meng.

“This flows with Gamuda Land’s brand values, which is to build townships while respecting nature and the environment. It is about listening to what the land tells us, enabling us to mindfully develop masterplans for our towns with their natural attributes in mind and contributing to a sustainable environment where our community thrives.

“This strategic partnership with National Geographic is one that Gamuda Land fully supports through our joint efforts in educating communities – especially children – on ways to live sustainably.”

Runners and attendees will be encouraged to take the Planet or Plastic? pledge to reduce the amount of single-use plastic. No single-use plastics will be allowed at the event as all runners are encouraged to use reusable water bottles.

Each year, nine million tonnes of plastic waste ends up in the ocean and Asia is responsible for more plastic waste than the rest of the world combined.

Some estimates suggest this plastic could remain in marine environments for 450 years or longer, and the problem is only getting worse.

National Geographic launched its Planet or Plastic? global commitment with the goal to prevent one billion plastic items from reaching the ocean.

The organisation is also urging all Malaysians to reduce their usage of single-use plastic items.

To sign up for the Earth Day Run, go to www.natgeoearthdayrun.com or visit natgeo.com/plasticpledge to learn more about the initiative.