We are Singaporeans.
Everyone of us...
What does that mean?
It means. Anything that has gone right, and WRONG. It's our fault.
We voted. Not only about politics, that's included. But... We vote with our dollars and our time, and what we do.
It's everyone's fault. We are a collective bunch.
I read a lot about Americans who hate Trump. But remember, he won the election. So enough Americans want him as their President. Remember this next time you visit the USA.
I read a lot about Americans who want gun control laws. But remember, there are a lot of powerful companies in USA which support the Government to keep guns free for the masses. And how do these companies becomes powerful? Well... demand. There are enough people who want guns to keep these companies in business. And so... people have voted with their dollars.
In Singapore, I hear many complaints about the Government. But remember... around 70% voted for the current Government. Meaning, there are more people who want the existing Government than another.
Climate change? It's our fault too.
I think there are a significant number of people who believe in climate change. The problem is, no one knows what they can do about it, and no one wants to give up anything, they like their daily habits, they like their conveniences, etc.
Who's willing to do any of these?
These are some of the best ways to reduce our carbon footprint as an individual.
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/7-instant-ways-to-reduce-your-carbon-footprint_b_59321992e4b00573ab57a383
7 Instant Ways To Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
1. Stop Eating (or Eat Less) Meat. The single most effective action you can take to combat climate change is to stop eating meat.
Greenhouse gas emissions from agribusiness are an even bigger problem than fossil fuels.
Yea right, who's going to stop eating meat right.
2. Unplug Your Devices.
You might be surprised to learn that all electronics suck energy when they’re plugged in, EVEN IF they’re powered down. In the U.S. alone, “vampire power” is responsible for draining up to $19 billion in energy every year.
This is electricity wasted doing absolutely NOTHING.
3. Drive Less.
Easy to say, hard to do. What? Do they expect me to cycle?
4. Don't Buy “Fast Fashion”.
Easy for most frugal people. But many people buy cheap clothes and throw away when they feel like it, cos it's cheap so no pain in throwing away. Also, when fashion goes out of season, companies just destroy large quantities of residual stock.
5. Plant a Garden.
Who has the time for this right?
6. Eat Local (and Organic).
More expensive. Even in Paris, the local farmers market is more expensive than supermarkets.
7. Line-Dry Your Clothes.
Easy to do, but some people want instant dry clothes.
But no... we don't want to do these. Even within the community of folks who talk about climate change, I know people who buy stuff. Just pointless stuff, which I know will just sit on the shelf. And each of these STUFF, is an indication of demand, means the producer will produce more of it, and waste more resources.
They love to travel and eat out. They love taking cab/Uber...
Now remember... if THESE people... who are supposed to be concerned and aware about climate change cannot or are unwilling to give up their conveniences. Then what about the other people who aren't really passionate about climate change?
(I'm not talking about climate change deniers. I know people who accept climate change. I think many people do, but they just don't want to make any changes to counter it.)
When supermarkets want to charge for plastic bags, there was public outcry. That's voting with your voice. And the public has spoken. There are more people who want free plastic bags than people who don't.
Everything you do. You are voting.
If you work 5 days a week instead of 4 days a week. That's cos enough people has voted that they are willing to work 5 days a week. Can you imagine if 70% of the population wakes up tomorrow and tells their boss/employer, you know what, I'm just going to take leave on Friday forever from now on. Of course this wouldn't work if only 10% of the population did it. But this is the same as all the other scenarios I mentioned above.
You see... we ARE the WORLD, we ARE Singapore, we ARE climate change, we ARE consumerism.
We have voted for it. We voted for Netflix, Apple phones, Facebook, plastic bags, Monsanto.
We vote to be ignorant and buy stuff based on what companies tell us that we "need". We vote with our dollars and buy into consumerism.
Can you imagine what the world would be like if we had well informed rational consumers?
Our current society has become exactly what we want it to be. If you don't think that the current society represents you? Then you're the minority.
Everything else, is just an excuse.
We have voted for the world/society, that we want, as a collective number of People after taking into account our costs and conveniences and any other considerations.
Example,
I MUST go to work by train, cos... how else can I go to work?
Cycle, but most people won't. You have voted for convenience.
I'll end off with this short clip.
Just start watching at 1:45 the starting isn't important.
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