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The 3R - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Is the global warming real? Did Al Gore exaggerate the phenomenon in his recent book, "An Inconvenient Truth"? Are all these natural disasters, whether there be bushfires or earthquakes part of the whole "package"? Read more about it at the official link.

I know one thing for sure that the wealthy countries are overconsuming, using up what the good earth is yielding. I admit I am guilty of this as well. The economy is built upon consumption, and unfortunately, excessive one!

It is not difficult to understand this issue. Take a look at your own room or house. How many pair of shoes do you have? How about set of clothes? How about rings, watches etc? Do we need all of them? I am emphasizing need versus the desire to possess. That "desire to possess" is what the marketeers target.

In short, I am learning to consume as needed versus as wanted. In Singapore, I read about this Singapore Freecycle Network. The email is SgFreecycle@yahoogroups.com. One can join as a member and read about what others want to give away, and what others want. I have put up several offers and they are all taken up within a day or two. This is one good way to recycle what we no longer need.

The best action, according to my EHS (Environment, Health and Safety) buddy is to reduce rather than recycle. It is so very simple, yet so far away from the thought of most consumers.

The question is what about the economic growth? The whole GDP (gross domestic product) is based upon consumption. Without enough consumption, there will not be enough growth to fuel inflation. Profit in company will not rise as fast and investment will not be ploughed in to invest in new technology nor hiring of people. I do not have the answer to many of these issues.

For the time being, I aim to consume less and be a friend of the earth for my kid and her new generation to come. What about you?

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