AsiaOne’s Fresh Eco‑Edition: Meet EarthOne
Hey, planet lovers! AsiaOne just rolled out EarthOne – a brand‑new section all about keeping our world green and gorgeous. If you’re into science and earth‑care, this is the spot to catch the latest buzz.
From “Normal Man” to Beach‑Hero
Take Yasser Amin, a 26‑year‑old who turned his everyday life upside‑down.
- 2017 Twist of Fate: Yasser stumbles into a Telegram group that schedules beach clean‑ups.
- ⭐ National Day Shindig: He signs up for his first clean‑up on a sunny holiday.
- After That, Every Wednesday: He’s been the unsung hero, sweeping up litter left behind by unsuspecting beachgoers.
What Yasser Says About Trash
He explains the classic “trash‑is‑trash” rule: “What matters is not where the rubbish comes from, but what it becomes for the environment after our hands touch it.” He’s all about turning discarded items into useful new things.
Quick Takeaways
- Find your “National Day” moment—any event or thrill that motivates you to action.
- Join a local group or start your own cleanup squad.
- Learn how to repurpose single‑use disposables and spread the word:
- Convert plastic bottles into planters.
- Turn paper napkins into eco‑tissues.
Yasser’s story reminds us that one ordinary person can become a catalyst for extraordinary environmental change. Pretty cool, right? Let’s grab our gloves and get cleaning!
Tell us, great eco-warrior, how did your journey begin?
How a Random Instagram Encounter Turned Into a Beach‑Day Mission
Picture this: July 2020, scrolling through Instagram, and bam—sammthian pops up. “What’s up, Sam?” you think. Later, she’s a friend, but her feed is all about saving the ocean, and it’s time you know the story behind the waves.
Meet Sam Thian, the Sea‑Savior
Sam is the brains behind Seastainable, a social enterprise that’s been poking at the pollution problem for ages. She’s not just a recycler; she’s a full‑time beach crusader. Her latest gig? The East Coast Beach Plan (ECP)—a community‑driven passport to cleaner parks and waves along the coast.
The Telegram Twist
Woven into the digital wave is a Telegram group that gathers volunteers for eye‑opening clean‑ups. I hit the link—no hesitation—and found a squad ready to tackle the trash line on the shore. The calendar? August 9, 2020. My schedule? Clear. Naturally, I dug my boots out and joined the crew.
- August 9, 2020 – First collective clean‑up.
- Telegram squad – Social coordination on the go.
- Sam + crew – Beach‑day buddies.
From Sidekick to Front‑Line Leader
That single day sparked something bigger. In the weeks that followed, the idea of a personal cleanup slot gained traction. Every Wednesday morning became my pledge: an adventuring hour with a trash‑basket in hand. Now I’m rallying friends, sharpening my sea‑security instincts, and turning Wednesdays into “rescue the coast” mornings.
And that, my friend, is how a simple IG stumble became a personal crusade against plastic, one beach at a time.
<img alt="" data-caption="Yasser (right) and his friend might be all smiles, but clearing our coastlines of trash is hard work.
PHOTO: Instagram/@yaaaaaazzzz” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”896f33a7-e870-4f07-b7a0-be02480436b7″ src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/clean.jpg”/>
Wednesday Warriors: A Week‑Long Wonder
I had no idea that people would join every week for our Wednesday sessions—until today, that is! The turnout was a total surprise, and the fun kept rolling every single Wednesday.
What Makes It Special?
- Consistency: Same day, same vibe.
- Community: A growing family of eager participants.
- Surprise: Always a new, enthusiastic crowd.
So here’s to the folks who keep showing up and turning Wednesdays into a weekly celebration!
Your beach clean-up journey began on National Day 2020. That was at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. Must have been challenging!
Beach Cleanup Blues and the Power of People
For a while, we were stuck with a limit of five people per group—and in a wild twist, that number even dipped to just two! In plain terms, it meant trying to haul a huge pile of trash with a trio of volunteers.
That restriction made it feel like running a marathon when you actually just had time for a sprint. The beach was turning into a personal landfill, and our dream of making a real dent was getting buried beneath the ocean of litter.
Every Wednesday, I kick off a public beach cleanup. The turnout spot‑on depends on how many folks sign up. If the numbers spike, we’ve got a convoy of green‑to‑ed volunteers; if they’re thin, we get a real squeeze.
- Sign‑ups can transform a casual stroll into a community jamboree.
- A skimping crowd makes it harder to move the ball—literally—into the trash.
- And when we keep the routine tight, we start winning the battle against beach waste.
<img alt="" data-caption="The Yishun Dam clean-up proved to be one of the most challenging projects Yasser has faced.
PHOTO: Yasser Amin” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”d218e10c-0604-4422-8e8b-ae3dec9aeb0b” src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/Yasser_Beach_Clean_Up_Yishun.jpeg”/>
What’s the most challenging clean-up you’ve experienced?
Yishun Dam’s Trash‑Tweep Workout
March 2021, Yishun Dam Clean‑Up with SG Beach Warriors
Picture this: a sunny Sunday at Yishun Dam, a crew of beach warriors in matching orange vests, and a mountain of trash that could make even the most seasoned eco‑hero laugh hysterically. That’s the reality of our March clean‑up. If you’ve ever felt the urge to roll your eyes at a pile of plastic bottles and a dumpster‑full of random junk, you’re in for a wild ride through the worst trash situation I’ve ever seen.
What We Encountered
- Plastic Volume: Enough bottles and wrappers to dry one Recurring‑Motion‑Detox program.
- Odd‑ball Items: Jerseys, novelty mugs, and an abandoned portable speaker that still crackled with last week’s “Mall Rock Band.”
- Sticky Situations: Suet‑laden gum wrappers followed the bike‑nest – type of goo that gripped the hand like a toddler’s pincer.
- Unexpected Life: In a twist, found a nest of various mossy insects that had been hushed by the smattering of debris.
Why It was So Unforgettable
The sheer quantity and absurdity of the trash pile had a domino effect on morale. One brave volunteer tried to scoop up a stack of plastic baggies that ended up smacking him in the face like a mischievous dog blast. The Scene was a snapshot of “trash, to the max” and the reality that even beach warriors can get emotionally overwhelmed – or hilariously shocked – when they’re confronted with the garbage that’s been buried in everyday life.
Lessons Learned
- Keep It Light: Always have a smile, even if the trash situational reminds you of the whole world turning with the burden of pollutions.
- Team Drive: It takes community to keep the waters clear, and no single hero can win solo when the trash appears in such abundance.
- Proper Disposal Matters: This adventure was a testament that we must sort correctly and reduce waste—especially if we don’t want a future trash‑tabulous at our beloved water holes.
In the end, the Yishun Dam cleanup served as a sharp reminder: cleaning the planet one step and a bag at a time can feel like a job that turns into a chaotic comedy show, but at least we did most of the heavy lifting before the trash finale faded away. The next time a beach clean‑up appears on the calendar, just remember—there will be an emotion and a touch of humor.
Cleaning Up the Plastic Pile‑up
Why we had to roll up our sleeves
Over the months, a mountain of plastic bottles crept into the site—think of it as a never‑ending vending machine side‑effect. Each step sent a satisfying crunch echoing through the concrete, a constant reminder that something had to be done.
Our game‑plan to shrink the trash
- First, we crushed each bottle down to a compact, half‑the‑original-size heap.
- Next, we popped off the stubborn caps—those were the real culprits making the waste huge.
- Finally, we stuffed the crushed, cap‑free bottles into sturdy bags, drastically cutting the space they occupied.
Result? A cleaner, lighter site and a big win for the planet
Thanks to the crushing, caps removal, and bagging routine, we turned what once marched like a landfill into a stackable, space‑saving collection—one that’s easier to move around and less of a visual headache for anyone passing by.
What do your beach clean-ups tell you about Singaporeans?
Trash Busters: Why Beach Clean‑Ups are a Game‑Changer
We’re not talking about every single person who leaves a bottle on a beach. The real issue is the handful of “bad apples” who think the planet can just shrug off their junk. The rest of us? We’re eco‑heroes in disguise, but sometimes we get stuck in a “I care” mindset without a chance to act.
Turning Passion into Action
- Seeing the problem – Stand on a shore, stare at the pile, and realize it’s not “just litter” but a mess that hurts marine life.
- Feeling the impact – Grab a scoop, feel the plastic’s cold bite, and know right there you’re making a difference.
- Doing the deed – Join a clean‑up, because action beats words any day.
Singapore’s Distance Dilemma
Most of Singapore’s residents live a stone’s throw away from nature, which means:
- They rarely connect with the outdoors on a personal level.
- They feel ownership more like a distant concept than a personal responsibility.
Picture this: The longer you hang out in nature, the more you’ll start calling it your own, like that weird affection you feel for your favorite hoodie. And that affection translates into caring.
The Bottom Line
Every beach clean‑up is a small victory that turns “I care” into “I’ve got this.” Swing a bag, feel the rush, and remember: in the grand scheme, it’s the small, shared actions that keep our planet green. So next time you’re near the shore, grab a bag and join the trash‑busting brigade – let’s make our world spotless one bottle at a time!
What’s the outlook for our beaches judging by your efforts in the last two years?
Singapore Beaches: The Real Story Behind the Trash
Every time I walk along our coastline, I’m confronted with a stark reality: the litter on Singapore’s sandbars is almost entirely foreign. Only about 1 % of the debris that washes up is locally sourced; the overwhelming 99 % comes from neighbouring countries. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
What’s Really Out There?
- Ocean waste is far more massive than the handful of items we physically see.
- Marine gunk travels with currents, drifting over borders before reaching our shores.
- Global shipping lanes and fishing fleets contribute far more to the problem than just domestic waste.
Hearing the New Voice
Thankfully, one change is brewing. People are becoming more aware and more willing to act. When I talk to beachgoers, I notice a shift—more eyes, more hands, more conversations about protecting the marine environment.
I’ve seen folks ask, “What can I do?” and, proudly, answer: “I’ll bag my trash, I’ll help clean up, I’ll spread the word.” This fresh openness is a comforting sign. But for broader transformation, we need to ignite that spark in more people.
Action Steps for All of Us
- Get Involved: Volunteer for beach cleanups or local environmental groups.
- Spread Awareness: Share resources, facts, and stories with friends and family.
- Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Make conscious choices at home and on the go.
- Hold Companies Accountable: Advocate for better waste management policies.
It’s about turning this newfound curiosity into consistent, everyday action. The beaches will change, but only if we lead the charge.
Congrats on co-founding The Re-Purpose Collective (TRPC), an initiative by you and Ken Ong to promote educational and actionable opportunities to care for the environment. Hearsay you have an upcoming container workshop space in ECP? Share more!
Recycling Reloaded: Ken & I Take on the Container Space
What’s on the Agenda?
- Launch Session – Meet the team, get a quick snapshot of why post‑consumer plastics matter.
- Talks That Stick – Thought‑provoking speeches from industry insiders and eco‑hobbyists.
- Hands‑On Workshops – Dive into DIY projects that turn plastic waste into usable goods.
Why the Container Space?
It’s all about the vibe. A modular venue we’ve transformed into a creative hub. Think of it as a playground where ideas can tumble, collide, and stack together—just like the containers we repurpose.
Who’s Leading the Booty‑Blowing Repurposing Revolution?
Ken and I are on a mission: to inspire the next generation of green wizards. Together we’ll guide, share, and celebrate the art of converting “trash” into treasure.
Get Involved!
From signing up for workshops to attending talks, you’re welcome to jump in. Bring your curiosity (and a spare bottle or two) and let’s make plastic do something pretty!
<img alt="" data-caption="Yasser (left) and Ken Ong are co-founders of The Re-Purpose Collective.
PHOTO: The Re-Purpose Collective” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”af4da0cd-215f-4c11-9e0b-36da335735c2″ src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/Yasser_Beach_Clean_Up_Repurpose_Collective.jpg”/>
Beyond the Box
Picture this: every corner outside our little container isn’t just empty space—it’s a vibrant playground crafted by the amazing people and awesome organisations we’ve met on this wild ride. We’re talking about a community that turns ordinary walls into a masterpiece of creativity, laughter, and shared stories.
What Makes It Special?
- People who inspire—from mentors with a knack for storytelling to neighbors who always bring a fresh idea to the table.
- Local heroes—small businesses that toss a slice of their passion into the mix.
- Collaborative spirit—every event, workshop, or impromptu jam session fuels a collective sparkle.
So next time you step out, just remember: you’re walking into a space that breathes with the heartbeat of a community built by folks who know how to turn the ordinary into something truly extraordinary.
Apart from beach clean-ups and co-managing TRPC, you’re the Community & Program Lead at Stridy, a non-profit litter collection mobile app that tracks users’ environmental impact. Tell us more and what your role entails!
<img alt="" data-caption="Yasser is also part of Stridy, a non-profit litter collection app that tracks clean-ups.
PHOTO: Yassir Amin” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”6753a5aa-7421-4267-92dd-d0c82c9a44f8″ src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/Yasser_Beach_Clean_Up_Stridy.jpeg”/>
How Stridy Turns Clean‑ups into Community Power‑houses
Picture this: a bustling office, a group of students in scruffy sneakers, and me—your go‑to Stridy host—standing on a beach litter‑laden but stock‑ready for a change. For the past six months, I’ve been the man (or woman) on the ground, turning “let’s pick up some trash” into an unforgettable, feel‑good experience.
What I Do On Site
- Completely manage the logistics—from gear to safety gear, my team and I make sure you’re ready to roll.
- Guide the crew through step‑by‑step clean‑up procedures, turning chaos into order.
- Spot‑check each little detail, making sure we’re not missing any hard‑to‑find bits of litter.
- Keep the vibe high with quick jokes and pep‑talks so everyone’s morale stays top‑notch.
Talk Time After the Trash
After the final sweep, I carve out a 15‑20 minute “chat‑down” slot. I’ve learned that nothing beats talking face‑to‑face with the people who just slid the trash into bins.
- I share facts on why local litter matters—did you know that beach litter can become micro‑plastics that feed into the food chain? It’s a scary thought, but tackling it together makes a real difference.
- I encourage participants to voice their experience—what they liked, what felt awkward, and any new ideas that popped up.
- These insights help me fine‑tune Stridy’s programmes, so next time we can make the clean‑up as smooth as a well‑uned guitar.
Why It Matters
When people feel heard, they stay engaged. By incorporating real conversations into the clean‑up, Stridy not only clears beaches but also builds stronger, environmentally‑conscious communities. And let’s be honest—there’s nothing more satisfying than taking a handful of litter out of the earth and realizing we’ve made the planet a little better.
Wrap‑Up
Every little splash of effort counts. I’m proud to host these events, share lessons, and pick up trash while picking up the spirits of the participants. If you’re an organization or a school ready to roll up your sleeves, Stridy’s ready to bring the crew, the gear, and the good vibes—minus the trash.
Circuits run, conversations flow, and the beach gets cleaner—one clean‑up at a time!
