As mentioned over and over again, the depletion of natural resources, different kinds of pollutions, global warming and ozone layer depletion arise mainly from our activities, in the process of modernization and globalization. These problems have resulted because we misused our natural resources and abused the Earth but it is not too late for us to do something about all these problems. We can play a part by conserving the environment.
Singapore’s “Bring Your Own Bag” campaign that is launched this year, 18 April, is one good example that illustrates national effort to protect the environment. This is a great start of adopting environmental-friendly practices, and probably a stepping stone for future campaigns and environmental-friendly practices. This recycling campaign aims to encourage the use of reusable shopping bag and fewer plastic bags by imposing charge for every plastic bag taken by the consumer. The common mindset of consumers that the cutting down of usage of a few plastic bags is merely an insignificant effort of environmental conservation, and the irresistible convenience brought about by plastic bags, are two great obstacles standing in the way of this campaign. Most people are reluctant to take on the green challenge and instead, are willing to fork out a few cents for the plastic bags to spare themselves the trouble of bringing their own reusable bag. This was exactly what I experienced at FairPrice supermarket on that day when the campaign was first launched. Hence, I think a better approach is to increase the charge for every plastic bag used.
Singapore has encouraged environmentally friendly practices and this national effort requires the active participation of individuals in order for effective environmental conservation to take place. Though it may seem that an individual effort is insignificant, but the amount of plastic bags can be greatly reduced if everyone takes part actively in the campaign.
Currently, only 7 selected supermarkets are involved in this recycling campaign and it would be great if the scheme is implemented island-wide, that is, for every supermarket and mini mart that can be found in Singapore. It would be even better if such a campaign can be globalized and implemented world-wide. Conservation needs everybody’s participation. If all of us were to do our little bit in caring for the environment, the world will soon be a better place.
Environmental and Health Expert,
Yu Yang
About
Gui Yu Yang
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An ENVIRONMENTAL AND HEALTH expert ;)
He knows about Globalization too!
