Dear Friends,
OVERVIEW
“The Fine Line of Responsibility: Balancing Work and Environmental Stewardship”
Photo on the right: Industrial site scattered with cable ties everywhere.
Why aren’t contractors bound by stricter regulations? Common items like cable ties and other typical litter can often be found at public events, particularly in the vicinity of construction sites. Furthermore, industrial discharge contains a large number of hazardous chemicals and pollutes our drinking water which inturn affects our health and the welfare of citizens. It is imperative that relevant authorities impose substantial penalties to deter these irresponsible actions. We must not shirk our responsibility and leave others to clean up our mess; it simply is not right. As the title suggests, there exists a delicate balance between one’s professional duties and their obligation to protect the environment. There is a nuanced relationship between one’s job and their duty to protect the environment.
To effectively combat industrial pollution, which affects our water and land ecosystems, a multifaceted approach is essential. To address industrial pollution (in water and on land) there are facets of ways to tackle issues like this. These include education and training, sustainable practices, and most importantly responsible waste management plans. From a fiscal perspective, there is a pressing need for stricter clean site policies to be imposed to ensure that our environment is well protected, as well as live up to our title of being a clean and green nation. Expectations should not be set forth for just individuals (such as heavy fines etc), but also for industrial (construction etc) and corporate companies (event planning etc.). Everyone, no matter the background, needs to bear the responsibility and adhere to stringent environmental standards.
In this way, we can collectively work towards a cleaner and more sustainable future, where both individuals and industries share the commitment to preserving our environment.
To add on:
We supported the PTO Tour and were featured. The 2023 PTO Asian Open to be held in Singapore. This was the first-ever PTO Tour event in Asia.
It would be nice to always view such Waterways clean and safe.
Summary of Activities conducted for the Week
In summary, the following activities were done for this week:
- We conducted 7 CSR and 2 VIA programs which were attended by 284 participants, and together they collected a total of 324 kg of litter. It was a hectic week for us.
- This week a total of 102 members were involved in CSR/VIA programs, talk, patrols, administration, housekeeping duties, and training.
- The total trash collected by the patrol groups was 49 kg.
- Boat Patrol. 2 boat patrols were carried out; 2 at Marina, and 1 at Punggol.
- Bike Patrol. A total of 4 Bike patrols were carried out; 2 at Marina, 1 at lakeside, and 1 at Punggol.
- Pedal boat Patrol. A total of 2 Pedal Boat Patrols were carried out 1 at Marina and 1 at lakeside.
- Foot Patrol. 1 foot patrol was carried out at Pang-Sua Pond.
Once again, we sincerely thank all members and volunteers, who came for patrol or for facilitating the CSR/VIA programs, for your time and dedication to the task. Without your support we would not have been able to achieve this. Special mention to the teachers of Pathlight who came down in strength to participate in our kayak cleanup programme. Three cheers to the teachers, students and our facilitators! Young and old, we all must care for our environment.
ACTIVITIES AND REPORT
1. Educational Programmes
2. Volunteer Patrols & Activities
a. Marina
b. Punggol
c. Lakeside
d. Pang Sua Pond
