There are a number of local companies and organisations focused on sustainability and more eco-friendly living, and one small operation at the forefront is definitely Mighty Greens, run by husband-and-wife team, Guilherme and Cintia Martins. The company is involved in a range of activities around town designed to educate and encourage people to live healthier and cleaner lives.
“We are an urban farming business that provides microgreens, garden solutions, and education to our local community. We are currently teaching extra-curricular activities in a school and developing fundraising to have an urban farm at the ARTM drug rehabilitation treatment centre,” explains Guilherme, also affectionately known as Farmer Gui.
Mighty Greens school programs are designed to educate students, teachers and parents on urban agriculture, nutrition and United Nation Sustainability Goals, focusing on the fundamentals of environmental and sustainable practices.
Farmer Gui also provides detailed advice on how to custom-build your own home garden so you can grow organic produce right from your balcony or rooftop. Taking into account sun direction, shade, and watering options, Gui can help you to install and maintain a lush and healthy crop of delicious veggies and herbs.
“We are based in a city with one of the biggest food waste ratios in the world and where every source of food comes from abroad. We want to help break this pattern by providing local, organic, and fresh produce to nourish and transform the community’s body, mind, and soul, by using the latest technology while minimizing waste, water usage and footprint,” Gui notes.
Gui points out that here in Macau, we currently produce more waste per capita than anywhere else in the world, a staggering 2.17 kilograms of waste per person per day. Forty percent of that is food-related, and much of our waste is incinerated. Despite these rather depressing statistics, Gui remains hopeful.
“I think finally we are experiencing some functional changes in Macau. In terms of the work conducted by Environmental Protection Bureau, I believe they are on the right path. They managed to engage about 200 local institutions to participate in the food waste collection scheme with their Alegria Environmental Centres, so this is a significant step,” he says.
“As for the casino operators, they too are doing an excellent job. The implementation of the AI technology, Winnow Vision, has led to food waste reduction of 60 to 70%, in addition to their bio-digesters.”
As well as educating the next generation and offering expert advice on home gardening, Mighty Greens also provides sustainability solutions for businesses, especially restaurants looking to provide fresh, premium produce to their customers.
Interestingly, the impetus for all this positive, healthy living was born out of some difficult times in Gui’s life.
“It all started because I was drowning myself in negative thoughts and stress a few years ago,” he explains. “Eventually, I started gardening at home, with a DIY hydroponics system built and installed in my unused shower cubicle. My interest in sustainability was sparked from that moment on and since then, I have changed a few habits in my life, mainly my exercise regime, vermicomposting my home food and changing to a plant-based diet.”
As well as running the company, Gui recently started a Ph.D. at the University of St. Joseph researching a unique synergetic food waste valorization technique, and is also employed as a research assistant at the Institute of Science and Environment.
He is quick to give credit to the efforts of other groups in Macau involved in similar eco-friendly activities.
“Projects such as those led by Macau ECOncious, like their community fridge project help hundreds of low-income people, which is impressive. Also, Gilberto Camacho leads beach cleaning activities – something all of us should try doing at least once to see the problems we are creating.”
And he has a few suggestions to improve things in the longer term.
“Definitely community engagement! Although we have highly educated people here, I believe we should be more engaged on matters to protect our planet. We need to understand that not all solutions come from the top. We, too, must find ways to improve, get out of our comfort zones, and grow as professionals and individuals”
“The big question here is – is there a market for sustainability-related jobs in Macau? Is there a market for people to pursue higher education degrees, and, if they conclude their studies, is the local market prepared to give them jobs within this field?” he asks.
In his typical optimistic fashion, Farmer Gui concludes on a positive note:
“Where there is a problem, there is an opportunity…and a potential business. I believe there is a lot of room to explore in the local market regarding food waste valorization, air pollution, mental health, and food production. My call to everyone in Macau is to adapt and have faith. The light will come if you don’t give up and believe!”
Green Stars
Creative Waste Management
Community Recycling
Vegan Vogue
Clean Driving
