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  Straits Times Forum 18 Apr 07
... and here is how they can go about doing it
Letter from Maria Loh Mun Foong (Ms)

Straits Times Forum 18 Apr 07
Consumers have the power to save earth
Letter from Terence Fang Zhiheng

I REFER to the article, 'Billions face dire risk from global warming, say experts' (ST, April 7).

For too long, we have taken for granted the wonderful restorative ability of the earth's ecological system. We populate the earth at increasing rates, demanding and taking more from it than it can provide by expanding cities and industrial production, and creating more and more ways to use the earth's resources, all this while telling ourselves that whatever repercussions our 'minute' actions have on the earth will not be seen in our lifetime.

I was one of them. It is time we take bold but painful measures to secure a beautiful world for future generations, or, rather, for our generation in our later years.

While governments are bogged down by bureaucracy, and social and economic considerations, we can do our part to hasten the process of change.

We have to open our eyes to the cold hard facts and realise the urgent need for drastic changes in our lifestyles. A small increase in temperature will lead to two billion people living without water and the extinction of 30 per cent of the world's species.

As consumers, we have the power of choice; we are the key to the problem.

If all of us choose to live in 'green' buildings which conserve energy, use alternative energy and save water, there won't be a demand for electricity-wasting ones and developers will change their building plans accordingly.

If we change our choice of vehicle from petrol-guzzling ones to 'green' ones, distributors will import only the latter. Besides, we will enjoy immediate benefits - a smaller petrol bill, lower maintenance, etc.

Consumers are very powerful people, especially in today's material world. With great power comes great responsibility, so we should choose wisely.

Singapore is better suited to make changes due to its small size. Let us show the world that we can make a difference, that we don't need to take one generation to make a paradigm shift and another to see significant results. Let us change our lifestyles today for a better tomorrow. It is our only hope.

Straits Times Forum 18 Apr 07
... and here is how they can go about doing it
Letter from Maria Loh Mun Foong (Ms)

HERE are some of the ways in which we can do our part to help ameliorate global warming.

Use CFL (compact fluorescent light bulb). CFLs may cost three to five times more than conventional incandescent bulbs but they use one-quarter the electricity and last several years longer.

Let employees work from home to reduce the number of road trips made. With transport accounting for 14 per cent of global greenhouse-gas emissions, this will have a relatively high impact on the environment.

Another alternative is to car-pool. Use public transport - bus, MRT - or, even better, walk or cycle. Or, if the car is indispensable, think of a hybrid car.

Open a window, instead of using air-conditioning.

Check the label. Some appliances are more energy-efficient than others.

Forgo the steak. The international meat industry generates roughly 18 per cent of the world's greenhouse-gas emissions - even more than transportation - according to a report last year from the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organisation.

Much of that comes from nitrous oxide in manure and the methane from bovine digestion. Methane has a warming effect 23 times as much as carbon dioxide while nitrous oxide is 296 times as great.

Say 'no' to plastic bags. They are made of polyethylene which takes up to 1,000 years to biodegrade in landfills or, when incinerated, emits harmful greenhouse gases. Next time you go grocery shopping, BYOB ( bring your own bag).

Shut off electrical appliances when not in use. According to the US Department of Energy, 75 per cent of all energy consumed in the house is 'standby' power. The average desktop computer, not including the monitor, consumes from 60 to 250 watts a day.

Help reduce the amount of packaging. Styrofoam cups and CD cases cost energy to manufacture and deliver. When possible, give back the extra napkins or unwanted sugar packets. True environmentalists even bring their own cup to Starbucks.

Recycle paper. Nine hundred million trees, which help to absorb carbon dioxide, become pulp and paper every year.

For those with gardens, instead of fossil fuel-derived fertilisers that leak chemicals into the ground and release nitrous oxide, turn to compost or homemade organic fertilisers.

Consume less, share. Live simply. Get to know your neighbours and borrow when you need to and lend when asked.
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