Reduce, reuse before recycling

I REFER to the letter "Schemes in place to promote waste recycling" by Mr Billy Chew of the Ministry of the Environment (ST, May 1).

I have been an environmentalist in spirit all my life and in deed for the last three years.

In my work I have noticed that the approach of Singaporeans to environmentalism is dangerous but is precisely that which the ministry seeks tentrench — that the recycling ethic is the cornerstone of being green. I could not disagree more.

Recycling is but a last resort. What is more crucial in a modern consumerist society such as ours is, first, reduction, and, second, reuse.

For example, if a consumer decides to buy a product, he should first consider if he is buying in excess of what he needs.

If he decides he needs the

product, he should then put it to active use even after he has finished with its intended purpose.

Only when it is not possible to put it to an alternative use and the consumer decides to dispose of it, does recycling become relevant.

In fact, the maxim "reduce, reuse, recycle" is one which has been championed endlessly by foreign conservationists and the more prominent green groups in Singapore but which has been overshadowed by the wide publicity given to recycling.

It is ironic, but a society ingrained with the recycling habit may actually be one which produces more waste.

Detailed studies in Western countries have proven this.

For example, I have seen my colleagues throwing away pieces of paper which had hardly been written on. Their reasoning: "I am recycling it, I am not wasting it — I am still saving trees!"

Likewise with the indiscreet consumption and recycling of beverage tins, instead of buying refill packs.

Even conversations with people I have met reveal that most consider the act of recycling as the best way for them to reduce waste and be green. Nothing can be further from the truth.

A friend once pointed out that seeking to change the "buy, use and throw" mentality in Singaporeans is to strike at the bedrock of our national attitude.

It is perhaps because such dangerous habits are entrenched that there is a sense of urgency in tackling them.

I do not propose that Singaporeans should necessarily boycott products on the basis of packaging.

However, to be genuinely green involves tempering the desire for convenience with the need for prudence. The authorities could help by reminding people that, if they really wish to reduce waste, they should use only what they need.

Eighty per cent of the Earth’s non-renewable resources are used by one fifth of countries. The other three fifths share the remaining 20 per cent and the last one fifth live from hand to mouth. The gaps are widening every year.

Singapore, a newly-industrialized nation, is in the first category. Our economic success and material rewards are undoubtedly things to be proud of.

But the concomitant responsibility is not only to have a green conscience but, more important, to look beyond the popular notions of how it can best be achieved. Recycling is definitely not the ideal way.

DAREN SHIAU VEE LUNG

Singapore 1027

Source : The Straits Times 6th May 1995

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