It is never too late to start protecting the environment
This precious planet and shared home that we call Earth, as well as all of its creatures, rely on us to save them from irreversible destruction. Plastic waste negatively impact the environment, OUR environment, and spreading knowledge and raising awareness is one way we can help.
Most people are unaware that plastic is made from fossil fuels, which are already depleted or dangerously close to depletion at the rate we are producing and creating demand (STBP, 2021). Thus, it is important that people understand the significance of the 4Rs – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Refuse and also, to do them right.
On 19th February 2022, it was my first-time volunteering for BWS Environmental Clean Up Event. I was feeling excited as I had always wanted to pick up litter but did not have the opportunity to do it during primary school days. I remember seeing students from other primary schools picking up litter as part of their schools’ community service programme and unfortunately, my school did not conduct such programme. As a new volunteer that joined BWS recently, I am able to participate in various activities that could allow me to make a positive impact on both the environment and society.
Upon arrival at Pasir Ris Park, I was shocked to see so much trash and plastics lying around and along the shoreline, and I thought to myself where did all this litter come from. Were they thrown by inconsiderate people living in Singapore or did they drift from less developed neighbouring countries that do not have a good bin system? Regardless of the reason, it was still depressing to see the endless amount of plastics and trash lying almost everywhere at the park, coupled with the dangers the marine life must face when they consume plastics that release toxins and causing them to die.
Although the clean up only lasted for about an hour or less due to unforeseen weather conditions, with collective efforts from all the volunteers, we managed to pick up about 8kg of trash. I was delighted to see like-minded individuals actively picking up trash in big bags, hoping to play their part in protecting the environment. Some interesting items that were found include a shoe, used ART kit that shows negative, metal tin can that has eroded and was half-buried in the sand, a glass bottle with water, a tube of toothpaste as well as masks. I was very speechless when a volunteer mentioned finding the used ART kit on the sand because it should have been wrapped in a bag before disposal. I was shocked by this inconsiderate and unsanitary action.
Apart from picking up litter along the sand, I learnt from one of the project team members on how the global recycling rate has declined steadily over the years with many people "recycling" about 108 tonnes of waste. However, shockingly, out of 140 tonnes of waste, only 2 tonnes of waste can be recycled (CNA Insider YouTube, 2021). This shows that many people are aware that they need to recycle but most of them lack the education and knowledge of what can be recycled, what is the proper way of recycling and the habit of recycling.
I am pretty sure that the Singapore government has done their part in allocating different types of recycling bins (indicating plastics, cans, paper and others) to encourage people to sort the items out accordingly. However, I observed that many people still choose to dump their trash in the general bin. It could be because this option is given, people might not want to make the extra effort of sorting out the different parts to be thrown, or do not know how to recycle or think that the cleaner will do the job of sorting anyways.
This event has taught me a lot and I really hope everyone could do their part in contributing to a safe and healthy environment by FIRST having the basic responsibility of throwing your trash into the bins. SECOND, make an effort to learn how to recycle properly and then recycle them accordingly! THIRD, remember and do the 4Rs – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Refuse! If recycling is not a solution, reduce the use of single-use plastics! Once you are confident in all these 3 things, you may want to spread awareness around to your friends and family so they could also do their part in protecting the environment.
If you would like to contribute more to the environment or have some spare time on your weekends, do join us on our upcoming Environmental Clean Up Event! BWS will be more than happy to welcome you.
Here's the benefits!
1. You will get your hands dirty - have the first-hand experience of how tiring our cleaners at the park could be!
2. Turn the beach/park back into a clean and pleasant place to hang out in Singapore.
3. Get to meet new friends.
4. Sense of achievement! You are playing a part to protect the environment!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbzm31Kjbxs
Submitted by Xin Fang
[The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this article belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to Blossom World Society.]
All our volunteers on 19 February Environment Clean Up.
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