Do we really need incentives from Govt to improve our lives?
I REFER to the article "Town Councils won’t expand recycling efforts" (ST, Sept 3). It is disappointing to know that so many people are not making full use of the recycling projects organized by town councils.
Many complain that it is too troublesome to sort out their rubbish for disposal. Even worse are those who demand incentives for taking part in the recycling projects.
I think that such people are taking the efforts of the town councils for granted. As it is, we are lucky to have a government that c4res for the environment and is willing to go the extra mile by putting up so many recycling centres.
As for the point that It is too troublesome to sort rubbish, I do not believe that at the end of a day, we take out the rubbish we have accumulated and sort it into categories, do we?
Is it not possible to have a few small bins, each one for a certain type of waste such as paper or drink cans?
This way, when it is time to throw the rubbish, no sorting is required. Just bring the bag of rubbish to the recycling centre and throw it there. Besides, a little bit of walking contributes to the health of the body too.
To those who want incentives for doing such "duties", I say: Must the Government always have to come up with something to spur us on?
We should get into the habit of doing things voluntarily. Our small contribution can help our society in a big way.
Meanwhile, I would like to thank the town councils for their effort. They should continue on with the recycling project.
ANDREW YONG YUN LEONG
Singapore 1026
Education still needed
ST,Sept 3
I READ with sadness and regret the report that town councils will be abandoning the expansion of their recycling plans (ST, Sept 3).
Even though Singapore has been actively involved in preserving the Earth, there are still many people who do not realize the importance of recycling.
It is shocking that the residents should ask for incentives to encourage them to recycle. Even though incentives would certainly make recycling more attractive, this reaction just shows that Singaporeans still do not feel the urgency of saving the Earth.
Singaporeans still need a lot of education until recycling and waste minimization can become a part of their lives. For the minority who bother to sort out their rubbish, their efforts have been spoilt by the inconsiderate acts of others who throw everything into the bins.
I hope that the town councils will continue with the recycling bins and also continue to educate the residents.
Hopefully, Singaporeans will realize the importance and start recycling for our future generation. Is that not an incentive in itself?
KOH WAN YUEN
Singapore 1544
Source : The Straits Times, September 9, 1993
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