Recycling Disposable Bottles
The recent article about reusing disposable bottles came as a shock to my family; we’ve been reusing them for as long as I can remember. We knew the hazards of bacteria-infested bottles, so conscientious efforts were taken to ensure the bottles are cleaned properly. But we face Catch-22 situation when experts found that heat and scrubbing will release a cancer-causing chemical from the plastic.
Disposable bottles hold sentimental values for me: they are one of my most indispensable accessories during my school years. I once had a favourite mineral water bottle which I brought to school everyday for two years, until it was tragically decommissioned by the wheels of a passing Mercedes.
After reading the article, I wonder how many colonies have faecal coliform formed in my body and how much DEHA I’ve absorbed, no thanks to my favourite mineral water bottle. Out goes my treasured collection of plastic bottles.
Experts recommended that consumers consign disposable bottles to the recycling bin and buy a bottle properly designed to store water. Singaporeans will be more than glad to follow their advice; we’re affluent enough to care more for our health than a few dollars.
However, it created a dilemma for environmentalists like me. We would like to stay healthy and save the environment at the same time, but recycling bin is a rarity in Singapore. It’s so rare that ENV can list all the public recycling collection points on its website. This is in stark contrast with the large number of garbage bins around the island.
Waste statistics show that the recycling rate has improved slightly from 1996 to 2002, but I believe we can achieve better results. Although increasing the number of recycling bins will help the cause, the key factor is education.
ENV has a good recycling programme using 3 R’s: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. Sadly, none has been organised since 1999.
ENV should work with MOE to implement a recycling programme in schools. Annual drives will not work; we need a long term recycling programme to instil the habit of recycling in young children.
Singapore is just a tiny state on the map. Land resources are as essential to us as water resources. It’s time to act on the issue of recycling now.