Save the Earth

I know this topic is kinda passe now that the concerts are over and the excitement is gone. But the plight of Mother Earth has always been one of my concerns so I shall put my 2 cents worth here.

Global warming was a topic I learnt in JC from Ms Ting... how the temperature of the Earth has shot up, how natural disasters are more frequent and more potent, blah blah blah. I knew something was wrong but the problems seemed very remote, living a protected life on the sheltered island of Singapore. The dire circumstances of global warming was, therefore, simply something that has to be memorised for the exams. Surely some smart award-winning scientist in some faraway country will come up with an amazing plan to save the Earth, yeah?

So the years flew by with the Earth still suffering, the scientists still clueless and her people still in delusion.

Well, the turning point seemed to be this year, or at least for Singapore. The government decided to tell its people they are using too many plastic bags and declared Wednesday to be 'plastic-bag-free day' in all supermarkets.

I certainly applaud the government's efforts to educate the public BUT I do not think the message have gotten across AT ALL. The 'plastic-bag-free day' turned out to be 'pay-for-your-plastic-bag day' and no one really cares what happens to Mother Earth as long as they can get their groceries back safely.

Just yesterday, I was queuing to make payment at a supermarket when I saw the cashiers use the plastic bags a tad bit too gernerously, when they are wearing a badge that says 'USE LESS PLASTIC BAGS'.

The ban of plastic bags has long been implemented in other countries and more rigorous green policies have also been in place. The seemingly very BIG step that Singapore has taken towards being a green nation is, compared to developed nations, a minor one.

Yeah, it seems like plastic bag consumption is only one aspect of going green but it just reflects the attitude of self-centered Singaporeans towards global warming -it is none of my business. Look into the recycling bins (if you can find one) and see what crap people stuff in them. That is why I feel that unless something drastic is done, such as a total ban, our 'efforts' will contribute absolutely nothing to save Mother Earth.

Yep, and I am heartened to see the live earth concerts and that celebrities are stepping out to drive the message home that Mother Earth is really sick. Yeah! Finally a call for help and a glimmer of hope for Mother Earth!

Well, maybe not everyone who attended the concerts knew that their idols were there for a much more noble cause other than to perform. And even the stars themselves may see the concerts as another publicity act. But I like the fact that the concerts organizers have made clear that Mother Earth belongs to us all, not just people of the developed nations and that everyone, you and I, can make a difference. Ok, I know that sounds cliche, but I think that the concerts have actually served their purpose of creating environmental awareness.

For me, I have showered with cold water since I was back (I am not sure how long that will last though). Hmmm... and maybe I should get a bigger bag to store my buys when I go shoppping to cut down on plastic bags yeah? A reason to buy another bag --> wwwhhhhooooooppppeeeeeeeeeeee!