NEA's stand on styrofoam utensils, idling engines

Sunday Times 3 Jan 10;

I refer to last Sunday's letter, 'What about styrofoam containers?', by Mr Chan Wai Chong.

As part of its overall efforts to reduce the amount of waste and packaging material generated, the National Environment Agency (NEA) encourages the use of non-disposable utensils, and only what is necessary, if plastic containers and other forms of disposable utensils have to be used.

However, consumers can play their part by using their own reusable containers and reusing their plastic bags.

As to idling engines in stationary vehicles, it is an offence under the Environmental Protection and Management (Vehicular Emissions) Regulations to leave an engine idling unnecessarily.

The NEA has been advising drivers to switch off their vehicle engines when having their meal breaks or waiting for passengers.

The NEA also holds regular dialogue sessions with large fleet owners such as taxi companies, bus companies and the National Association of Travel Agents Singapore to remind their drivers not to leave their engines running when stationary.

Members of the public can give details of stationary vehicles with idling engines to the NEA on 1800-CALL NEA (1800-2255-632).

We thank the writer for the feedback.

Vincent Teo
Chief Engineer
Resource Conservation Department
National Environment Agency