IC2 Association raises awareness and promotes a sustainable lifestyle on Earth Day

The Macau IC2 Association, a local non-profit organization run by citizens with intellectual disabilities and autism, celebrated Earth Day for the fourth year on Sunday in collaboration with the Artyzen Grand Lapa Macau hotel, which organized a series of activities, among others to increase environmental awareness. theme “Planet versus plastic”.

The event started with a green walk and included a tree planting activity planned on the grounds of Artyzen Grand Lapa Macau, in a symbolic response to the global call to limit global warming naturally. Due to the rainy weather, a simulated tree planting ceremony was held indoors.

The Earth Day event also included a fashion show that turned recycled waste into chic raw materials. The members of the Macau IC2 Association also staged a choral performance, supported by translations of the texts in sign language, to consolidate the call for inclusivity and accessibility.

An environmental talk entitled ‘Planet over Plastic’ was delivered, discussing the possibilities associated with reducing plastic use and eliminating subsequent waste, as well as the pledge to always prioritize our planet over pollution .

António Luis Leong, president of the Macau IC2 Association, thanked everyone who participated in the Earth Day event over the past four years. “From four years ago, until this moment, when the first tree was planted at Artyzen Grand Lapa Macau, we have remained the only rehabilitation organization dedicated to promoting an environmentally friendly mindset,” he said in his speech.

Ada Lo, a volunteer who has been actively involved in the Earth Day events and the association’s activities over the years, coordinated an event organization course for IC2 members in preparation for this Sunday’s event. “I am so proud that my thirteen students have graduated,” she told MNA, emphasizing that “the students had planned, arranged and executed everything themselves. It was a very successful event with a large turnout.”

“This event and what it means is close to the heart of Artyzen Grand Lapa Macau,” said Rutger Verschuren, general manager of the hotel. “First of all, this is a way to support the IC2 movement, and then give it important content – ​​this year we have ‘Planet vs. Plastic’ as the theme – with an emphasis on sustainability. All this is on our agenda. agenda, of the hotel and myself. Supporting this event is very rewarding,” said Mr. Verschuren, who is also Area Vice President for Artyzen Hospitality Group’s Macau Operations.

As part of the Earth Day event at Artyzen Grand Lapa Macau, the Society of Food and Environmental Health (SFEH) also organized the ‘Plastic Circular Workshop’, which focused on transforming common single-use plastics from everyday life into colorful , personalized products. such as buttons and flower pots. “This practice was intended to promote the sustainable concept of a circular economy and transform waste into useful objects,” SFEH said in a press release.

Ruby O, President of SFEH, called for collective action to combat plastic pollution and work together to overcome the ecological damage caused by plastic. The same plea was echoed by SFEH President Yun YinYin, to explore the possibility of a plastic-free daily life and raise awareness about the effects of plastic pollution and the potential risks of microplastics to human health.