Singaporeans urged to go green this festive season

Channel NewsAsia 16 Dec 07;

SINGAPORE: While many enjoy celebrating the season of giving, one champion of the Go Green Movement has added that special green touch, as a gift to Mother Nature.

The green champion said using LED lights, which last longer and use less electricity, will give one the same festive cheer.

Although LED lights cost about 20 percent more than conventional lights, Wilson Ang – president of ECO Singapore – will be using it to celebrate Christmas in a 'green' way.

He said: "Buying gifts is good. People like receiving gifts. I like buying for myself as well. But how do we do it with a green touch?"

Countering some people's argument that they have no time to be environmentally conscious, Mr Ang said: "If Singaporeans really have no time, why is it that some people spend hours queuing up for donuts for example, or for Hello Kitty? You sit down, observe, and it makes a significant difference altogether."

Even gift-wrapping can be creative. Newspapers – spiced up with recycled lanyards – can take the place of colourful wrapping papers.

Still, he said Christmas is not just about presents.

"It's about giving, and really, it's not about giving gifts. It's really about spending quality time," said the ECO Singapore president.

So for him, playing board games is a great way to interact with friends and family, and unlike computer games, these games do not use electricity.


- CNA/so