UTAR launches From Clutter to Clarity – A Bargain Basement Project 2025

UTAR, in collaboration with Bargain Basement, successfully launched the From Clutter to Clarity awareness campaign at the Bargain Basement Store at UTAR Sungai Long Campus. The event held on 25 March 2025 was graced by Datin Joanne Wong, founder of Bargain Basement, alongside UTAR staff and students. The aim of the initiative was to promote responsible consumption, reduce waste, and foster a circular economy. By educating individuals on mindful decluttering and second-hand shopping, the campaign aimed to encourage a sustainable and socially responsible lifestyle.

UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat highlighted the role of education in shaping responsible individuals who not only excel academically but also contribute to society. He highlighted that the Bargain Basement Project is a prime example of how small lifestyle changes such as donating and buying preloved items can have a significant positive impact on the environment and those in need. “At UTAR, we believe that education extends beyond the classroom. It is about fostering a culture of giving, environmental awareness, and social impact. This initiative embodies these values by encouraging the responsible reuse of items, reducing waste, and ensuring that preloved goods find new homes,” he said.

Datin Joanne Wong expressed her appreciation for UTAR’s continuous support and shared the inspiration for Bargain Basement. “Many of us accumulate things over time that we no longer need, but these same items could be valuable to others. Through this initiative, we are not just clearing clutter—we are creating opportunities for generosity, sustainability, and positive change,” she said.
The From Clutter to Clarity campaign directly contributes to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, which encourages second-hand shopping to reduce waste and extend product life cycles; SDG 13: Climate Action, which highlights how buying preloved items helps lower carbon footprints by reducing manufacturing emissions and waste disposal; SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, which promotes decluttering and reusing goods to create cleaner and more organised living spaces while reducing urban waste; and SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, which supports local thrift stores and second-hand businesses, promoting a sustainable and inclusive economy.

Through the Bargain Basement Store, visitors can donate, shop, and support charitable causes while embracing a more sustainable and minimalist lifestyle. Every item sold not only prevents unnecessary waste but also contributes to fundraising efforts for underprivileged communities.