SOME 1,100 youths from secondary schools, junior colleges and polytechnics on Tuesday took part in National Young Leaders' Day.
The theme of the event, 'Own Your World', focuses on getting youths to take responsibility for the environment.
At the end of the day, the students will pledge their commitment to making small changes for the environment on postcards, which will be mailed back to them two months later as reminders.
Singapore Environment Council executive director Howard Shaw was one of five speakers at the full-day programme.
Giving an example of small steps that can be done for the environment, Mr Shaw said that he would give each of his new staff members a tupperware lunchbox and a metal spoon so that when they buy takeaway lunches, they do not need to use disposable packaging or cutlery.
Organised by Halogen Foundation Singapore, the event was graced by the foundation's patron Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean.
Halogen Foundation Singapore's co-founder and executive director Martin Tan said about 40,000 youths have participated in its programmes since 2003, and the group aims to garner 1 million participants in Asia by 2013.
