Striding Towards A Greener Future – NTU Recycling Drive

REDUCE, REUSE and RECYCLE are essentially three simple ways we as students can contribute towards managing waste efficiently while preserving the environment. An average person in Singapore generated 1,330 kg of waste which summed up to a whopping 6,898,300 tons in 2011 according to the National Environment Agency. However only 59% of this waste was in turn recycled which is just a 1% increase over the previous year. Nevertheless, it is indicative of an emerging positive trend in the attitude towards recycling and we as students have been taking initiatives in order to support this move towards a sustainable future and must continue to do so.
How did we make a meaningful contribution?
The Recycling Drive by Earthlink NTU was held from 1st December to 12th December 2012. During this event, large wheeled recycling bins were placed at various strategic locations around campus. All we needed to do was to locate these bins and deposit our recyclable waste. Recyclable waste essentially comprises of dry clothes, paper and books. The Recycling Drive 2012 was a phenomenal success with students contributing as much as 870 kilograms of recyclable materials which consisted of 800 kilograms worth of paper and 70 kilograms of clothes. These materials were procured from the strategically placed recycling bins as well as via door to door collection done at the halls of residences. The figures indicate a 30% increase in collection over the previous recycling drive which is synonymous with a remarkable positive change in the attitude of students towards inculcating sustainable methods and their willingness to contribute and make a difference.
How can we do this in future?
The easiest step would be to actively contribute recyclable materials during the Recycling Drive held by Earthlink NTU. It is a biannual event primarily held during the end of the examination period in both semesters, making it an ideal avenue for students to rid themselves of their unwanted notes and papers. In addition, the duration of the event coincides with the start of the vacation where many residents withdraw from their rooms, making it a convenient means of disposing undesirable clothes and accessories. The main objective of the Recycling Drive is to encourage students to sort their waste and contribute to recycling. In short, it aims to increase awareness regarding the significance of incorporating waste management practices in our day to day lives.
The Recycling Drive presents an opportunity for students to involve themselves in recycling as well as to adopt environment-friendly habits. To summarize, waste and how we choose to handle it can have a direct impact on our immediate surroundings and hence, it is paramount that we make an effort to understand and implement the recommended waste management practices.