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IMPACT 0502: PROMOTING SUSTAINABILITY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT THROUGH FOOD

Youth Action Challenge (YAC) is a platform for youth to provide solutions that tackle the issues we are concerned about. Since October 2021, over 80 teams and more than 310 youths have undertaken the YAC Season 3 journey.

Megan Poh, 21, is a NUS undergraduate pursuing a degree in Real Estate. She enjoys exercising with her friends and family, practising a martial art form called Aikido, and volunteering during her free time.

She is extremely passionate about environmental issues and sustainability, which is one of the major reasons she decided to take a leap of faith and joined YAC’s EzCompostr project. Her team aims to make the world and environment better through championing the grow-your-own food movement and composting.

What was your role within your YAC project?

I work as one of the project directors for my team.

What motivated you to join YAC?

In the simplest terms, I really wanted to make an impact on the environment. I do treasure the environment a lot by already reducing the amount of plastic I use and eating less meat (I’m trying to eat vegan for at least once a week now). I thought joining YAC would be the first step to make a real tangible impact on the environment!

Can you share with us your experience with your YAC project?

A really fulfilling one as I got to attend many workshops and learn from fellow mentors in the start up scene!

What are some challenges you faced while working on your YAC project?

For Ezcompostr, the biggest challenge was actually finalising and making decisions about how to move forward with things. I think there was a lack of direction during the initial phrases of our project. However, as we progressed, I am glad that we managed to find some structure and footing and communicated with each other more frequently on how to get things done.

On a more personal level, the hardest challenge was definitely time management as well as staying hopeful. I kept having negative thoughts on the idea as I talked to more and more mentors and how slowly things were progressing. However, I learnt how to have faith that we could improve and only get better. I also had to juggle between hectic school schedules and YAC workshops so I have to admit it was not an easy journey.

Could you share more on how your project has a positive impact?

We are increasing food security in Singapore and repurposing food waste!

Were there any key takeaways or learning points from your time with YAC?

Through the numerous workshops and mentorship sessions with YAC, I definitely learnt a lot. From unique value propositions to financial modelling, I am glad I was introduced to the basics of setting up a viable social enterprise idea and how to develop the idea too. The YAC workshops and mentorships sessions were a great platform to get foundational knowledge as well as meet fellow aspiring student start-up founders.