Readers Response Final Draft

In the article ‘Duo turn plastic waste into a concrete idea,’ Goy (2016) states that BlueRen scientists and co-founders, Wong Chui Ling and Aravind Muthiah, have discovered an environmentally friendly method to convert plastic waste into carbon nanotubes by using different minerals as a catalyst during recycling. This is important as in 2014, 869 000 tonnes of plastic waste was produced in Singapore but only 9% of it was recycled. This figure has remained unchanged since 2001 and BlueRen’s approach has resulted in a 10% yield. The author also states that these nanotubes are lightweight yet durable so it could be used as an additive in concrete making. Carbon nanotubes help to strengthen the concrete thus reducing the use of cement by 30%. The article (2016) mentions that BlueRen has the available technology for efficiently converting plastic waste into carbon nanotubes.

Plastic waste is a growing concern locally due to its slow degradation process, resulting in an increased demand for costly landfills. This growing issue has prompted the government to promote various recycling campaigns in efforts of tackling the ever-increasing plastic waste concern.

As mentioned previously, the main issue that Singapore faces is the available land constraints, prompting the government to venture into offshore landfills. A prime example is the Semakau Landfill that was commissioned on 21^st April 1999, which is the last available landfill and is filling up rapidly. Wee (2015) mentions that Semakau Landfill’s Phase 1 would reach maximum capacity in 2016 and Phase 2 would last till 2035. To sustain the available landfill space, it is of utmost importance that Singaporeans actively practice the 3Rs (reduce, reuse and recycle) and this sentiment is further supported by Murdoch (2008). By reinforcing the above-mentioned practices, it would greatly reduce Singapore’s dependence on landfills, which are costly.

The root of the issue lies with the ever-growing number of plastic waste. Thus, the government has been proactive in encouraging members of the public to maintain adopting recycling practices. For instance, the Zero Waste SG organization has been actively educating the public on campaigns and activities to promote recycling since 2008. However, there is still uncertainty about what should and should not be recycled in the dedicated blue recycling bins. Wee (2017) mentions that recently, Zero Waste SG launched a “Let’s Recycle Together” campaign in which they will be handing out door to door fliers and road shows to share the importance of recycling and the proper usage of the blue recycling bins in the neighbourhoods. Apart from that, the Housing and Development Board (HDB) has started to introduce a dedicated recycling chute at lift landings on each floor to make recycling more convenient as stated in Chin (2013). With the combined efforts of such organizations and the government, this would result in a reduction in the plastic waste disposal.

The positive efforts that have been implemented would certainly aid in this growing concern of plastic waste. However, we should not rest on our laurels and continue to strive to generate innovative ideas, as what BlueRen has exhibited. With the combined efforts of effective recycling practices on the ground-level compounded with the efforts innovative companies, Singapore stands a fighting chance of eradicating the plastic waste problem.

 

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References

Goy, P. (2016, January 11). Duo turn plastic waste into a concrete idea. The Straits Times. Retrieved from http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/duo-turn-plastic-waste-into-a-concrete-idea

 

Murdoch, G. (2008, May 21). Trash and burn: Singapore’s waste problem. Reuters. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/article/us-waste-singapore/trash-and-burn-singapores-waste-problem-idUSSP9046620080522

 

Wee, C. F. (2015, January 19). Biggest rubbish dump grows bigger. The Straits Times. Retrieved from http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/biggest-rubbish-dump-grows-bigger

 

Wee, L. (2017, April 29). New campaign launched to encourage Singaporeans to recycle. The Straits Times. Retrieved from http://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/home-design/time-to-recycle

 

Chin, D. (2013, August 19). Recycling chutes on every floor at 16 BTO projects. The Straits Times. Retrieved from http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/recycling-chutes-on-every-floor-at-16-bto-projects