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A FAMILY can save $100 a year just by switching off their appliances rather than leaving them on standby.
This and other green messages are going out to the heartland, as part of a campaign launched yesterday to show people how they can do their part to combat climate change.
The aim is to promote energy conservation in households and at the same time show residents how that can translate into savings on utility bills, said Mr Lim Biow Chuan, an MP for Marine Parade GRC.
'We want to keep the message simple, so it is easily remembered by all residents - that reducing energy usage will help them save on utilities cost.
'The message must translate into action for energy to be saved. We hope it will ultimately become part and parcel of their lives,' he said.
He urged residents to take public transport instead of driving, or use fans instead of air-conditioners.
The campaign was launched by Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong in conjunction with the celebrations of the Mountbatten Town Carnival 2008.
Residents joined in the festivities, which included a multi-generation lookalike contest and a cooking competition.
The opening ceremony of a new PAP Community Foundation kindergarten at Block 51, Old Airport Road was also held after the launch.
Over at South West Community Development Council, an event was launched designed to show residents how to cut down on their carbon emissions. It included tips like setting air-conditioners at 25degC and switching to energy-efficient light bulbs.
The event was attended by Dr Amy Khor, mayor of South West District, and guest of honour Yaacob Ibrahim, Minister for the Environment and Water Resources.
Said Dr Khor: 'As individuals, we can slow down the devastating repercussions (of climate change) by taking steps to reduce carbon emissions and making a conscious effort to lead more sustainable lifestyles.'
At the event, residents saw first hand how energy can be saved.
Teachers Joan Chua, 51, and Kang Poh Sim, 50, who live in Bukit Batok, were commended for recycling 247.7kg of paper over six months last year. They said they kept their junk mail, old telephone directories and unwanted paper for recycling.
'Recycling comes easily to us, as we were brought up not to waste food and things,' said Ms Chua, who has recycled for more than 10 years.
janeng@sph.com.sg
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