# data[].attributes.body
point 1 : more education on recycling

if we educate more people on the advantages of recycling, people will understand and learn more about recycling and understand the process behind it. if people do not get why recycling is important, they will not be bothered to even try. Thus more education in schools or talks about recycling will increase in the number of people recycling and is also  a strategy to improve recycling, and inculcate recycling habits .

eg . public speakers coming for talks in schools, government organising booths and activities in community centres or in neighbourhoods . etc

point 2: promotion of how recycling is good for us through public media, radio, tv etc

using public media will allow a larger number of people to understand how recycling can benefit us, some people do not know why we recycle and what good it does, so educating the public would help them see how recycling is beneficial and thus encourage them to recycle more

e.g play clips to show the benefits of recycling on television or public screens or play recorded messages encouraging people to recycle more to do their part and save the earth

# data[].attributes.body
Point 1: citizens can cut down on the use of plastic bags and start using bags made of reusable materials

Evidence (example):

- When going to supermarkets or shops, instead of using plastic bags just to throw them away shortly after, people should bring their own reusable canvas bag to put their groceries inside without wasting unnecessary plastic bags.

- Supermarkets should start charging money for plastic bags in order to make customers think twice before asking for plastic bags. Moreover, shops should encourage customers to use their own bag by offering discounts on items when they use their own reusable bags.

Explanation/Elaboration:

- People often ignore the harm that plastic bags would cause to the environment as they are used to being provided with them for free as well as thinking that plastic bags would automatically be recycled once thrown into the recycling bin. In fact, the plastic bags cannot be decomposed, therefore the more people use plastic bags, the lower the rate of plastic recycling in Singapore.

- If more people decide to bring their own bags to go shopping, there is no need to use plastic bags anymore. In addition, if shops and supermarkets succeed in preventing customers from using plastic bags whether by increasing the charges or offering discounts, it would help decrease the use of plastic bags drastically. Hence, with the contribution of both customers and shops, we will be able to increase Singapore’s rate of plastic recycling.

Point 2:

citizens can raise awareness of other citizens by educating them on the importance of plastic recycling.

Evidence (example):

Governments can use websites on social media to promote plastic recycling and inform citizens of the harmful effects of not recycling and continuous use of plastic materials. In housing development board (HDB) corridors flats, plastic recycling posters can be pasted on the bulletin boards on how to properly recycle plastic into the blue recycling bins and its small ways of making the country a cleaner and better place.

Explanation/Elaboration:

As social media is influencing people’s lives deeply, the government should make use of the platform to raise awareness of the importance of plastic recycling and the reasons why we should recycle and the harmful impact if we don’t take actions sooner. By making websites to promote plastic recycling, this allows the people to understand the importance of recycling plastic properly, the good effect when we recycle the plastic materials and how small actions might even make some change to global warming. A report showed that more than 80% of people living in Singapore stay in a HDB. Therefore, as there is a majority of people living in HDB flats, plastic recycling is needed to put onto bulletin boards so that people that passes by the bulletin board or is interested will be able to see the plastic recycling posters and be educated on plastic recycling.

# data[].attributes.body
Point 1: Educate more people on the importance of plastic recycling

Explanation: Firstly, the rate of recycling for plastic is low largely due to the lack of knowledge on how to recycle properly. However, by spreading awareness on how to properly recycle plastic, it prevents consumers from discarding recyclable plastics as general waste or recycling contaminated plastics in recycling bins. Furthermore, this knowledge will have a ripple effect on consumers as those who have learnt how to properly recycle can influence those who are unsure, overall increasing the rates of plastic recycling.

Example: Citizens with knowledge on plastic recycling can use social media to promote recycling programs or campaigns, such as the “Let’s Recycle Together” campaign launched by Zero Waste SG. By educating more citizens in this way, it increases participation in such programs that share valuable information with citizens about acceptable recyclable materials, increasing the rates of plastic recycling as a result.

Point 2: Use more products made from reusable materials instead of non-reusable plastic products. (e.g. shopping bags and household items)

Explanation: The disposal of one time use materials have been adding unnecessary pollution to the environment and if reusable materials were to be popularized and more utilized, citizens would be able to drastically decrease plastic pollution and use less plastic in general.

Example: For example, whilst shopping for groceries citizens can opt for reusable bags instead of plastic bags when bagging groceries and they can opt for refills when buying detergent instead of purchasing another plastic bottle.

# data[].attributes.body
Point 1:
Public education and advocating for plastic recycling

Describe:
We can promote plastic recycling through by raising awareness on the problem of excessive plastic waste and how plastic recycling can help. We can also teach the public the correct way to recycle.

Explain:
When people understand the need and importance of plastic recycling, they might feel a greater urgency to act on plastic recycling. Understanding how to recycle is also important so as to ensure that recycling is done properly so that the results of plastic recycling is effective.

Examples:
- Posters for public awareness/ online advocacy
- Promoting to family and friends
- presentations in school/ public

Point 2:
Setting up a recycling drive/ donation drive.

describe:
Recycling drives/ points can be where people can leave their used items. It can also be where people can take and reused the used items left there for their own use.

Explanation:
Recycling drives can be set up to encourage the community to recycle more. When people see others actively recycling, they might feel more inclined to do the same. It also encourages the community to reuse instead of buying more and contributing more to plastic waste.

Examples:
- can be set up n void decks/ school

# data[].attributes.body
Point 1:
- Citizens could learn how to recycle plastic items properly and share their ideas to other people

Explanation:
- If the citizens from Singapore are able to understand the concept of recycling plastic correctly, recyclable plastics are able to be recycled instead of it being discarded and adding more litter. Additionally, once the citizens have the knowledge on how to recycle plastic, they could influence their families and friends to have that same knowledge and encourage each other to recycle them properly.
Hence, this concept of educating one another and having social interactions among citizens relating to recycling plastics right will have a significant increase of the rate of plastic recycling

Example:
- Citizens who are interested to learn more about recycling plastics can be taught on how to do so and the reasons behind it by experts or environmentalists . Afterwards, they could share the importance of recycling plastic and how to do it properly to their family and friends. This will prevent any sort of contamination and mismatch of items that can be recycled to be thrown away out of spite.
Not only that but teachers from schools could have an assembly regarding plastic recycling to their students so that they are more aware about recycling the right way. With the knowledge of what they know with plastic recycling, they could  teach their parents and especially grandparents who may not understand the need to recycle plastics at all and how to do so.

Link/Outcome:
- More citizens from all ages would be more motivated  to recycle plastics more because of what is being shared between everybody on recycling plastics easily.  They would also be more cautious when recycling plastics so that they will not recycle the wrong item since there are some plastic which can not be recycled such as plastic wrappers. Hence, increasing the rate of recycling plastic

Point 2:
- citizens could start a campaign or a volunteering group regarding recycling plastics

Explanation:
- People who join the campaign or volunteering groups can connect with each other and show their care and concern regarding recycling. This allows them to find solutions to the problems of recycling plastic in Singapore and teach other people how they can easily recycle

Example:
- People who are in these groups can arrange activities such as going to some places in Singapore such as the beach or park to pick up litter and at the same time, find some recyclable plastic items to recycle. Also, they could discuss their ideas about recycling and what they do to other citizens to inspire others to do the same

Link/Outcome:
- Allows citizens to have a greater bond between each other and with the environment. By picking up litter and having to recycle any recyclable plastic items they come across such as plastic bottles to sharing their concerns or ideas relating to recycling to come up with innovations and solutions to encourage more citizens to recycle plastics more. Hence, increasing the rate of plastic recycling

# data[].attributes.body
Point 1:

Use reusable items instead of plastic unreusable items

Exp:

plastic bags and containers are used a lot in our daily lives and are just thrown away after one use. by using reusable bags, cups, containers, we can decrease the amount of plastic used by a large margin.

Elab:

like when going shopping for groceries, we tend to use many plastic bags when packing our groceries because it is easy and accessible at the supermarket as they give out plastic bags for free and it is very convenient. when we go to hawker centers or restaurants and take away food, we are given plastic containers, and while sometimes they charge a small fee for the take away items like 20 cents, we usually just pay the minor fee and continue using the plastic cups or containers once and throw away. So by changing these plastic products to reusable items, we can reduce on the amount of plastic used as they are replaced by items we will use over and over instead.

Point 2:

Citizens can learn how to recycle plastics properly

Exp:

Most plastics that are recycled are often contaminated as they are not clean or they may not be recycled into the correct recycling bins. Hence, making the plastics unable to be recycled.

Elab:

People generally think that throwing all their waste into recycling bins is considered recycling, but often times the items recycled are unable to actually be recycled as they are not clean or not in the proper bins. Singapore citizens should learn how to wash and clean their recyclables before putting the items into their respective bins labeled with the intended recycled contents. For example in japan, people wash and clean all their recyclable rubbish and then throw plastic, glass, metal, combustable and cardboard waste into five different bins respectively. This helps ensure that all recycled items are clean and not contaminated and that they can be fully recycled.

# data[].attributes.body
point 1: bring your own personal reusable tote bags to supermarkets instead of the disposable plastic one-time use bags provided

explanation:

this will reduce the number of plastic bags wasted unnecessarily

hence the providers of these plastic bags will not have to keep producing more bags and generate even more waste that can potentially be avoided

some people may also tend to use two or three more plastic bags for heavier items in case single plastic bags are unable to withstand and uphold the items

tote bags are of much sturdy, reliable and strong material and hence this will no longer remain a concern, therefore reducing the overall wastage and usage of plastic bags and therefore plastic waste

example:

citizens can purchase their own reusable tote bags or reusable carriers of their choice

supermarkets also sometimes provide free of charge reusable tote bags to customers to further encourage this idea/impose charges on the usage of plastic bags so as to discourage and deter people from using them because money as well as the country’s environment can be saved and conserved sustainably

link/outcome:

more citizens will be able to develop the habit and further integrate recycling and reusing waste that is still usable and may potentially be able to become a frequent standard practice in their lives, changing their lifestyles for a more sustainable future that contributes towards more recycling and less wastage of plastic

point 2: citizens can make an effort and take initiative to bring their own reusable cutlery, utensils or dishes such as cups, bowls, plates, nets, straws etc.

explanation:

less disposable items will have to be produced unnecessarily to increase the wastage of plastic as people will be able to provide their own resources and reuse them numerous times before disposed of

this will also teach people to be more environmentally aware and conservative as they move towards a more self-sufficient and conservative environment where the use of disposable plastic items can be completely stopped

example:

during recess, schools and many of the staff members either encourage or make it a point to bring their own tupperware, containers or cups and request for their food to be packed inside them

during school excursions/camps like outward bound (a camp for secondary 3 students in singapore), instead of being given bento boxes and takeaway food for every meal, students were encouraged to bring their own cutlery and utensils which not only was environmentally friendly but also encouraged responsibility, discipline and initiative which may be a valuable lesson or take away achieved from the camp to discover the importance of reusing, recycling and reducing

famous and renowned cafes in singapore such as starbucks or coffee bean also sell their own brand of cups, bottles and mugs with unique, attractive and appealing designs which encourage and motivate people to use these products whenever they purchase a drink from that respective cafe

link/outcome:

restaurants and eateries can move towards using less and less disposable and wasteful products as people learn to develop the habit of recycling and reusing

# data[].attributes.body
Point 1:

proper disposal

Explain :

properly dispose of plastic waste by segregating it from non recyclable waste, rinsing and drying recycbes and placing plaste waste in recycling bins, instead of general waste bins. individuals can help ensure that plastic waste is recycled instead of ending up in landfills or polluting the environment.

Example:

individuals can segregate plastic waste from non-recyclable waste before disposal, making it easier for waste collectors to collect and recycle the plastic waste. They can also rinse and dry plastic waste before recycling to prevent contamination from food residues or liquids. This ensures that the plastic waste is suitable for recycling and can be effectively processed at the recycling plant. Furthermore, individuals can place plastic waste in recycling bins instead of general waste bins, ensuring that the plastic waste is sent to the recycling plant for processing. This helps reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills, conserving natural resources and reducing carbon emissions.

Link: By proper disposal of plastic waste, individuals can contribute to plastic recycling and help create a more sustainable future for ourselves and future generations.

Point 2:

public education on the importance of plastic recycling

Explain:

One of the reasons why Singapore’s plastic waste is still a problem is the lack of information as to the proper way to recycle, as well as the importance of plastic recycling. Through public education through various initiatives and programmes held in schools, many citizens would be educated in the importance of plastic recycling and be encouraged to participate in recycling efforts. Such initiatives help to spread awareness to uneducated people which will lead to the increase of Singapore’s rate of plastic recycling.

Example:

For example, the NEA runs the nationwide “Say YES to Waste Less” campaign, to drive public awareness of the impact of excessive consumption of disposables and the need for action. Retailers, F&B outlets, supermarkets, hotels, grassroots organisations, schools, and NGOs partner the NEA in this effort to encourage action at points of consumption. This includes prompting customers to opt out of disposable cutlery for their online orders, providing incentives to customers who bring their reusables, and actively encouraging employees to reduce their use of disposables.

Link

Hence, with the information learnt by citizens from such campaigns and other various initiatives, more people will be educated on the need and importance of recycling, leading to an increase in Singapore’s rate if plastic recycling.

# data[].attributes.body
Point:Bringing own reusable bag for shopping

Explain: Low recycling rate-> Implied that Singaporeans are beginning to prioritise their own convenience over the environment

By using reusable bags, it discourages them from producing more plastic waste. Furthermore, with how stores are beginning to charge for plastic bags, this will be seen as beneficial for singaporean as they can save money and protect the environment.

Eg. NTUC (supermarket) charges 10 cents for their plastic bags, this portrays the usage of recycle bags instead of plastic bags as beneficial for Singaporeans, allowing them to cut down on costs when grocery shopping.

Outcome: Thus, this strategy will reduce plastic waste and the public is generally more encouraged to adopt a more an environmentally friendly attitude.

Hence, using reusable bags will increase Singapore’s rate of recycling as the overall plastic waste generated is reduced.

Point:Singaporeans should buy secondhand items and donate used clothes that they are unable to fit in

Ex: Buying secondhand items would allow singaporeans to save more as these items are usually cheaper, so singaporeans are unlikely to be reluctant to do so as they will financially benefit. To add on, donating used clothes

would allow Singaporeans to return back to society instead of contributing to general waste in sg.

Example and outcome: Thrifting is becoming popular among the youth in Singapore with more thrift shops blossoming. This allows thrifting and the buying and donating of secondhand items to be much easier for the general public. Furthermore, with the help of local influencers promoting the new thrift stores, it will increase the number of Singaporeans recycling their used clothes and spread awareness on buying them; since they are the new trend.

Link: Thus with the help of thrift stores and Singaporeans donating used clothes, this will reduce Singapore’s waste while increasing recycling efforts