Organic Day 2010

Volunteers are putting up buntings and banners all over PJ during weekend. They are arranging advertising and publicity programmes for announcing the event. They keyed in personal data of visitors from previous visits. They sent out notice of the Day to the general public. A handful of them will be stand by at the venue to oversee the setting up of canopy, signpost, tables and chairs a day before the event. On 11th April 2010, many of them will manage the exhibition and sale booths as well as conducting demonstrations and talks on composting and farming. I can sense and feel the volunteerism spirit and enthusiasm of these people who come for a singular objective, that is to promote organic produce and lifestyle for sustainable development.

I believe this is the reason behind the success of Organic Day, 4 times in a row since August 2009. The unsung heroes working from behind the scene together with leadership of Ms Tan, CETDEM has sustained the event that drawing bigger crowd now. More requests for space from farmers and retailers are received each time announcement is made about the Day. More telephone calls are received from general public enquiring about the date, time and whereabouts of the event. But more importantly to me is, public awareness on organic produce and environmental conservation are improving. Public get used to patronise the Day with own shopping bag. Exhibitors are comfortable with collecting away their own rubbish. Public are disciplined to park their cars in order without blocking the traffic. Some have even started producing eco-enzyme, composting and urban farming after attending the demonstration sessions and guided tour of CETDEM Organic Farm. To me, it is a good indicator on sustainable development in PJ.

This is another good practice of smart partnership between MBPJ, NGO and community. While as local authority, we are facilitating the event by providing logistic support and encouragement, CETDEM and Section 19 Residents Association are running the actual show. It is a true equal partnership on community development, and hence good governance in practice.

In appreciating this efforts, please make yourself free this coming Sunday, 11th April 2010 from 8am to 2pm at the Jalan 19/22 Field, Petaling Jaya.