A small step does help make the Earth greener

There's two news articles about environmental protection today.

One is about the monthly Bring-You-Own-Bag program will be converted to weekly event, starting tomorrow 6 June. On Wednesdays, you will need to bring your own carriers when you go to supermarkets to buy groceries. Otherwise, you will need to pay 10 cents for a plastic bag. All the proceeds will go to Singapore Environment Council to fund environmental activities.

The other news is about the launch of Saving Gaia website. People can go to the website to pledge their support on environmental protection. You need to write a method you have adopted today to conserve natural resources when you take the pledge. Frist 3000 to make the pledge will receive a trendy eco-friendly shopping bag. Also, people can participate in a challenge which the winner will walk away S$10K cash.

I find it amusing that, again, money serves as the carrot to increase awareness of environmental protection. To me, caring for the environment is parts of the social responsibility. The global climate is changing, more natural disasters were occurred, fuel price is going up rapidly, cost of living is rising - all of these are caused by us, the human beings living on the Earth. Well, I must admit that cash rewards will definitely attract more people to notice this event, participate in the challenge, and ultimately increase more awareness. Sadly, it seems that this is probably the best strategy to promote social awareness in Singapore.

In fact, we can adopt many small steps to help preserve the environment, even during work:
1. Having lunch out more often
2. Use your own lunch box to buy back lunch (the bonus is, your lunch may be cheaper! At least it works for me. ;>)
3. Keep the office air-conditioning at 23-25 degree C.
4. Switch off all power points when you knock off.
5. Print double-sided, B/W, and when necessary.

A small step does help make the Earth greener. So what are you waiting for? :)