Tania Tan, Strait Times 28 Oct 08;
ARMY regular Ong Chee Siang spends many sleepless nights mentoring young environmentalists, educating people about climate change and organising green events.
While burning the midnight oil can be exhausting, the 26-year-old said the effort is worth it.
'It's tiring, yes. But if I can help make a difference in some way, what's a little lost sleep?'
Mr Ong is part of a growing number of National Environment Agency (NEA) volunteers who are spreading message of conservation and sustainability to the masses.
Survey results released by the agency showed the number of volunteers jumped by a third in the last year to more than 11,400. Volunteer-driven activities are also on the upswing; over 5,770 were organised this year, up almost a third from last year.
'I'm very busy but it's a nice problem to have,' said Mr Ong. 'It shows that people are becoming more aware about the environment.'
The sustained public appeal has helped foster a growing awareness of the environment. Almost 85 per cent of 1,500 Singaporeans surveyed felt the need to be good to the planet, compared to just under half in 2004.
'It's heartening to see that green awareness is starting to take root,' said the NEA.
Volunteers do more than just wave the anti-
littering flag. They promote recycling, help residents improve energy efficiency, and educate Singaporeans about climate change.
Constituencies, in particular, are experiencing a flurry of activity as more grassroots organisations help households save power and shrink their electricity bills. For example, the Radin Mas constituency already has 1,500 households involved in its home energy audit programme, which sees some 100 volunteers go door-to-door to teach households how to conserve energy.
The year-long Clean and Green Singapore campaign has been key to boosting volunteer activity, said the NEA. Launched last year, it was expanded after many said green activities should be a sustained affair, instead of a week-long blitz.
This year's campaign - called Every Little Step Counts, Let's Make A Difference - will kick off on Friday with a three-day carnival at the Marina Barrage. The complex will be transformed into an eco-friendly town to show how everyday activities, like shopping, eating and working, can be greener.
NEA youth volunteer Teo Shuli, 18, believes the campaign will spawn greater awareness of the environment.
'It provides a larger platform for green issues to be brought to the masses,' said Shuli, who is unable to volunteer this year, as he will be sitting for his A-levels in November.
'But I'll definitely visit,' he said.
For more information, go to www.cgs.org.sg
