It’s funny how we have to create a day for something in order to give it a sense of importance. While World Environment Day, commemorated each year on June 5, reminds us to be responsible for our actions on how they can affect the environment, simply being aware is no longer enough. We have to start making positive changes. According to United Nations Development Programme’s Human Development Report released last year, the world has less than ten years to avoid catastrophic change.

Let me put it in perspective for you. You may have noticed the drastic change in KL’s weather patterns for the past few months. The erratic storm in the afternoon that causes massive gridlock jam during rush hour? What we don’t realise is that the problem doesn’t stop here. The domino effect that is happening is staggering.
Tropical storm cause flooding, which in turn causes displacement of people in coastal and low-lying areas. The fact that Malaysia has approximately 4,800km of coastline, where 70 per cent of the population live within 5km of it, makes it a real threat. The Smart Tunnel, which was built primarily to handle the increasing flooding incidents in KL, is already an indication of sorts.

Floods have indirectly contributed to emerging health risks such as Malaria and dengue. Just last year, Malaysia noted an increase in the number of dengue cases where the figure crossed the 1,000 mark for the second time in July, signaling an epidemic.
On an even larger scale, the change in rainfall patterns (and glacial retreat) is slowly triggering water scarcity as water catchment areas come under strain, which then affects access to clean water. It is predicted that within 25 years, half of the world’s population could have problem finding enough freshwater for drinking and irrigation.

Taking a cue from this year’s WED slogan, ‘Kick the Habit! Towards a Low Carbon Economy’, we need to make some adjustments to our lifestyle to reduce carbon emission and global warming. huOur bad habits include wastage of water and energy, the over-reliance on personal transportation, and our love for plastic bags. Each of us generates about 1kg of solid waste per day and 30 percent of that is actually recyclable. Did you also know that TV, if it is plugged in, still uses 10 to 15 percent of energy even when it’s turned off?

To be frank, it’s not going to be easy. In the short term, we have to make sacrifices that might be painful or inconvenient. But that’s only until these new actions have settled to become habits. UNDP Malaysia suggests some new environmentally friendly habits that we can take on.

Buy local
Transporting products from other parts of the world add on to air pollution and greenhouse gas emission. Buy locally made products is a great way to reduce adverse environmental impact and at the same time support the local economy.

Bring a tote
This goes without explaining. Perhaps our local supermarkets should start charging for plastic bags.

Reduce wastage
It’s surprising that not many people take on these initiatives as they also help us save money. It may be as petty as switching off the electrical appliance when not in use, reduce the usage of air conditioners, defrost the freezer regularly or even unplug your mobile phone as soon as it has finished charging. Also, try doing your weekly shopping in a single trip. And do you know that filling your washing machine with a full load saves you water, electricity and washing powder? Common sense, isn’t it?

Buy products made of recyclable materials
Choose products made from recyclable, reusable or refillable material such as paper, aluminum, steel and plastic. If not, the material should ideally be biodegradable. Check product labels for environmental certification such as ISO 14001.

Contrary to popular belief, buying environmentally-friendly products doesn’t necessarily mean having to spend more. ‘There are now locally produced “green” goods such as washing detergents that are price competitive. In addition, if you buy energy saving light bulbs, as another example, you are actually saving money in the long run because you are reducing energy consumption. By buying these products, you are stimulating the demands for green alternatives, which will then reduce the costs of these items,’ says Lilei Chow, communications associate of UNDP Malaysia.

To get you started, you can visit Petrosains’ ‘Grow with Green’ campaign to learn about the harsh effects of global warming and discover ways to conserve Earth. It will explain how melting glaciers have and will continue to affect climate and marine population. As an added bonus to help you kick start your new habit, Petrosains is giving away reusable bags to visitors who purchase four admission tickets.

Similarly, in conjunction with WED, 1 Utama is planning a four-day ‘Go Green’ Shopper Event, which includes activities such as recycling and handicraft workshops, organic food promotion, eco-design competition, save the trees petition and interestingly, a recycling fashion show. Let’s hope the latter is not about dressing up models in rubbish bags.

On top of that, 1 Utama is taking on ‘Go Green’ as a permanent community project, whereby it issues complimentary reusable shopping tote bags to minimise the use of plastic bags and also free ‘Go Green Without Wrapping’ gift tags to discourage the use of wrapping papers. So here’s to my friends — I recycle wrapping paper not because I am cheap. It’s environmentally friendly. Now, I’m just going to skip the wrapping altogether. Some things are more important than appearances.