Mas Dino Radin is currently doing her Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies at Universiti Brunei Darussalam with a focus in integrated coastal management. She also minors in English Literature so it’s safe to say that she is a bit of a bibliophile. Her passion for the environment started when she was in a school eco-club and from then on, she decided that she would work for the betterment of the world. Along the way, she learned that it would take a lot more than a college education to reach that goal. Having persistence and a lot of faith has kept her focused. Besides being actively involved in youth forums with a focus on sustainable development, she also spares her time for volunteer work and manages to be part of several organisations such as the university Student Ambassador committee, the university Thai Culture Club, ‘Care and Actions for Strays’ and ‘CANDAS (Creative Academy of the Narrative & Dramatic Arts and Sciences) -a company focusing on nurturing the creative arts in Brunei. When she’s not leading the busy life of an undergraduate, she enjoys reading, writing, travelling and trying out new things especially when it comes to food. Cantonese was her first language but she is better in English and Malay. She got Japanese down to the basics and is currently learning French and Thai.
At the UNEP Switch-Asia SCP conference in Bangkok, Thailand, Student Reporter Mas Dino Radin sat down with Dr Magnus Bengtsson, Director of Sustainable Consumption and Production Research at the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES), to tackle the issues surrounding implementing SCP policies in the developing, as juxtaposed with the developed world. (more…)
Like many buzzwords, sustainable development can mean a variety of things depending on who is using it and how. A quick Google search (as well as asking experts) would reveal the same: the definitions might not differ that much, but the implications vary vastly, ultimately implying that there really is no one way towards sustainable development. Among the varying opinions that exist out there, some suggest that the developed bloc (such as the U.S. or the European Union) should take charge in the matter. However, there seems to be a growing trend nowadays that looks at Asia to take a more leading role in paving the way for a sustainable future. This subject was at the forefront during one of the panel discussions at the UNEP SWITCH-Asia Conference on Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP) in November 2012. The question then is what makes Asia so special when it comes to hoping for a more sustainable future?
In the restrooms of the Plaza Athénée in Bangkok, Thailand, where the UNEP Switch-Asia Conference on Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP) took place in November 2012, I noticed I had two choices when it came to drying my hands: paper or cloth. I’ve often alternated between the two but at this time and place, it got me thinking – which one is the more resource heavy option? The paper towel is a single-use commodity, while the cloth towel can be reused after washing it. This experience raised the question of what if the hotel could just buy a product that promises to be good for the environment, whilst delivering the same function – a win-win situation, right? That’s where the Green Public Procurement (GPP) plan comes into play.