ecoRenaissance woman to speak at National Environment Conference

Posted on  06/08/2014  |  Media Centre

YOUNG environmental advocate from the United States, Erin Schrode, will be in Brunei to speak at the National Environment Conference on August 13 at the Empire Hotel & Country Club, a press release stated.

Schrode founded non-profit organisation, Teens Turning Green, which devotes itself to education and advocacy around environmental sustainability and social responsibility. After working in disaster response in Haiti in 2010, she launched The Schoolbag, which aims to provide school supplies to children from underprivileged environments. The programme has reached over 30,000 students in Haiti, in addition to deliveries in Timor Leste and South Africa.

She was described by the White House as “a dynamic, passionate and ambitious young woman committed to creating big change everywhere she goes”.

In the conference, Schrode will engage in a conversation with local TV and radio presenter, Jenny Malai Ali, on the topic of “Leaving Green Footprints. She will also participate in an interactive dialogue session entitled “How Eco Tech Savvy Are You?”. The dialogue will discuss ideas on making use of technology in living an environmentally-friendly lifestyle.

Erin Schrode founded the non-profit organisation, Teens Turning Green, which devotes itself to edu-cation and advocacy around environmental sustainability and social responsibility

Erin Schrode founded the non-profit organisation, Teens Turning Green, which devotes itself to edu-cation and advocacy around environmental sustainability and social responsibility

The Schoolbag aims to provide school supplies to children from underprivileged environments. – PHOTOS COURTESY OF ASIAINCFORUM

The Schoolbag aims to provide school supplies to children from underprivileged environments. – PHOTOS COURTESY OF ASIAINCFORUM

In an interview, Schrode said that she is excited about Brunei stepping out as an environmental leader and force for positive change. She said that the size of the Sultanate should not be an excuse, adding that “too small, too late, too daunting” have no place in today’s discussion around environmental action.

“I firmly believe in the power of one – one person, one business, one county, you name it. When one entity demonstrates a viable way to do good and respect the environment, others pay attention and often follow suit. This can launch a boundless ripple effect.”

Speaking on her first visit to Brunei, Schrode said, “I look forward to synergising with like-minded individuals and entities – and joining a forum where diverse stakeholders bring various angles, experience, and expertise on environmentalism to the table.”

Now on its 7th year, the National Environment Conference will discuss pertinent issues, revolving around the theme “Brunei’s Green Future: Ideas, Strategies, Possibilities.” The conference is open to all members of the public, and will be particularly worthwhile for government leaders, corporate and business leaders, environmental practitioners, eco-conscious consumers and students, among others.

The Conference is organised by Asia Inc Forum in partnership with Total E&P Borneo BV, Butra Heidelberg Cement, Baiduri Bank and Brunei Press, with the support of the Ministry of Development, Ministry of Education and the Embassy of the United States of America.

For more information, please contact Low Leng May at may.low@asiaincforum.com, or call 2226555 ext 10.

Source: http://borneobulletin.brunei-online.com.bn/?p=242586