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  Today Online 29 Mar 07
How green does our garden grow?
Clean Energy Programme is fine but first put our energy inefficient house in order
Letter from John T Hurst

I am very proud that Singapore is going to fund a Clean Energy Programme to facilitate energy efficient alternatives.

But isn't this like Al Gore going to a Global Warming meeting in a Ferrari race car?

It is commendable for the Government to sponsor a Clean Energy Programme, but it should first put its own energy inefficient house in order.

Where are the energy tax credits for the homeowner who uses energy efficient alternatives like solar panels on the roof? Have you ever seen a set of solar panels on a bungalow or semi-detached dwelling in Singapore?

What about mandating the use of recycling containers instead of garbage containers at new malls like VivoCity and public places like HDB void decks, MRT stations, and at private condominium housing? It would be very easy to replace existing containers with brightly decorated ones for bottles, plastic products, cans and paper. It is not enough just to have these containers in place.

The public must also be educated in being environmentally savvy.

When has Singapore celebrated Earth Day? Many cities use Earth Day as a vehicle for educating their populace on environmental practices and that does not just concern, for example, recycling but turning off a light when you are not using it, turning off fans and/or air-conditioners when one doesn't need them, not revving up the engines once the light turns green, and if you garden, then composting your biodegradable items, et cetera.

There are so many areas in our day-to-day life where we can make a difference. Make it mandatory for condominiums and HDB flats to show new residents where the recycling disposal containers are and how to clean and separate their recycled items.

The Government should set up collection points throughout Singapore where an individual can drop off his recycled material and earn money for it. And maybe there are responsible organisations carrying out environmentally correct projects that the newspapers can highlight.

Over the past seven years living near Katong Park, I have seen many community events — dog shows, archeological digs, free concerts, soccer games, morning exercise groups — but never a community event stressing environmentally good habits.

It is admirable that Singapore is spending money to develop clean energy but it would be more meaningful if Singapore became the regional leader as the Environmental Green City, not just the Garden City.
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