The article Impak magazine, 2nd Issue on 2008, coming from Department of Environmental Malaysia written by Mr. Piarapakaran Subramaniam, has stole my focus to be understand of the matter related to the sustainable consumption. Sustainable consumption (SC) is defined as the use of services and related products which responds to basic needs and bring a better quality of life while minimising the use of natural resources and toxic materials as well as the emissions of waste and pollutants over the life cycle so as not to jeopardise the needs of future generations. SC received international prominence at the Rio Earth Summit (UNCED) IN 1992 where the Agenda 21 was adopted which higlighted the major course of continued deterioration of the global environment is the unsustainable pattern of consumption and production, particularly in industrialies countries. The action plans alos recommended the implementation of national policy, including the utilisation of the economic instruments such as taxes and deposit refund systems that can influence consumer behavior. What does it mean? It simply means we needs to look at the life cycle of the products and the services. This will lead to more questions such as, how did it come abour? How much impacts does it have on the environment and on carbon emission? Is there anycertification for such products and services? How to get them?This article discuss about the transition of the production way from the cradle to grave approach to the cradle to grave approach. The appropriate way to have a smooth transition approach are by applying the 3R (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle) approach of action which is practical for every household. The actions needed may they apply through the continuous consumer education, carrot and stick approaches, industry participation, policy implementation and sustainable development.
Based on the article, the writer believe the future in our hands. However the awareness towards environment issue may drive and individual to think ahead. If cannot for yourself, do it for your children. The cradle to cradle approach may reduce the carbon emissions, but some may say it is impossible to manage the consumption in such manner. The production area will be the most important area to ensure that the Cradle to Cradle approach moves forwards as the design of products, green manufacturing process with waste reduction is in place plus the recyclable packaging is used. This will help waste management after the use. However, if we let it lose or take it for granted, we may pay a high price for our delay of action. Do your part as the portion of the community, and perhaps with the collective efforts of each other in the planet, it may improve our lifestyle and environment.
For more information, you can go to http://www.doe.gov.my
A simple manual would help. There are thousands of items need to be recycled. How to get people recycle for a long period of time without getting them bored or tired or feeling it as too much of a burden?
ReplyDeleteThe spirit of recycling in our country is very low. This can be seen through the failure of all the recycling campaign initiated by the government of malaysia. From my observation, malaysian are generally less concern about the importance of recycling and they will only do something if it involved penalty or bring about beneficial gain to them. Similarly if the government enforce the ruling of charging a sum of money for the garbage produce and it can be offset by recycling, I think by that time, amount of recycleable material will increase significantly and this will not be seen as a burden by consumer.
ReplyDeleteindeed, environmental sustainability awareness is slow in Malaysia. It is always the case when it involves money, then people will pay attention and participate. I foresee that in future, with the introduction of Border Carbon Adjustment (BCA) very soon by the US, Malaysia will have no choice, but to change drastically.
ReplyDeleteWith the implementation of BCA, ecolabelling, eco auditing, environmental monitoring will be applied intensively. BCA would affect all sectors of imports. The implementation is so great that it will generated a new industry for the environmental industry and environmental education would be essential to all business. Unfortunately, the greatest fear are the disadvantages. can Malaysia be ready to accept BCA? WIll the small sectors be greatly affected? Will our GDP be jeopardised? or is this just one of the ways for US to control the world economy?
Anyhow, Malaysia need to get ready to accept BCA and other environmental changes. Education and awareness are the pre-needs to a sustainable environment.
SOurce: BCA, UNEP
Referring to Dr's comment, by giving the people incentives for recycling can help to encourage people to recycle for long-term period without feeling bored or tired. This can be done by organizing recycling programs monthly. During this time, people can exchange their recyclable materials with money or gifts. Apart from that, by conducting Recycle-bank program in every schools, institutions and offices can help to avoid people from getting bored or feeling burden. In this program, people can send their recyclable materials at their respective places and the incentive (money) will be credited into their Recycle-bank account book. The accumulated money can be withdraw anytime. This program is currently being applied in some schools in Sabah.
ReplyDeleteI can't has idea about malaysia.But i say my opinion about recycling in malaysia whit my information that i saw in these days in here.i think it's so good that people could separate their tarsh in out.But if they really care about this sight of green environment at home too.So malaysia would proud to yourself because of this culture.
ReplyDeleteIn my country this project has enormous effect on society and every body try so hard to upload it.