SINGAPORE: Planting trees, developing new parks, reducing carbon emissions. These are all efforts being made by the Singapore government to push on with their green initiatives. On Saturday, those responsible for assisting the city-state in creating a “greener Singapore” were recognized at the “Tress for Life” and Gardeners' Cup Awards ceremony in the country. Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman, the senior Parliamentary Secretary for National Development and Defense, showed his gratitude and support for the people who had come together in art and creativity to creating and enhancing the physical greenery across the island. It is all part of Singapore's creation of new public spaces that aim to make the city-state, one of the leading carbon producers globally, a more green city. “This vision is not just about enhancing the physical greenery all over our island. It is also about harnessing the energies of Singaporeans to better appreciate our greenery and to nurture a gardening culture,” he said. Osman also praised the efforts of the numerous groups in the city who have used their tools for good, increasing the city's green spaces for all to use, he said. He related how “helping the environment can also affect others to help their fellow neighbors in their communities.” The deputy also urged youth to continue to become involved in greening Singapore, arguing that as the future of the country, they are “vital” to the future success and continued development of the city. He said he hoped they “will start to cultivate a keen sense of appreciation for greenery from young so that they can carry on and develop the spirit of the green culture.” The “Trees for Life” art competition for youth was also commended by him as he thought it allowed them to be creative and also be educated about trees. Later this year, on September 2, the city will host a massive sustainable living event, dubbed “Singapore G1," it is the largest environmentally-sustainable lifestyle event and will see 15,000 participants taking part in the various activities such as a walkathon that will start from two MRT stations – Lavender and Stadium and end at Marina Barrage – a soapbox derby exhibition where the public can drive the green “karts" around the Marina Barrage and a showcase of music performances and photography exhibition. Members of the public will also have the opportunity to try out the new Nissan Leaf, the world's first mass-produced 100 percent electric vehicle. The National Climate Change Secretariat will also be showcasing the key elements of the National Climate Change Strategy document and Singapore's plans to address climate change through a “whole-of-nation approach." The project also aims to demonstrate to event organizers and corporations that it is possible to hold events that are carbon neutral, and generate little waste following the SEC's example of minimal use of posters and banners as well as placing recycling bins in the event arena so water bottles used by participants are recycled. “Thousands of events are held in Singapore each year and as the lead organization which champions the environmental cause, we feel it is absolutely critical for the SEC to take the lead in demonstrating how events can be organized with as minimal waste as possible. More importantly, it can be cost effective as well," said SEC's executive director Jose Raymond.
