THE US Embassy in Brunei Darussalam celebrated the 47th Earth Day by opening a vegetable garden in the embassy’s compound, said a press release.
Earth Day is widely viewed as the anniversary of the birth of the modern US environmental movement.
In previous years, the embassy had celebrated the annual event by picking up rubbish at Tasek Lama Recreational Park or Tutong Beach, and working with local environmental, non-government organisations.
“Every year, our embassy does something special to commemorate Earth Day,” said US Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam, Craig Allen.
“This year, I’m excited that our embassy’s Green Team has come up with something really special that will make us both happier and healthier.
“So far, the embassy’s ‘green thumbs’ have focused on planting healthy vegetables, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, okra, chillies and pumpkins.
“The idea is that they will eventually enjoy cooking and eating the food together.
“But the health benefits of gardening also go way beyond the healthy eating that it encourages.”
US Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam, Craig Allen, with staff of the embassy and members of its Green Team. – US EMBASSY
“We started the garden as a way to promote happiness,” said Perni Cosca-Reese, the head of the embassy’s Green Team.
“We also thought it would provide a good opportunity for teamwork and stress reduction.”
Lim Siew Ping, a member of the Green Team, added, “It’s been interesting for me to learn new skills, such as how to plant seeds and use fertiliser.
“It was also fun to hang out with colleagues from other sections that I don’t normally get to interact with.”
The team continues to expand the garden to include a variety of other plants.
One American member recently planted sunflowers that are reminiscent of those at his home in the United States.
“How big this new garden will grow remains to be seen, but it has certainly already contributed to the blossoming of an eco-friendly and healthy attitude at our embassy,” concluded Ambassador Allen.
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