Environment & Climate Change
YMCA MALANG, Indonesia: Earth Clean-Up Campaign & a Car Free Day Malang
Last Updated (Friday, 05 June 2026 20:07)
YMCA MALANG, Indonesia: Earth Clean-Up Campaign & a Car Free Day Malang
Environmental awareness through collective action
On Sunday, May 3, 2026, 20 Uni Y members and youth volunteers from the YMCA Malang and the community participated in an environmental campaign during Car Free Day (CFD) in Malang, titled the Earth Clean-Up Campaign. This initiative was organized as a simple yet meaningful effort to encourage greater public awareness about environmental cleanliness and the importance of reducing waste in public spaces. By combining direct action with public engagement, the activity aimed to inspire people to take small but impactful steps toward protecting the environment.
The campaign was carried out through a plogging activity, a combination of jogging or walking while collecting litter along the way. Volunteers walked around the CFD area while picking up scattered waste such as plastic bottles, food wrappers, paper, plastic bags, and other disposable materials commonly found in crowded public spaces. Equipped with trash bags and gloves, participants worked together enthusiastically to help create a cleaner and healthier environment for the community.
The activity also highlighted the growing issue of waste pollution in urban areas, especially during large public gatherings such as Car Free Day. Although CFD is intended to promote healthier lifestyles and reduce vehicle emissions, the large number of visitors often results in increased waste generation. Through this campaign, YMCA Malang hoped to remind the public that maintaining environmental cleanliness is a shared responsibility that requires collective awareness and consistent action.
Beyond collecting trash, the volunteers also interacted with members of the public and shared simple messages about environmental responsibility. The campaign encouraged people to reduce single-use plastics, dispose of waste properly, and develop more sustainable daily habits. Many visitors responded positively to the activity, with some expressing appreciation for the initiative and others showing curiosity about the concept of plogging itself. These interactions created opportunities for meaningful conversations about environmental care and community participation.
For the Uni Y and youth volunteers of YMCA Malang, this activity became more than just a clean-up effort. It also served as a moment of reflection on the relationship between humans and nature, as well as the importance of contributing directly to the surrounding environment. Through collaborative action, participants experienced how small efforts carried out together can create visible positive impacts and inspire broader environmental awareness within society. It is hoped that initiatives like this will continue to inspire more people and community, especially young generations, to participate actively in protecting the earth through simple actions in daily life.
By Gracetya Nanda Kejora and Alphinus Kambodji
Reflecting on Earth Month 2026: Fostering Sustainability for a Greener Future at YMCA of Singapore
Reflecting on Earth Month 2026: Fostering Sustainability for a Greener Future at YMCA of Singapore
YMCA Earth Month 2026 Initiatives
Date: 1 April – 30 April 2026
Venue: YMCA of Singapore
Throughout April 2026, the YMCA of Singapore united to celebrate Earth Month with a shared mission to inspire sustainable habits and empower the community to make greener choices. Through a month-long
series of interactive initiatives, the organisation championed environmental awareness, responsible consumption, and creative reuse of materials, while fostering a sense of community action.
Turn Your Closet Green
From 1 April to 30 April, the ‘Turn Your Closet Green’ textile collection drive invited staff, YMCA members, and hotel's guests to donate their pre-loved clothing and fabrics at Y Terrace, Level 4 of YMCA@ One
Orchard. This initiative served as an accessible opportunity for YMCA staff, members, and guests to actively reduce textile waste. Donated items were either repurposed through the Fabric Reimagined Workshop
or sent to GreenSquare, a local textile recycling company, ensuring each piece found renewed purpose.
Fabric Reimagined Workshop
On 15 April, creativity took center stage at the Fabric Reimagined Workshop at Level 4 of YMCA@One Orchard, Function Room IV, where 25 participants, including YMCA's Club LITE members, caregivers, and
volunteers came together for a hands-on learning experience. Guided by YMCA facilitators, participants transformed donated textiles into handcrafted artwork, exploring how something as simple as an old
shirt or scrap fabric can be reimagined into something new and meaningful.
The session offered more than just craft-making; it was a moment of shared purpose. Participants discovered the environmental impact of textile waste and learned how small, everyday actions can make a
difference to long-term sustainability.
A Creative Pop-Up: Fabric Reimagined Art Installation
The journey from collection to creation came full circle with an Art Installation Exhibition held from 22 to 30 April at Level 1, Foyer of YMCA @ One Orchard. The handcrafted pieces from the Fabric Reimagined Workshop were proudly displayed, turning repurposed fabrics into a vibrant showcase of creativity and environmental consciousness. YMCA staff and hotel's guests were invited to view the installation, reflecting on how collective, community-driven actions can help create a greener future.
Testimonials
Paula, 28, Singapore, YMCA Staff:
“That's so cute! I like the colours a lot. Great project to keep the earth clean and let's go green. I enjoyed the artwork very much. Good job!”
Margaret Lujara, 47, India, Visitor:
“The artwork is very cute and colourful, nice to see.”
Inspiring Change Together
YMCA’s Earth Month initiatives formed a complete sustainability cycle:collecting, repurposing, and showcasing reused textiles, demonstrating that sustainability can begin with small yet impactful steps.
Through these efforts, participants not only learnt about waste reduction but also experienced the joy and fulfilment of giving back to the planet through community action.
These initiatives echo YMCA’s Vision 2030: Sustainable Planet, reinforcing the organisation commitment to environmental stewardship and inclusive engagement. By providing platforms that make
sustainability accessible to everyone, YMCA continues to lead by example, empowering individuals to make conscious choices that benefit both people and the planet.
By Josepin Spreena,
Jazlyn Tho and
Thoo Chuah.
Three Day 2nd Workshop on Ecological Crisis and Climate Change Issues in Pakistan
Three Day 2nd Workshop on Ecological Crisis and Climate Change Issues in Pakistan
The Three Day 2nd Workshop on Ecological Crisis and Climate Change Issues in Pakistan was conducted from January 16 to 18, 2026, at the YMCA Hall in Lahore, Pakistan. The workshop was organized by Lahore YMCA, in collaboration with the Interfaith Cooperation Forum (ICF) and the Asia Pacific Alliance of YMCAs (APAY).
The program brought together youth from different cities and rural areas of Pakistan to address the growing ecological crisis and climate change challenges faced by the country. Participants included college and university students, environmental activists, and community leaders from diverse faith backgrounds. The workshop aimed to raise awareness, build understanding, and encourage youth-led action toward climate change mitigation and environmental sustainability in local communities.
Goals of the Program
To raise awareness among youth about ecological crisis and climate change issues in Pakistan.
To understand the causes and impacts of pollution, smog, and environmental degradation.
To empower youth to take small but meaningful actions for climate change reduction.
To promote interfaith cooperation and collective responsibility for environmental protection.
To encourage youth leadership and community-based climate awareness initiatives.
Highlights of the Program
Day 1 – Pollution, Smog, and Health Impacts
The workshop began with an introductory session outlining the objectives and importance of addressing climate change. Sessions on “Pollution in Our Cities and Its Causes” were led by Ms. Sania Ashiq (Assistant Secretary), followed by “Impacts on Health and Well-being” by Mr. Ramis John (Youth Coordinator).
Participants engaged in group discussions and activities, sharing experiences and perspectives on environmental challenges in their respective communities. Resource persons highlighted the worsening smog situation in Pakistan, particularly in Lahore, which consistently ranks among the most polluted cities in the world. Discussions focused on the causes of air pollution, including fossil fuel use, industrial activities, waste burning, and transportation, and its severe impact on children, elderly citizens, and public health. Participants also explored practical steps for smog reduction and awareness-building at the community level.
Day 2 – Climate Change Awareness and Youth Action
Day 2 focused on building a deeper understanding of climate change. Mr. Ramis John facilitated a session on “Introduction to Climate Change”, followed by “Understanding Climate Change Issues and Their Solutions” by Mr. Usman Masih (Youth Member) and Mr. Ramis John.
Mrs. Ghazala Sarfraz (General Secretary, Lahore YMCA) delivered an insightful session on the importance of climate change for communities, its effects, and challenges. Participants then took part in a group activity titled “Youth Action: Planning a Climate Awareness Campaign”, where they developed ideas to reduce climate change impacts through awareness and action.
International experts from the Interfaith Cooperation Forum (ICF) joined the workshop online via Zoom, including Ms. Baiddio Manalasal (Program Officer, ICF & APAY) and Ms. Annika Denkmann (BftW Seconded Personnel / Project Officer, ICF & APAY). They shared global perspectives and interacted with participants, enriching the learning experience.
Day 3 – Clean and Green Environmental Action
On the final day, Lahore YMCA organized a Clean and Green Environment Activity, providing participants with hands-on learning opportunities. Youth took part in tree plantation activities, learning how to grow, water, and nurture plants, as well as street cleaning to promote a clean, green, and healthy environment.
The activity emphasized the responsibility of youth as citizens to actively protect and care for their environment. Additional individual activities and video documentary screenings on ecological crisis and climate change issues were conducted by facilitators Mr. Ramis John, Ms. Sania Ashiq, and Mr. Usman Masih to further enhance participants’ knowledge and understanding.
The workshop concluded with a Certification Distribution Ceremony, where certificates were awarded by Mr. Asghar Suleman (President, Lahore YMCA) and Mrs. Ghazala Sarfraz (General Secretary, Lahore YMCA).
Conclusion
The Three Day 2nd Workshop on Ecological Crisis and Climate Change Issues in Pakistan served as an impactful platform for youth learning, engagement, and action. It strengthened participants’ understanding of environmental challenges while inspiring them to become responsible and proactive citizens.
The success of the workshop reflects the strong collaboration between Lahore YMCA, ICF, and APAY, and highlights the vital role of youth in leading climate action and building a sustainable future for Pakistan.
Reported by:
Ramis John,
ICF Alumni,
Youth Coordinator,
Lahore YMCA.