How Can the Individual Contribute to the Solution of Environmental Problems?

Every day, thousands of people look at newspapers and magazines that scream out various headlines. Politics, military conflicts and financial crises invariably take priority in most major dailies. However, in recent years, the media have started to expose another crisis that has reared its ugly head and cast a dark cloud of uncertainty over the future of the earth. Environmental problems are now in the limelight and recognized as a global concern.

When confronted with environmental issues, many people shrug them off as "none of my business" or "I can't do anything". Such prevalent attitudes stem primarily from ignorance or feelings of inadequacy. Frank Judd, Director of Oxfam, said "Whether we like it or not, we are all locked into one international community, strategically, economically and environmentally". Therefore, we must realise that environmental problems affect all mankind and everyone has a social responsibility to protect the earth.

With regards to feelings of inadequacy, many individuals have the notion that their `insignificant' contribution has negligible effect on global conditions. They have the misconception that only governments and multi-national corporations have the authority, funds and manpower to solve such problems. However, basically, every human being has contributed in one way or another to environmental problems. People have yet to realise also that. the impact caused by a concerted effort is tremendous. If we want. a healthier, better Earth, we should each play our part in this mammoth task.

Environmental protection can start at home. Individuals can get their family members to be more environment-consicous. One of the main environmental problems concerns the depletion of the ozone 1ayer which is a vital screen that shields the, earth from dangerous ultra-violet radiation from the sun. Chemicals like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) deplete the ozone layer and people exposed to the radiation can get skin cancer and eye cataracts, and damage to crops and the ecosystem will be severe. Many products 1ike insecticides, deodorants, shaving foam and hairsprays come in aerosol form which usually contain CFCs as propellants. Individuals can use their collective purchasing power to boycott. such products and force manufacturers to produce environmentally -safe goods. Individuals cam purchase aerosols using chemicals 1ike hydrocarbons as propellants instead.

Global warming or the greenhouse effect is another major problem caused by the release of mainly carbon dioxide into the atmosphere chiefly through industrial activity 80% of the world's power stations burn fossil fuels to generate electricity and this releases an estimated 5-6 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide annually. Individuals can help by reducing their energy consumption by switching off unnecessary lights and appliances in their homes. It is calculated that if 60 million people were to switch off one light in their homes, it would prevent 20 million tonnes of carbon dioxide from reaching the atmosphere. They can also switch to using more energy-efficient appliances in their homes.

Today's affluent society permits many people to have their personal transportation. However, the fuel consumption of vehicles is another carbon dioxide culprit as every litre of fuel consumed could add 1 kg of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere. Individuals can switch to public transport like buses and underground railway systems like Singapore's MRT to help reduce global warming.

At home, individuals can protect the environment by observing some simple rules. When disposing of obsolete appliances like refrigerators and air-conditioners, they can ensure that they are properly disposed of as the chemicals of the cooling agents, usually containing CFCs, may escape into the atmosphere. Individuals can curb the habit of readily throwing away things as it would only worsen the rubbish dumping problem. If possible, alternative uses can be found or they can be recycled through proper recycling facilities. Rubbish that is disposed off must be secured in garbage bags as rotting rubbish produces methane that contributes to the greenhouse effect.

On a wider scale, individuals can help to create awareness of environmental problems wherever they area. They can help to organize campaigns designed to raise the 1evel of environmental awareness in people. In campaign saturated places like Singapore, this may seem like a cliche, but. by organising events 1ike Earth Day, individuals can help promote pro-environment attitudes among other people.

Other actions 1ike lobbying the government for more 1egis1ative acts that protect the environment, patronizing shops that. are environmental-conscious 1ike the Body Shop all help to contribute towards the solution or environmental problems.

In conclusion, individuals can do a tremendous lot in contributing to the solution of environmental problems provided that they have a clear vision and the tenacity of purpose. Each person must do his or her part, lest later generations accuse us of culpable negligence.