KUCHING: Orang utan swinging in the green forest, sea turtles swimming in the blue ocean, kolok mee and the Iban Pua Kumbu print.
These are some of the creative and interesting designs found on recycling bins under the #UrBins (Urban + Bins) project, which aims to encourage proper waste disposal and segregation in the state.
“There is also a bin with jigsaw puzzle pattern, reflecting unity in diversity of the multiracial society in the state,” said project organiser Seph Haini.
A total of 15 recycling bins will be placed at Sarawak Cultural Village, from July 12 to 14, in conjunction with the 22nd Rainforest World Music Festival.
The #UrBins project is supported by the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) and aimed to draw attention to the recycling bins and promote waste segregation among festival goers.
Seph, 29, is also the founder of SPATIVATE, a social enterprise that activates soulless public spaces through creative strategies and community-driven projects.
He said participants, mostly students and working adults, submitted their designs, and the shortlisted candidates were given RM300 each and a bin.
“When we posted pictures of the bins on social media, there were a lot of enquiries from those who wanted to know if they could paint their own bins at home, or are the bins for sale.
This is very encouraging. Recycling bins in the neighbourhood will never look the same again after this,” he added.
The bins would be placed at different tourist spots throughout the state’s capital after the festival ends.
Meanwhile, STB events and corporate director Angelina Patricia Bateman said bottled waters would not be sold at the music festival venue this year, in line with the move to adopt a greener approach.
She added festival goers were encouraged to bring their own bottle as 20 water stations would be installed at the location.
“We started our green initiatives with tree-planting 10 years ago, followed by waste management and other programmes.
“Last year, over 60,000 plastic bottles were collected over the three-day event.
“Hence, by not having bottled water for sale this year will reduce the amount of plastic use significantly,” she added.
Angelina said food and drink vendors would also be using biodegradable or recyclable materials.
Over 24,000 people, including 40 per cent foreign tourists are expected to attend the music festival which kicks off next Friday.