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Green Plans in Action: Singapore: Milestones: Background
Beyond Environmental Maintenance
Goals - already accomplished by Singapore and its Green Plan include:
- As of 2006, Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) for clean air quality were already well within the target set by the Singapore Green Plan 2012 (SGP2012).
- Between 2000 and 2005 containing waste growth has been contained as overall recycling rose and the lifespan of the only landfill continues to rise as it is used less.
- Public health has soared through improved vector and food-borne disease control methods, clean public toilet programs, a healthy grading system for hawker centers, and education of good hygiene habits.
- Conservation of water has decreased domestic consumption even as the population continues to grow, and diversification of scarce water supplies has provided Singapore with a sustainable water supply.
- Transportation has become congestion free with the development of excellent public transport options.
- The 'garden city' image is protected with four nature reserves and eighteen nature areas covering 23% of Singapore's landmass.
Diversified Water Supply
#1
The revised 10 year Green Plan, SGP2012 released in August 2002, has targeted 25% of Singapore's water supply to be met by non-conventional sources.
#2
NEWater exceeds drinking water standards set by both the World Health Organization and the United States Environmental Protection Agency. The first step is microfiltration/ultrafiltration in which water is pumped through membranes in the form of polypropylene hollow fibres with pore sizes 100 times smaller than human hair, coming out crystal clear; then reverse osmosis removes organics, dissolved salts and remaining viruses; an added barrier takes the water through ultra-violet disinfection; and finally, acid-alkali or pH balance of the high-grade water is restored.
#3
Water consumption has fallen thanks to a combination of community outreach initiatives such as the Water Efficient Homes (WEH) programme, and measures like installing water thimbles (to reduce water flow from the tap) and low-capacity flushing cisterns in the HDB flats. One in three households has installed water saving devices, saving up to 5% of their monthly water expenses.
#4
The ABC Waters Programme is integrating catchments, reservoirs and waterways to create clean waters with recreational activities for people's enjoyment and an increased bond with water. The Our Waters Programme was launched to get 3P partners (People, Private, and Public sectors) to adopt waterways or reservoirs for at least two years and care for them through clean-ups or development and maintenance of amenities around them; by December 2005, 16 organizations had already responded to the call.
Congestion Free Transportation
The public transport system includes rail, buses and taxis, and is regulated by the Land Transport Authority (LTA), which encourages the use of public transportation. Singapore has a Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) and Light Rapid Transit (LRT) rail system consisting of five lines. Fare regulation and bus service standards are under the purview of an independent body, the Public Transport Council.
Food Capital of Asia
#1
A high standard of hygiene and safety has been implemented through licensing requirements for food stalls and rewarding exceptionally good hygiene. All food outlets, whether restaurants or roadside stalls are graded and these grades are prominently displayed at the stalls. A multi-pronged approach has been adopted involving monitoring and surveillance of imported food, control and licensing of food factories and food retail outlets, inspection of these premises, and public education and enforcement. At the same time, in the late 1990's, hawker centers were renamed food centers. The three governmental bodies who own Singapore's hawker centers include the National Environment Agency (NEA) under the parent Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources (MEWR), Housing and Development Board, and JTC Corporation. The NEA is in charge of managing all the centers.
#2
MEWR ensures that all food imported into Singapore complies with safety standards stipulated under the Sale of Food Act and Food Regulations. Imported foods are routinely checked to ensure they are not contaminated and that additives used are those permitted and within the limits allowed. Upon notification of a food poisoning case, MEWR carries out epidemiological investigations to trace the source of infection and establish its mode of transmission so measures can be taken to prevent a recurrence. Investigations include interviews with affected persons, questionnaire surveys, inspection of the implicated premises, laboratory analyses of the food and health screening of the food handlers. Food samples taken are checked for microbiological and chemical standards to ensure they do not contain harmful substances. Foods failing to meet safety standards are seized and destroyed, and the food dealers are prosecuted. Pre-packed food products labeled according to the Food Regulations guidelines ensuring information labels are not misleading to the public. Certain pre-packed food products are also required to be date-marked to ensure freshness and wholesomeness. All local food factories require licensing in fulfillment of set health requirements to maintain a high standard of plant sanitation and produce food products of high hygiene standards.
Public Toilets
Although Singapore had had a clean public toilet campaign for 20 years, it clearly wasn't working. In recent years, the issue of public toilets has evolved from being an embarrassing subject to one that is gaining widespread awareness and discussion. With an understanding that public toilets were being neglected and there was much to be done, the Restroom Association of Singapore (RAS) was established in by Jack Sim 1998, and since 2001 the World Toilet Organization (WTO) acts as a global network and service platform for all toilet associations. Thus, a global toilet organization with its root in Singapore was conceived with the establishment of the RAS. The determination of one man, and the spread of one idea have influenced the world. Jack Sim is even responsible for Switzerland - famous for its cleanliness - setting up its own toilet association. Singapore Green Plan 2012 has initiated an improvement of public toilet cleanliness standards through a grading system, awards and training. The Happy Toilets Program was launched by the RAS in 2003, as a recognition scheme that raised the standards of public toilets by awarding three- to five-star ratings for public toilets that have met the criteria of design, cleanliness and daily maintenance. Since its inception, RAS has been working closely with partners from the 3P sectors i.e. public, private and people sectors, which are cornerstones for the success of Happy Toilet Program, to raise the benchmarks in the whole restroom value chain. The National Environment Agency (NEA) also partners with RAS in implementing the Happy Toilet Program to recognize the efforts put in by owners of public toilets in improving their cleanliness standards. Jack Sim, Founder of RAS, was awarded the Singapore Green Plan 2012 Award in 2004 by the NEA for tackling the public health concern about dirty and poorly maintained toilets; and bringing a fresh perspective and approach in dealing with the issue locally, as well as internationally. Mr. Sim was also awarded the World Environment Award in 2004. (For more information... www.toilet.org.sg; or http://www.worldtoilet.org/)
Public Hygiene
Public Hygiene Touted as a "clean and green" city, Singapore has always been ahead in public hygiene. Over 1,850 workmen are deployed daily to sweep and clean public areas, drains and pavements; together they provide cleansing maintenance of 6,242 km of curb length. The service provider of the Ministry of the Environment (MEWR) deploys a fleet of mechanical sweepers to clean 51,000 km of roads and highways per month. MEWR has embarked on a long-term program to mechanize cleansing work as much as possible. This includes the use of ride-on mechanical pavement sweepers, mechanized drain cleansing equipment and re-design of litter bins to enhance cleansing operations.
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