Singapore should have a machine for exchanging recycle material into points or money

**haofeng9** · 22-10-2009, 05:42 PM

In other country they have a machine in supermarket where the citizen will do their part for the earth by bringing used plastic bottle or newspaper to exchange for point and they can use it to redeem cash rebate etc . I think this is a good idea .. Singaporean would love it.

**Smile&hearts** · 22-10-2009, 06:10 PM

Omgosh really?
Other countries have it?
I think its quite meaningful!
And its a win-win situation for all.
Why not!

**haofeng9** · 22-10-2009, 06:28 PM

bumpzzzzzzzzz

**AhBun** · 22-10-2009, 06:31 PM

totally cool

**haofeng9** · 23-10-2009, 02:11 PM

YA thanks sssss

**Jinsoku** · 23-10-2009, 08:10 PM

In other countries, shops do not give out plastic shopping bags.

In other countries, you have to separate your recyclables from other rubbish for the garbage man or get fined.

Singapore is really not doing a lot for the environment. Just lip service.

**Haley_s** · 24-10-2009, 05:04 PM

totally cool !

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**Chova** · 24-10-2009, 05:07 PM

Yes they should. Why? Because Singaporeans have only 1 motivation in mind, money. Everything we obey is because there's some form of monetary punishment should we break that law. Since this machine would provide us with a monetary prize, it might give the right nudge to Singaporeans here.

PS: I am a Singaporean myself and I am not saying I am not like what I mentioned above.

**vio** · 24-10-2009, 05:08 PM

singapore have.. only no1 bother. karangguni man?

**axio99** · 25-10-2009, 09:51 PM

yes, in some countries, they charge you for plastic bags use and even some of the plastic bags that are sold are those biodegradable kind.

Also, they don't issue plastic bags unless u have 3 items or more.

Singapore is really way behind other developed countries in terms of their green efforts...way behind!

**Sith** · 25-10-2009, 10:12 PM

Good idea. Can earn some pocket money. lol.

**haofeng9** · 26-10-2009, 04:13 PM

Ya .......................... thank try proposal to the MP ???

**opuktun** · 27-10-2009, 01:58 AM

The cash rebate is possible because the seller hike up the selling price.

E.g. $2 product becomes $2.10... $0.10 will be rebated after you return the glass bottle etc.

But we have to consider other economic issues such as the labour to collect these materials and sent it back to the collection point.

The problem of wastage still boils down to individual, as to how he leads his lifestyle. By simply carrying a bag to shopping, you would be reducing your consumption of at least 1 plastic bag.

4.5 million citizens would save 4.5 million plastic bags per individual!

grace_enying · 27-10-2009, 11:24 PM

In other countries, it is a norm to bring our own bags to shop. We leave a 'green' bag in the car, in our bag, in our home...haha it's very normal to not use plastic bags! (given that I lived in Australia in the past)
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I believe that Singapore has its strengths in her recycling efforts. Every Community Centre has a monthly recycling collection date whereby you can exchange 5kg of newspaper/clothes/bottles for a sack of rice, noodles and even tissue paper. For example, Mountbatten CC has an upcoming recycling collection/exchange scheduled on the 30th outside the Mountbatten RC.

[So..do approach and find out what your nearest CC offers for your recyclables! ]

Conversely, other countries have their own strengths in their green efforts that we could learn from as well. One such example is their infused culture of Bring your own bag before you start your shopping trip. However, with the assumption that Singaporeans are busier, lazier and have other priorities in life, it could be hard to make 'bringing your own bag' a norm. Even if stores were no longer to provide plastic bags, surely Singaporeans would make their typical complaints than to obediently bring their own? And, our local stores would surely kiasu-ly provide plastic bags in the dark; in an effort to gain an edge over the other stores which 'obey by the rules'.

What some people proposed was a 'Collect a stamp upon bringing your own bag and redeem a free gift when you collect 10'. However, as a busy Singaporean, I believe that people like myself would rather utilise the free-of-charge plastic bag than to painstakingly remember to bring a space-occupying bag myself.

The culture is hard to change.

Nevertheless, if the current ideology of 'bringing your own bag' is coupled with 'no plastic bags will be provided but environmental bags will be sold', our green efforts could be enhanced. This resulting elimination of selfish requests of plastic bags would hence emphasise the need of Singaporeans to bring their own bag. Stricter regulations could also be imposed on producers (the stores) with regards t the 'ban' of plastic bags. Though not likely feasible, I believe in time to come, this 'ban' could be considered in face of the future crisis of our Earth.

**jasontitan** · 28-10-2009, 12:24 AM

just reported over the news on tv that SG going to import a few machines that actually will take in yr recycle product and in exchange it will issue u a voucher to exchange for products. Which i think is a very very good more towards green SG.

shypineapple · 28-10-2009, 02:41 AM

soon Singapore will have it too. CNA just reported the news yesterday afternoon. ( like what jasontitan has mentioned )

& they plan to make singapore a recycling hub center in Asia in the future too.
GREEN FTW.

**hazeynut** · 29-10-2009, 02:32 PM

i rem having this kind of machine yrs back when im still in sec sch ba (in the late 1990s)...

but somehow it jus disappeared from spore..

its now making a comeback..

check them out at the Hort Park this weekend, there's a clean and green week event there..

**haofeng9** · 30-10-2009, 08:14 PM

YA SO THAT SINGAPORE LAND IS NOT FULL OF RUBBISH

**BRKawy** · 30-10-2009, 08:15 PM

That would be good.

**Dekarine** · 31-10-2009, 01:17 AM

i was kinda excited when i read the newspapers about the machines they're bringing in from Japan! Haha, finally we're starting to go more green.