Apathy towards ‘green’ activities in Tampines visible from “Clean & Green” carnival turnout

As global warming is on the rise, some find it important to adopt the 'green' lifestyle. Events are organised to promote such a lifestyle, but is the message being received?

Stage area at the North East Clean & Green carnival

From the 17^th to the 18^th of November, the “North East Clean & Green Singapore Carnival” took place at Tampines Community Plaza. The carnival was organised by the National Environment Agency (NEA), North East Community Development Council (NECDC) and Tampines Grassroots Organisations (GROs).

The carnival was organised as part of the Clean & Green Singapore (CGS) 2013 campaign, a nationwide initiative organised by NEA for the community. At the North East CGS carnival in 2013, the first ever Environmental Watch Group (E.W.G) will be launched, and volunteers were able to sign up for this programme at this year’s carnival.

The carnival consisted of several stalls set up from different organisations, some of which include the Tampines West YEC Eco Interest Group, Chongzheng Primary School, Tampines West Craft Club, Tampines North Primary School, Homespun, Soap Ministry, Tampines Town Council and NEA.

"Captain Green", NEA's mascot

Despite the fact that NEA expected a turnout of 10,000 people, some of the stall managers have not seen a very satisfactory turnout. One such person is the stall manager for the Eco Interest Group from Tampines West YEC (Youth Executive Committee), 23-year-old Ms Eisha Dadlani.

Ms Eisha Dadlani at the Tampines West YEC Eco Interest Group stall

“The turnout could have been better, it’s been rather quiet. We wanted to encourage youths to join because we feel that the youth of today don’t know much about conservation,” said Ms Dadlani.

Their Eco Interest Group was invited to take part in this carnival through their CC. They participate in activities such as Earth Day, and have workshops where they teach attendees to make arts and craft from recycled products.

However, they would still like to take part in this carnival in the future. “We don’t have that many members right now, and hope to spread awareness about our group and the activities we do,” commented Ms Dadlani.

Ms Samihah (far right) with her students and co-stall manager

Ms Samihah Bte Abdul Kader, stall manager and teacher for Tampines North Primary School’s Eco-club, also believes that the turnout could be better. She said: “I think people take it (the environment) for granted. We need to send out more information and messages. There need to be a sense of urgency to start now.”

When asked what activities the Eco-club conducts to do their part for the environment, she mentioned: “We come up with activities and strategise on how to be more environmentally friendly.”

Ms Trina (right) with her colleague at the Homespun booth

Ms Trina from Homespun, who was there to demonstrate how to make flowers from pandan leaves, also faced a similar situation. “The turnout was ok, but not many people take part. I think they like they to do, but they observe or walk away,” she said.

From left to right, Ms Sherry Han, Ms Afrina and Ms Sih-Zau Leong

Chongzheng Primary also had a stall at the carnival, which was manned by three students and one teacher. Ms Sih-Zau Leong, one of the 10-year-old students has observed this lack of participation and interest in green activities. She said: “We have a rooftop garden in school, but quite a lot of students from our school haven’t been there yet.”

Ms Peggy Ong (left) with Ms Elaine, co-owners of Soap Ministry

On the other hand Ms Peggy Ong’s views differ from the others’. “We’ve had a very good turnout, people who come to our stall have been very enthusiastic to learn about how they can make their own soap with natural ingredients,” commented the co-owner from Soap Ministry.

The E.W.G was first initiated by Punggol North in February this year. The focus of that event was to educate dog owners on the importance of cleaning up after their dogs. Punggol Oceanus RC has won the CGS award for Best Team Effort in the North East district.

                                          A band performing at the North East Clean & Green Carnival 2012  

Check out my photo gallery for more pictures from the event.