Lynn Tang-The artful dodgers of Bring Your Own Bag Day

Summary: Although ‘Bring Your Own Bag’ (BYOB) Day was initially slated for the first Wednesday of each month, it has been held every Wednesday to make it easier for consumers to remember the date. BYOB Day was started in April last year to address the issue of the excessive use of plastic bags. This programme involves supermarket chains, they encourage shoppers to donate 10 cents for each plastic bag used and the cost of each bag ranges depending on its size. Many customers had responded positively. However, some customers bought fewer items or decided not to shop when they realised that it was BYOB Day. They felt that BYOB Day is unfair, 10 cents is too expensive a donation to make for a thin plastic bag and everything has already increased in price and GST is so high, hence, the provision of plastic bags should be a service. Also, some customers buy small items on Wednesdays and then ask for big plastic bags. But at least, ever since the campaign was launched, usage of plastic bags had dropped by over 12 per cent.

Comments: This programme allow Singaporeans to know that everybody plays an important in saving the earth. Although not everybody accepted this idea but I generally feel that such programmes should be implemented as to save Mother Earth. As Singaporeans, we should protect our home instead of destroying it. People might not get used to bring an extra bag but soon it would be a habit. Though it will be inconvenient to bring your own bag to supermarkets but a little sacrifice from each of everyone is enough to save the earth. At the same time, we should try ways to save the earth, for example, practise the 3Rs, Recycle, Reuse, Reduce. Start form the easiest, save papers.

Lynn Tang- Junta's aid rules delay Myanmar cyclone relief

Summary: New guidelines adopted by Myanmar's ruling generals are further delaying emergency efforts to deliver aid to regions which were disrupted by the cyclone. The rules, issued on Monday, require UN and other aid groups to receive formal permission from Myanmar authorities to travel and to distribute aid. Delays in the issuing of humanitarian visas and official roadblocks across the worst-hit Irrawaddy delta region have already led to criticisms the Myanmar government was obstructing relief. Township Coordination Committees must also be kept informed. As a result, six weeks after Cyclone Nargis hit, more than one million survivors have still not been reached by foreign assistance.

Comments: The Myanmar government has been criticised as being uncooperative and unfeeling towards its citizens. Many weeks have past, yet many victims remain in their undesirable state of living. Due to it various policies and decisions, the citizens suffer instead. I think Myanmar government should reflect on its decision and start accepting suggestions by other countries and organisations to help its citizens. A leader of a country should put the citizens as first priority and make decisions which will benefit the country as a whole. If not, at the rate the citizens are receiving help, the impact of the cyclone will continue to persist in the near future.