1. 《LIFE+》Magazine
  2. 《LIFE+》Magazine Issue List
  3. Spring 2023 Issue
  4. Small actions, big impact
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    05 March 2023
    There has been a sharp increase in the awareness of environmental issues and climate change in recent years. This has driven fundamental changes in lifestyle and personal consumption. The growing momentum of sustainable behaviours must continue to effect lasting and meaningful change. However, as the world celebrates a return to normal’, environmental concerns have taken a backseat to vacation vengeance, revenge spending, determined feasting and more. Who isn’t figuring out how to make up for lost time? In 2021, global greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) rebounded 6.4 percent in 2021 to a new record, and increased again in 2022, according to data from IMF’s Climate Change Indicators Dashboard and the Global Carbon Project, respectively.

    The creation of a ‘new normal’ presents a historical opportunity to rewrite our environmental future. We can’t just go back to consumerism and mass consumption habits. If the pandemic taught us one thing, it is that our individual actions and decisions, however small, do affect the environment and contribute to climate change. In other words, we have the power to impact our environment. The idea of a green or sustainable lifestyle can feel intimidating, but you can make a big impact with some small actions. We can define our ‘new normal’ as a more responsible way of living.
    “Simple habits are easy to form and to integrate into any lifestyle."

    “Simple habits are easy to form and to integrate into any lifestyle,” explains Ir Priscillia Wong, Vice-chair of ESG Sub-committee - Planet of Chinachem Group. “But when practiced consistently and multiplied by millions of people, they add up to big results. They also help create a strong culture of environmental care and proactive response to climate change.” Ir Wong adds, “The author Robert Collier put it best. He said, ‘Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out’. It applies to our personal and professional pursuits, as well as to protecting our planet and its people.”

    She has also suggested some simple habits we can adopt right now, both at home and at the workplace:

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    Choose energy-efficient appliances
    - When replacing appliances, e.g., refrigerators, washing machines, select energy-efficient ones by referring to EMSD’s Energy Efficiency Labelling Scheme or the US EPA’s ENERGY STAR. Grade 1 is the best choice

    Reduce energy consumption
    - Switch off/ Unplug equipment and appliances when not in use, such as switch off computers when leaving office
    - Set sleep mode for equipment and appliances e.g., computers and printers
    - Use LED bulbs
    - Wash clothes in cold water as far as possible
    - Adopt natural ventilation inside a building as far as possible

    Save paper

    This era of digital technologies has presented numerous opportunities for individuals to save paper:
    - Opt to receive digital bank statements
    - Reduce printing and provide recycling boxes to collect single-sided paper for reuse
    - Set two-sided printing as the default
    - Avoid using wrapping papers for gifts
    - Use hand dryer / towel instead of paper towel

    Reduce Carbon
    - Select low-carbon food, e.g., more vegetables and eat less meat
    - Select food from sustainable sources, e.g., MSC certified sustainable seafood
    - More planting
    - Consider electric vehicle when purchasing private car

    Save Water
    - Turn off the tap while soaping or brushing teeth
    - Fix leaks and dripping taps promptly
    - Use greywater, eg. water used to rinse vegetables can be used to water plants
    - Install high efficiency water fixtures with lower flow rates
    - Install sensory water taps and dual-flush toilets to reduce water use

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    Manage waste wisely

    Rethink
    - Think thoroughly before purchasing excessive stuff or throwing something away
    - Avoid ordering excessive food, and take away leftovers
    - Consider purchasing near-expired food if consume within a short period of time

    Reduce
    - Fill a reusable water bottle instead of buying bottled water
    - Avoid purchasing overly packaged food
    - Bring your own shopping tote and reusable dishware, e.g., food containers and coffee cups

    Reuse
    - Repurpose unused/ waste stuff to upcycled products
    - Use old toothbrushes for cleaning
    - Donate old clothes, toys, etc. to charities, or turn old clothes into cleaning rags

    Recycle
    - Locate your nearest recycling facilities, e.g., GREEN@COMMUNITY collection points, to recycle your plastics, glass bottles, small electrical appliances, and others

    Start small, start simple, just start!
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