10.3 Practices in Environmental Sustainability
Learn key practices in environmental sustainability, global and local initiatives, and the four major components of food security in Malaysia.
Learning Objectives
- State the definition and purpose of practices that contribute towards environmental sustainability.
- Identify and describe various practices contributing to environmental sustainability, including environment-friendly transport, energy saving, alternative renewable energy, 5R's concept, domestic and toxic waste management, biological control, and water saving.
- State governmental and international initiatives in handling sustainability issues, including the National Cleanliness Policy, Local Agenda 21, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Define food security and describe its four components: availability of food, access to food, food utilisation, and food stability.
- Explain the role of Halal certification, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) in food security.
The Four Pillars of Food Security
An easy-to-memorise schematic overview of the four essential components of food security as outlined in Figure 10.10 of the textbook.
Short Explanation
Definition and Goal of Environmental Sustainability
Environmental sustainability aims to guarantee sufficient natural resources for all current and future generations of living organisms. Key measures include preventing environmental pollution, protecting ecosystem carrying capacity, and avoiding developments that endanger human health or degrade living standards.
Environment-friendly Transport
Riding bicycles or driving hybrid and electric vehicles, practising carpooling, and using public transport such as buses, commuter trains, monorails, Light Railway Transit (LRT), Electric Train Service (ETS), and KLIA Express / KLIA Transit.
Energy Saving
Electrical energy is primarily generated by burning non-renewable fossil fuels such as petrol and diesel. Using electricity wisely reduces the release of pollutants such as carbon monoxide. Switch off electrical appliances and switches when not in use.
Alternative Renewable Energy
Renewable energy comes from natural resources: sun (solar), wind, waves, water (hydroelectric), geothermal, and biomass. It is cleaner, easier to harness, and safer.
The 5R's Concept
Minimises solid waste sent for disposal through five actions: Rethink, Repair, Reuse, Reduce, and Recycle.
Domestic and Toxic Waste Management
The Department of Environment (DOE) holds statutory authority to coordinate waste disposal activities, set maximum allowable limits of waste production, and control licensing for categories, content, quantity, and associated hazards of waste products. Upcycling transforms discarded substances into new, functional, and aesthetically pleasing items, reducing the volume of waste destined for landfills.
Biological Control
Regulating pest populations by utilising their natural predators or enemies. This directly reduces dependence on chemical pesticides. For example, barn owls are used as biological control agents to regulate rat populations in oil palm plantations.
Water Saving
Harvesting rainwater or reusing wastewater (greywater) for watering plants and washing vehicles. The National Water Services Commission (Suruhanjaya Perkhidmatan Air Negara, SPAN) introduced the Water Efficient Product Labelling Scheme for products like water pipes, toilets, urinals, shower heads, and washing machines to curb per-capita water usage.
Sustainability Initiatives
National Cleanliness Policy establishes a cleaner country. Local Agenda 21 (LA21) is a collaborative platform where local authorities (Pihak Berkuasa Tempatan, PBT), the private sector, and communities coordinate to plan and manage local environments sustainably. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) address sustainable community planning, municipal progress, and ecological conservation.
Try to Answer First
Answer in your mind, then press “Check Answer”.
What are the 5R's in waste management described in the textbook?
State the four essential components of food security.
How does biological control contribute to environmental sustainability?
Common Mistakes
- Confusing the 5R's with the older 3R model by omitting Rethink and Repair.
- Swapping the definitions of food access (the ability to obtain food easily) and food availability (having sufficient food supply via local production and imports).
- Confusing upcycling with simple disposal; upcycling specifically means converting old or discarded items into new, high-value, and creative functional products.
Concept Misunderstandings
Halal certification in food security only refers to religious slaughter methods.
Halal encompasses the entire production process from farm to final product, demanding complete cleanliness, hygiene, orderliness, and safety at all stages.
Biological control completely eliminates all target pests immediately like chemical sprays.
Biological control regulates and maintains pest numbers below harmful economic thresholds using natural predators without causing chemical pollution.
Summary
- Environmental sustainability ensures that natural resources remain abundant and unpolluted through clean transport, energy conservation, renewable power, water conservation, biological pest management, and the 5R's.
- Government bodies such as the Department of Environment (DOE) and SPAN regulate pollution and water efficiency, while initiatives like Local Agenda 21 and the SDGs guide local development.
- National food security relies on four core pillars—availability, access, utilisation, and stability—supported by Halal, GMP, and HACCP standards.
Short Activity
Objective: test your understanding of environmental sustainability practices and food security components.
A. Objective Quiz
Which of the following is an example of biological control mentioned in the textbook that aids environmental sustainability?
Which component of food security is defined as the ability of an individual to obtain sufficient nutrients through nutritious food, clean water, and hygienic food preparation?
B. Fill in the Blanks
Turning old discarded materials into new, creative, and beautiful items to reduce waste sent to landfills is known as .
In Malaysia, the agency responsible for introducing the Water Efficient Product Labelling Scheme is .
C. Matching / Drag and Drop
Match each component of food security with its correct textbook definition. On a phone, tap a choice first, then tap the matching box. Tap the Answer Choices area to return a selected item.
C. Match the Component of Food Security to Its Definition
Write the correct component next to each definition.
| Definition | Component |
|---|---|
| 1. Sufficient supply of high quality food in the local market as well as from imports. | |
| 2. Food can be obtained easily in order to meet nutritional dietary needs. | |
| 3. Ability to obtain adequate nutrients via food, clean water, and good food processing practices. | |
| 4. Every individual has access to nutritious food at all times without disruption. |
Answer choices: Availability of food • Access to food • Food utilisation • Food stability
