Growing trees is not THE only way.

Current global issue includes the growing worrying problem of climate change and Brunei Darussalam is not excluded from the picture. Brunei is no doubt considered as a sanctuary to many of the world’s priceless flora and fauna species and thus Brunei’s forests and coral reefs are one of the most important treasured assets. Understanding the importance of conservation and sustainability, most of the public sector have learnt that growing trees is one of the many ways the above aim can be achieved. Students in schools were grouped together to plant trees in school compound. Working personnels from local banks or communication sectors, government bodies and many other private sectors have volunteered in creating a greener environment by planting trees.

But growing trees is not the only way.

Perhaps inspiration was drawn from the Million Trees Project which is one of the best initiatives developed towards sustainable development. But planting trees alone does not earn you a gold badge.

The root of the problem for most of us is our consumption habit.

Apart from planting trees (this includes careful selection of the plant, planting the tree and taking care of the plant), one must manage one’s consumption habit. The most important change one can make is in the usage of paper. Paper is made from tree materials. The more paper is wasted, the more trees have to be cut down. And since paper is usually made from just a handful variety of trees, an increase demand of paper would also mean an increase demand to grow that handful variety of trees. So what does this imply? It simply implies more other trees have to be cut down to give space to plant these paper-producing trees. That is to say – clones of many similar trees. Trees that are used to make paper. What then becomes of the diversity?…Therefore, to minimise the impact, one should start reducing the usage of paper – and used paper should be recycled. In Brunei, one could gain money simply by recycling. So, what is there to lose? Just gather used papers in boxes, pile them up and call from them to be picked up. Daikyo has been the only recycling company I have been contact with. You do get money! It is that simple and it results in extraordinary changes. Start now.

The notion gathered from the example above does not apply only to paper. It applies to every other goods and valuables nature provides. For instance – How you drive, apparently matters. In Brunei, the prices of oil is cheaper than most countries and we are truly blessed as with such a price, there is no doubt that almost every inhabitant of this country has access to this valuable energy. I have came across a book in a local book store that guides one to drive while consuming the petrol “wisely”. [will find the title of book]. Apparently, pumping up your car’s petrol in the morning is the best. Try not to brake so many times is preferable thus keeping a constant speed is recommended. I’ve tried this and instead of visiting the petrol station once in three days, I now visit it roughly once a week.

Start small and share with your families and friends the little things you do to save Brunei, to save our world, our home. It’s the little things that count and it’s the mass effort that can truly make a difference.

Start now.

P.S. Please say no to plastic bags.