A lot of us want to do something to help the environment. Maybe we’re concerned about what’s in our food, toiletries or cosmetics. Malaysians, as relatively new entrants into the consumerism fray, are very much at the mercy of transnational corporations (TNC). In Europe and the US, there are legislations on labelling, public debates on genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and local action on everything from road-building to safer roads for cyclists. In Malaysia, this is not the case.
Penangites, with their more cosmopolitan and entrepreneurial history, are faster in waking up to the necessity of a green lifestyle. Visionary leaders have designated Penang “Clean and Green,” and the city has a Green Council and initiatives such as George Town car-free day and Occupy Beach Street. For the Penangite on the street determinedly cycling through speeding traffic, hopping on a bus or trying out new veggie delicacies at Idealite in Gurney Plaza, the green tide is coming.
While no one can deny the horror of seeing a hilltop being mutilated and irreplaceable biodiversity being destroyed forever, many Penangites genuinely want a new and greener lifestyle. Here are some simple tips to get started.
