10 green initiatives for ordinary Singaporeans

Letter from Maximilian Png, Straits Times Forum 8 Aug 08;

IN LINE with the Transport Minister's new policy of BMW (nothing to do with the German car maker - 'Next time you take a trip, instead of driving, consider taking the Bus, the MRT and Walk'), here are some ideas to save energy.

1. Cut down on use of long-sleeved shirt and tie. What's wrong with a short- sleeved shirt? Even people like Bill Gates of Microsoft, Steve Jobs of Apple and Sergei Brin of Google don't wear such attire. It also means no more embarrassing perspiration stains. This will lower the need for air-conditioning at freezing temperatures.

2. Switch on car air-conditioning only between 10am and 6pm. Contrary to what some people think, car air-conditioning does not filter out dust, smoke or odour particles - you can still smell that durian truck next to your car.

3.Do not charge your phone or laptop battery too often and too long, such as by plugging it into the socket and leaving the switch on overnight. Not only does this waste electricity, it also damages the battery, resulting in a shorter battery life, forcing you to charge more often.

4. Install chits at your windows and doors (such as the ones at your balcony). They are very effective at cutting down light (and thus heat) that enters the house.

5. Switch off your monitor when you are not using your computer. Many people simply shut down without switching off the monitor, which is a waste of electricity. Also switch off your monitor if you are going away for a short while and don't want to put the computer on standby.

6. Go outdoors to study or read. Not only will you enjoy a better environment, and not be cooped up in your room, but you also save electricity from your lights.

7. Refrigerators. Do not open and close the doors unnecessarily, and try to open at the smallest angle required. Immediately repair leaking fridges (if you can slide an A4 paper back and forth between the rubber sealing easily, it is leaking), and try to use only one refrigerator.

8. Re-use glasses and mugs. There really is no need to drink apple juice, wash the glass, then one hour later drink a glass of water. Unless the previous liquid was one that leaves unwanted dreck (such as bits of Milo powder), keep the glass aside for later use.

9. Cut down on washing your car. I have seen many people wash their car as often as every two days. This is an enormous waste of water. Once a week is perfectly okay - the car does not increase in value the more you wash it.

10. Spread the word. It is amazing what the multiplier effect does, and by positively pressuring your family and friends or even embarking on a project to educate others in what they can do.