The term ‘sustainability’ may no longer be an alien to the world citizens. Many, if not most would easily define sustainability in a lay men term as sustaining the world for the next generation or even simply as taking only what you need without destroying the natural resources. A much comprehensive definition would say that sustainability is when we act in harmony with social, economical and environmental components. Either definition is acceptable. Most likely we all know what this sustainability propaganda is all about, we have radio and television advertisements, posters here and there. However, when the question ‘How sustainably Malaysian community as a whole act in their daily lives?’ arise, we can only remain silent with bulging wide eyes.
The fact that we have long way to go before being a sustainable nation is beyond doubt. It is evident from our daily life. I am sure you can still see people throwing rubbish everywhere except into the trash bins or notes being photocopied single sided, and mouths that can never say ‘NO’ to plastic bags. Sadly, I have personally seen people sucking a can drink with three straws at a time. Every single day I witness people wasting their food like nobody’s business. Even worse, people leave their hostel rooms with lights and fans on, coming back hours later and give lame excuses for their atrocious attitude. The behaviour of these people is so sickening that can it actually propagate my cancer cells.
To your surprise these group of people which I have seen are all scholars. But the education system seems to have failed to eradicate their poor mentality. These offenders are behaving in such a way not because they don’t know how to act sustainably but they don’t want to, neglecting their responsibilities, not realising how ‘sinful’ they can be.
For some misinformed people, sustainability is all about tree hugging, campaigning on conservation of penguins and turtles population and being environment conscious is not ‘cool’ at all. If these ignorant creatures refuse to take a paradigm shift we may need to campaign on conservation of human population very soon.
Carrying a cloth bag, your own food container, avoiding the use of aerosol, using the public transport and bicycles and reusing rain water are all examples of tiny things that we can do to be more sustainable. Kitchen waste can be separated and composted to reduce garbage level and electrically gadgets can be used more wisely to consume less energy. Ironically, we have known these for many years, but seldom put into practice because the “Why should I?” attitude. This cheap mentality prevails among both the younger and older generation.
On the other hand, we have a handful group of people struggling to encourage and inspire the community to act sustainably. And yes, their effort is a success to some extent.
The knowledge on importance of sustainability has been partially passed on, but most importantly, very few are moved to act in a sustainable way. We all want a brighter future for the next generation and as a responsible member of the community we would not want to diminish the natural resources. At least, we don’t expect to live inside an oxygen tank in the next 50 years!
The change in the world will only manifest if you yourself become the change agent as Mahatma Gandhi said “You must become the change you want to see in this world”. These words are indisputable.
Let me share my own experience with you. I have been bugging my mother to carry a market basket while shopping rather than using plastic bags for more than three years but nothing worked. She was reluctant, complained that it was troublesome and that people will stare at her as though she is a mad woman. She will collect plastic bags from each and every stall just because it is given for free of charge. But things started to change when I went shopping with her. Whenever I go shopping with her, I will try reducing the number of plastic bags by arranging the shopped items compactly or just carry it by hand. Now, she herself started to say no gradually to plastic bags while she is shopping. Although, it is not a drastic change, one good change will lead to another.
If you would like to act sustainably but you don’t know where to start let me suggest some simple things you can
do.
- If you are eating outside choose to eat at the outlet itself rather than packing. Adopt a ‘clean plate’ habit, spam lower.
- If you still need to pack, use your own food and drink containers.
- Save paper, think before your print. Use recycles papers to print drafts.
- Walk, cycle and use public transportation more often. If you are driving, drive slowly if there is no urgency, this will reduce fuel consumption.
- Turn of the tap while you’re brushing your teeth and turn of the shower while you’re shampooing. (The amount of water wasted can fill 25 large water bottles of starving dehydrated kids in Zambia. So, every time you tend to waste water think of these kids.)
- Don’t use screen savers. Turn off or blank your monitor when not in use.
- Buy products which you will use for a long time. Avoid disposable items.
- Use electronic facilities to store and read documents
- Practice the 4Rs- Refuse, Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. (Adapted from; USM White Coffin Project)
Someone once said “The earth’s pathway is full of thorns, we cannot cover the entire earth with carpets, but we can always wear a pair of slippers to protect our foot”. So, don’t worry if you can’t change the whole world, become the change agent then. The changes will radiate and transform, as a result more people will slowly but surely follow our journey to create a better world. Change, change and change for betterment of the earth and mankind should be the’ mantra’ of life.
No comments:
Post a Comment