AsiaIsGreen (AIG) is a brand new online green resource guide for Singapore and Asia, created by Green Future Solutions (GFS). GFS is a Singapore-registered business founded by Eugene Tay (that’s me) and provides consultancy services to help its customers:

• Find practical ways of reducing the waste of energy, water and material
• Develop business strategies for going green
• Conduct small-scale environmental projects

We have been working on the website for the past two months and we think we are ready for its live testing. We are still new so do join us on this learning journey to create a green future at www.AsiaIsGreen.com.

We understand that Asia faces great challenges in protecting its environment as it develops economically. The people in Asia are beginning to be aware of their impacts on the environment and they wish for economic prosperity without harming the planet. Is it possible to see a future where Asia is green?

We do not hope that Asia is green and we have given up that hope because when hope dies, action begins. We have decided to take action to create a future where Asia is green and AIG is our small contribution towards that future. A green future for Asia is not a dream but a responsibility to Nature and our children.

AIG provides a wide range of resources for you to increase your awareness and understanding of the environment in Singapore and Asia, and to inspire you to take action. AIG is not only for Asians but for everyone around the world who wish to see a greener Asia. A green future for the world would be impossible without the participation of Asia.

We acknowledge that there are people in Asia who will not have access to AIG or who cannot afford the products and services shown in AIG. We do not pretend to have all the answers in AIG to create a green future for Asia. But we know that we have to take action now with whatever limited resources available. Learn more. Take action. Spread the message. Do what we can.

Check out AsiaIsGreen now.

After watching Prime Minister Lee’s National Day Rally speech, what stuck in my mind was not the increase in CPF interest rates, nor was it the Home Improvement Programme or Punggol 21-plus. The image that lingered in my mind was the part when PM Lee got emotional and was trying hard not to drop tears when speaking about education. More precisely, he was recalling an email by MP Seng Han Thong on Mayflower Primary School, their can-do and never-say-die spirit, the students who performed confidently on stage, and their proud parents and grandparents.

His voice was wavering but he said it with his heart, “Whichever school you go to, whatever home background you come from, we will help you develop your talents to the fullest.” To some Singaporeans, this might be insignificant or forgettable but to someone who has benefited from the education system, this promise from a leader is welcoming and reassuring. A leader who strongly believes in the power of education is a good leader.

With the commitment from the government, our education system will enable more young people to develop their talents. I must admit that the education system is not perfect but has improved over the years. Besides the emphasis on developing talents, there is something important that I think should be highlighted in our education system. It is based on what Norman Cousin said: “The first aim of education should not be to prepare young people for careers, but to enable them to develop a respect for life.”

Although the education system is focused on developing talents for young people to advance in their careers, more time should be spent on helping them develop a respect for life. Developing respect means recognising and remembering that all living things, including humans, nature and its biodiversity, have a right to live on this planet and a purpose in life. We should treat all living things as part of us and do no harm to them. Let us not forget that humans are only one species out of millions of species that live on this Earth. And understand that we all share this planet and respect for each other is the only way for survival. Without that respect for life, a person with talents will not hesitate to harm fellow humans or other biodiversity. A person who strongly believes in the respect for life is a good person.

To sidetrack abit, just watched Royston Tan’s 881 yesterday. Really enjoyed the film, great acting by the Papaya Sisters and the music is excellent. Thinking of getting the film soundtrack… Must watch local films. SUPPORT LOCAL!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SINGAPORE! And in 881 spirit, SINGAPORE HUAT AH!

This Moment on Earth: Today’s New Environmentalists and Their Vision for the Future by John Kerry and Teresa Heinz Kerry

Deep Economy: The Wealth of Communities and the Durable Future by Bill McKibben

With Speed and Violence: Why Scientists Fear Tipping Points in Climate Change by Fred Pearce

Gone Tomorrow: The Hidden Life of Garbage by Heather Rogers

Live Earth, which will be held tomorrow across seven continents, is the brainchild of Al Gore, an environmental activist and former United States Vice-President, and will involve performers, who aim to spread awareness of climate change.

As the world waits for this monumental 24-hour event, I wonder what will happen after Live Earth ends. Will more people be concerned about climate change and start taking action?

If there is only one message to remember after watching Live Earth, it is this: Give up hope.

Give up hope that everything will turn out fine. Give up hope that Al Gore, Madonna or Linkin Park will save the world from climate change.

Give up hope that governments will do something for us.

Give up hope that the person beside you will do something.

Give up hope that some new technology will save us.

Give up hope – because when hope dies, that’s when action begins.

When we give up hope that somebody or something will save us, we have no choice but to take matters into our own hands.

We have to do it ourselves and everyone can and must do something. It is not science, technology or governments that are creating this climate change problem but every one of us. Stop pointing the finger at others and take action now.

One, we can learn more about climate change and read up on related local and global issues. What are the problems and what needs to be done?

Two, minimise your daily energy usage and wastage. Switch off lights and computers when they are not in use. Use more efficient lighting and appliances.

Three, spread the message and influence others. We can educate family members, friends, classmates or colleagues on climate change. We can influence the groups to which we belong, whether it is a school, company or social group, to reduce its carbon footprint.

Four, support local environmental initiatives and groups that tackle climate change. We can participate in government initiatives and campaigns, or support the local environmental non-governmental organisations. We can join their activities or volunteer our time.

Five, use our rights as citizens and consumers. As citizens, we can participate in formulating government policies regarding climate change through dialogues, feedback or the media. As consumers, we can buy products with smaller carbon footprints or support companies that actively lower their carbon emissions.

Remember that after watching Live Earth: Give up hope. Because when hope dies, action begins.

• The zero certs launched by ABN AMRO are actually call warrants without any leverage.
• ABN AMRO do not charge management fees for the zero certs but the dividends paid by the companies in the index goes to them, that’s how they make money.
• When the index reaches its maturity date after 3 years, the cash balance is settled and returned to the investor.
• Details on the companies in the Climate Change & Environment Index are shown in the attached file.

The Natural Heritage of Singapore by Hugh T.W. Tan, L.M. Chou, Darren C.J. Yeo and Peter K.L. Ng

Oil on the Brain: Adventures from the Pump to the Pipeline by Lisa Margonelli

Sustainable Living for Dummies by Michael Grosvenor