Energy and Ecology (Environment Friendly)
When we talk about environment nowadays we will think of the depleting fossil fuels, the greenhouse effect, global warming and the list goes on. Due to the fear of destroying the earth, being environment-friendly seems to have became quite a popular term.
In the past, we were all eager to develop, to improve. Countries were fighting for development, companies were fighting for profits. However, now that the consequences of such developments were being discovered, are we truly willing to slow down and save the earth?
Many companies are now trying to advertise themselves as environmental friendly. One example will be Apple, which is now focusing on energy efficiency and recycling. Their new 20 inch iMac is made from highly recyclable glass and aluminum and is so energy efficient it consumes about the same energy as a standard light bulb. However, are they truly trying to save the environment, or is it merely for advertisement sake?
Even Singapore has come up with its own Go Green Campaign, trying to create awareness among its people. Supermarkets like NTUC will not give out plastic bags on certain days of the week. However, it costs merely ten cent if you really need a plastic bag from them, do you think this help to deter people from using plastic bags? It is common knowledge that the icebergs are melting, that the ozone layer is depleting, but why is it that some people just choose to ignore such consequences? Things like fossil fuels and icebergs are not things we see, thus it is likely for us to sacrifice them for the sake of economic gains and other practical needs. Simple things like saving on electricity and recycling your newspapers will contribute, but some feel that this is too little to matter, hence not bothering at all.
It is indeed hard for all to be environmental friendly, for there will always be people who are unwilling to do so. It is also not wise for countries or governments to force the people into being environmentalists, because this is a personal choice. Companies like Apple might be doing it for the sake of advertisements but it is better than those who are not doing it at all. Some companies are producing large amount of waste, and even worse dumping them into the third world countries who in turn happily receive it for the sake of economic gains. Do they really not know the consequences of such pollution are did they merely chose to fulfill their practical needs instead?
There is no absolute measure to solve this worldwide problem. The only thing that governments like Singapore can do is to try to create awareness among the people. Places like NTUC can do their bit in protecting the environment but, whether the people choose to receive it or not will be up to them. As even celebrities are now stepping out to promote being environmental friendly, let’s hope that even though not sincerely, more people will follow their footsteps and doing their part for the environment. For we all know the heavy price we have to pay if we continue such mistakes.
