5.16.2007
Plastic perversity
News source: Mixed bag of reactions...
In a bid to improve the energy efficiency of our 'garden city', the NEA has embarked on an initiative to raise public awareness about environmental issues through Bring Your Own Bag Days (BYOBDs). Indiscriminate disposal of plastic bags contributes to emissions of greenhouse gases which drive climate change. While many find this to be a cause for celebration, skeptics are concerned about other possible implications.
A previous campaign to lessen the consumption of plastic bags yielded mediocre results. Rather surprisingly, this scheme attracted the participation of most major supermarket chains across the island. With the advent of climate change and global warming becoming more and more evident, it is inspiring that these companies have incorporated environmentally-friendly practices into their societal contribution plans. Furthermore, a majority of customers were contented to buy a reusable bag or to donate 10 cents to environmental projects for every plastic bag they used. Somehow, the typical Singaporean kiasu attitude has found an exception in caring about the environment. Usually unwilling to pay a single cent extra for any item, consumers appear to have switched sides in this case. Perhaps, with the implications of global warming in Singapore becoming clearer, residents here are finally realising the severity of the situation and feel obliged to do their part for the ailing environment.
The opposing camp argues that to bring multiple reusable bags for shopping trips is unfeasible and inconvenient, especially when visiting a store unexpectedly or after work. I can understand how troublesome it can be to lug another bag along, just for a slight possibility of using it. However, these circumstances would not occur on a regular basis, hence not warranting faithfully carrying the reusable bag around 24/7. Besides this, there is no guarantee that the environmental projects receiving donations would indeed save the environment at all. If one were to buy large quantities of the reusable bags recommended, how long would it take for the cost to the environment from manufacturing to equal out to the cost to the environment from using plastic bags? An effort as it may be, BYOBDs may not be an efficient way of helping the environment.
Personally, I support the environmental cause, but this is limited to sustainability. In other words, I advocate the exploitation of the environment as a means to humanist ends if and only if continuity is ensured. Considering the current relatively dire situation requiring immediate international action, this would slant me towards an environmentalist's perspective. As a Singaporean, while I definitely approve of the government's heightened emphasis on global warming, I am still doubtful that Singaporeans are truly becoming environmentally-friendly. Singapore could have been too caught up in socio-economic development to protect our fragile urban environment.
Ironically, humanity acts to utilise environmental resources on one hand, and yet carelessly discards it on the other. If we are to resolutely take action against global warming, we ought to be coordinated globally as well. This BYOBD plastic perversity is only the tip of the rapidly melting iceberg.
# posted by splot @ 21:30 
