Go Green

Australians are generally greener than Malaysians. People really do take the initiative not to waste anything that can be re-used and recycled.

Here are some examples. Supermarkets don't usually give you a plastic bag for the goods you buy unless you have more than 5 items. And you see "green" shopping bags everywhere. Well, they don't necessarily come in green all the time but almost every shop worth being called a shop sells these "green bags" for you to put the stuff you've bought so that you don't keep using plastic bags. And of course, you're constantly reminded to bring your "green bags" whenever you go shopping.

And if you've seen the various types of garbage bins along the streets, you'll know recycling is serious business here. Trash is picked up once a week and you have to separate your rubbish into 3 varieties - recyclables(paper, plastic, glass, tin cans, etc), garden wastes and general rubbish.

Also, water is premium stuff here. So everyone is encouraged to save water in any way they can. Of course, water restrictions of varying stages are often in place to ensure water isn't wasted. You can even exchange your current shower head for a water-saving one from the water authorities for free! And last week, I saw this lady making it her personal mission to tell everyone she ran into at the supermarket about the freebie.

You don't see these things in Malaysia. Malaysians sure can learn a thing or two from the Aussies about going green.