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  Straits Times Forum 3 Nov 06
Environment ad an insult to one's intelligence
 Letter from Gerald Patterson

A LENGTHY advertisement (looking suspiciously like a series of newspaper articles) for the upcoming Eco-Products International Fair states proudly in its opening paragraph that Singaporeans are 'throwing empty bottled drinks into recycling bins' and 'bringing their own bags instead of asking for extra bags at the supermarket' and even 'eating out of biodegradable plates instead of disposable ones'.

The point being that it is because of 'public campaigns' that people in Singapore have become so enviably environmentally conscious.

Having read and re-read this paragraph, I began to wondering if the writer and I lived in the same country.

First, I have only ever seen recycling bins at Changi Airport and along Orchard Road. They certainly don't exist in my neighbourhood (East Coast). But there must be more because I saw two pictures of children using them in the newspaper today. Bring some of them my way and I'll be happy to use them.

Second, I have never seen, on daily trips to the supermarket, anyone using his own bag. In fact, when I do bring my own (not enough, admittedly) there is always this subtle look of confusion from the cashier when I produce it and say I want to put my groceries in it.

Finally, I am not sure where these biodegradable plates are that everyone seems to be eating off. Why should we eat from these things anyway? We certainly don't need them at home, and restaurants seem to use real plates you can wash.

Yes, I realise this is an advertisement and can be expected to paint a rosy picture. But even so, this is blatant propaganda and an insult to our intelligence. People have eyes and see the reality around them.

Instead, say Singapore has some major environmental issues and there are efforts in place to solve them. Your readers will appreciate the honesty.
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