现今环保运动是否真的有效？

现今环保运动是否真的有效？
mango's point of view

Sorry I didn't do much research. Just write based on my knowledge and observation. If there's things that you all don't agree, feel free to write back. The ground is open. =)

Humans are selfish creatures. We are deemed to be the "most brillant" creatures yet we are doing selfish acts everyday. One good example is destroying the Earth. We exploit Earth's resources for civilisation and progress. We are depleting the resources and hurting the Mother Earth at such a fast pace. Only now then we seem to regret. Now people then think of protecting the Earth.

Yes I agree that there is much more effort put into saving the Earth. Like in Singapore, this year we just launched the "using recycling bags" campaign. I was told that on tuesdays, supermarkets involved will not give customers plastic bags. We are supposed to bring our own "green" or recycling bags. As usual, the government is using monetary measure. If we want to buy the bag, we have to pay extra. But it's such a small amount of money. I am unsure if it is really effective. Since Singaporeans can afford expensive material goods, I do not see the importance of the few cents to them. The news reported good news though. Many people did not ask for the bags. But I do not know how long this trend can last.

Why do I say so? Because the news reported that Singaporeans created lots of rubbish after the end of the National Day Parade at Marina Bay. Though this year's venue was much smaller, but the amount of garbage leftover by ugly Singaporeans was many tons that of last year's. I think this is atrocious. There is a garbage bag provided in the goodie bag. It's so convenient to dispose garbage properly. We have bins just at a walking distance. I think it's just the mentality that the cleaners will clean up and it is their duty to do so. How selfish right? So I wonder the effectiveness of the campaigns. Even the "do not litter" campaign launched for so many years do not work, I really doubt how long we can stick to the use own recycling bag movement.

Such campaigns and movements can only be effective if there's an awareness in the public. This I agree with Xianhao. The public has to be educated. But I can only see the irony. Developed countries like us created so much waste, whether it is industrial or commercial waste. On the other hand, the people in the poorer countries seem to be able to reuse, reduce and recycle. From handicrafts, clothings we can see their effort. Some may argue that they are poor. They have no choice but to reuse materials. But why can't the more civilised people learn from them? Stop shifting responsibility.

We created lots of electronics waste, e.g. computers, tvs etc. All these are not biodegradable. Do you know that usually these waste are sent to China and other developing countries? People there have to try to smash and dispose the waste. Just for a small sum of money.

I think concerts such as "live Earth" is a good initiative. But I wonder the effectiveness. Just one time concert can change the mindset of people? Or people just listen to the music and forget what is happening?

It's really depends on the heart of the people. If they really want to help Earth, they will do so. If not, we are just deceiving ourselves by exploiting more resources by holding more of such concerts.

Hope humans will wake up soon. If we still want life on Earth. Earth is the only planet which life can flourish. Why not cherish this wonderful place?

mango