JOHOR – The fight against food waste has become increasingly urgent, with one-third of all food produced for human consumption being wasted. This leads to significant resource depletion and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Food waste that ends up in landfills can lead to water pollution as it decomposes, releasing harmful substances into the soil and waterways. Unfortunately, awareness among Malaysians about the environmental impacts of food waste remains low.

To address this, a group of academics led by Ts. Dr. Yong Ee Ling from the Department of Water and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Civil Engineering (FKA), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) has taken on the task of educating young children from Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Pendas Laut, Gelang Patah, about the impacts of food wastage and the pollution problems associated with it under UTM’s Knowledge Transfer Programme (KTP). They have introduced an innovative and simple solution that can be easily implemented at home: green waste vinegar. This approach not only reduces plant-based food waste—a significant component of overall food waste—but also empowers the next generation to engage in sustainable practices. To provide a better understanding of the water quality deterioration caused by food waste, simple hands-on water quality assessments were demonstrated, followed by some simple guided assessments by academics. These hands-on experiences aim to educate young people about food preservation and the interconnectedness of waste management and environmental health.

Empowering young people to combat food waste through green waste vinegar aligns with broader environmental goals. As these children grow into adults, they will carry these values forward, potentially leading to a generation more committed to sustainability. By fostering an understanding of food systems, waste management, and the importance of protecting our water resources early on, we can create informed citizens who prioritize environmental stewardship. As we nurture this mindset in the next generation, we pave the way for a greener, more sustainable future—one green waste vinegar bottle at a time.