Power of the Consumer

The Power of the People | Wield Your Weapon of Consumerism

I believe everyone has a part to play when it comes to conserving the environment. Most of us have the tendency to place the environment’s responsibility on government and businesses. However, it is the small-holders such as You and I who can play a bigger role in sustaining our environment. We should start by respecting and renewing our relationship with nature and its biodiversity, improving on our understanding of environmental issues, attaining knowledge, and taking personal actions to reduce energy, water usage, and waste disposal. Here are some steps that I think can help:

  • Choose the right products

To buy a product you must know your product. Ensure that the forest derived products you are buying have endorsed labels on them. Buy products only from companies that you know have a commitment to reduce their environmental footprint through public policies. For paper products:

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A large portion of deforestation is due to the making of paper products for the consumer. All consumers use paper for their daily necessities. One way we can conserve is to choose the right paper products with FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certificate or ECF (Elemental Chlorine Free) logos on them.

  • Reduce your ecological footprint

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I came up with 5 aspects of an ecological footprint that is relevant to me. No doubt there are many others ways to reduce your ecological footprint in your lifetime. And at each stage in your life, you may be more inclined to be at a different level. But one aspect I would like to focus on in which I believe truly defines your lifestyle is products. Paper products in particular have a direct impact on forests. Thus, another way you can reduce your impact is to consumer less paper.

Easier said than done but I believe a simple step like printing double sided is a right way to reduce our carbon footprints. Another way to reduce paper consumption is to ‘go digital’. Nowadays with the influx of technologies, society is slowly shifting from using paper to going “digital”. You should too! Take advantage of this digital era when people spend more time on their mobile phones, computers, and Kindles then reading physical books and save paper whenever necessary.

Don’t forget the 3R’s (Reuse, reduce, and recycle).

  • Spread the word

One of the most important aspects is the spread of knowledge: Educating your families, friends, and people close to you is one way you can help contribute to a global change.

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  • Support the local community

Finally, go one step further to shape your “Community and Local Environment” through supporting green initiatives by the government and environmental groups, volunteering or joining activities organised by the groups, participating actively as a citizen to shape government policies.


 

In Conclusion:

Ultimately, work in this area cannot be complete without the full and active support of the nation. To have a city where people and nature co-exist in harmony with the increasing urban growth and development, we will need every level: Government, Business, and Consumer, to play their part to support this cause.  This is the key to long-term success for Singapore’s national heritage.

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