A collection of small changes can lead to big results, for better or for worse.
It is never too late to start.
WHY SHOULD YOU CARE?
Consumption Of Plastic
Consumption of plastic
In Singapore, we consume 1.76 billion
plastics items each year
Singapore Environment Council, 2018
In Singapore, most plastic waste gets incinerated. The ash will then be deposited in Semakau Landfill. However, the landfill is expected to run out of space by 2035.
Food Waste
In 2019, Singapore produced approximately 744 million kilogram of food waste. That is equivalent to 2 bowls of rice per person everyday and also the weight of 51,00 double decker buses!
National Environment Agency, 2020
Food waste affects Singapore’s food security since we import over 90% of our food supply. When food is wasted, we need to source more food to meet the demand. This also means more energy is needed to produce and transport the food and to dispose of the food waste safely.
Water Pollution
In 2019, cigarette butts and plastic bottles were the top 2 most collected marine waste in Singapore, amounting to just below 13 thousand pieces. This number equals to almost one-tenth of the total marine waste collected in Singapore.
Ocean Conservancy, 2020
Marine waste is often found in oceans and seas - homes to our precious marine biodiversity. Furthermore, although water pollution may not damage our health instantly, it can be harmful after long term exposure. These negative effects can range from acid rain to even eating fish with trash inside them.
Threats To Biodiversity
Globally, up to 1 in 8 species are threatened with extinction. (United Nations, 2019) To put things into context, 5000 flora and fauna in Singapore are at risk of extinction.
National Parks Board, 2018
Protecting our natural ecosystem and the biodiversity living within it is integral in supporting Singapore's journey to fight climate change. A healthy ecosystem requires the vast diversity of flora and fauna living in it to maintain it.
Global Warming
In the worst-case greenhouse gas emission scenario, Singaporeans can experience a temperature increase of up to 4°C by 2080.
Straits Times, 2021
The sea level in Singapore rose at a rate of 1.7mm per year between 1975 and 2009. As a low-lying island with about 30% of our island being less than 5m above the sea level, this poses an immediate threat to the country.
Ministry Of Sustainability And The Environment, 2015
Aedes mosquitoes, carriers of dengue, breed and mature at a higher rate during warmer temperatures. With the increase in temperature, Singaporeans have a higher chance of contracting dengue.
National Environment Agency, 2021
Human actions contribute to global warming. This can affect a tropical island-nation like Singapore more so as temperatures rise, sea levels rise and vector-borne diseases (e.g. Dengue) spread more rapidly.
Human actions contribute to global warming. This can affect a tropical island-nation like Singapore more so as temperatures rise, sea levels rise and vector-borne diseases (e.g. Dengue) spread more rapidly.
WANT TO HELP THIS CAUSE?
55% OF YOUTHS WHO HAVEN’T VOLUNTEERED WOULD DO SO IF GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY.
If you are one of them, here are some of the many initiatives from Youth Corps Singapore where you can learn, volunteer, lead and connect while supporting the cause of the Environment!
Cleaning Up
Awareness
TIPS FOR SAVING THE ENVIRONMENT
WHAT ARE YOU DOING THIS WEEK?
DON’T SAY WE BOJIO!
Here’s an open invitation to join Benjamin Kheng (@benjaminkheng) and Pamela Lee Nur Shuhadah (@leeshuhadah) on their volunteering journey.
INTERESTED IN OTHER CAUSES?
Subscribe to Youth Corps's Telegram Channel for more volunteering opportunities!
HEAR WHAT OUR VOLUNTEERS
HAVE TO SAY!
About Youth Corps Singapore
Youth Corps Singapore champions for youth volunteerism. We believe that the passion of youth can help to build a socially inclusive and sustainable society. We provide a range of meaningful opportunities for youth to learn, volunteer, lead and connect to serve the community.
