|
 VISION
Do you know " It takes nine and a half days to fill
up a building as tall as the Petronas Twin Towers with the
average amount of solid waste generated by the population
in the Klang Valley daily", says Housing and Local
Government Minister Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting, each time he
talks about the amount of solid waste produced by Malaysians.
We are informed that on the average, every Malaysian produces
800gm of solid waste daily and in the Klang Valley, which
is densely polluted, the amount increases to 1.5kg
(reported in Sunday Star, April 8, 2001). So much for garbage
and solid waste, produced by you, I and the industries causing
rapid economic growth. These social economic activities
have one thing in common, exploitation of the environment
in an attempt to make life easier, healthier and more prosperous
for the people. Unfortunately the reverse took place.
It caused:
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Pollution |
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Global Climate
Changes |
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Resource depletion |
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Overpopulation |
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Economic instability |
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Social political
unrest |
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Increased Crime,
and many more. |
In 1987, the
World Commission on Environment and Development declared
that development is sustainable only if it "meets the
needs of the present, without compromising the ability of
future generations to meet all their needs".
The healthy future for all Malaysians revolves around a
policy and its implementation that seeks to harmonize development
and environment. A sustainable society is based on conservation,
recycling, renewable resources and population balance. To
achieve such a society will require ethical changes and
changes in individual behaviour and land use.
The National Council of Women's Organisations, Malaysia,
have the responsibility to contribute a great deal towards
bringing about these changes. How we behave toward the environment
is a function of our attitudes. To change this attitude,
we need to create awareness among women about the ecological
damage and the hazards caused by indiscriminate and over
development.
The Commission
works with the local government to:
PROJECTS
RECYCLING PROJECT
- Section 14, Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
Our project is in response to Dato Seri Ong Ka Ting, the
Minister of Housing and Local Government, who has called
upon non governmental organizations (NGOs) help as well
as others in our society to reduce the waste we produce,
to prevent our landfills from overflowing with garbage.
One of the solutions he suggested is to recycle our waste
in the form of Reusing, Recycling and Reducing. The Environment
Commission of the National Council of Women's Organisations(NCWO)
is in the process of starting a Recycling Collection Centre
at No 46, Jalan 14/29, 46100 Petaling Jaya, tentatively
to operate in December 2001.
The Recycling Centre will be more than just a collection
and buy back center for recyclables. Our Committee members
will periodically give talks and hold dialogue sessions,
on the importance of recycling and to raise awareness on
environmental issues. Discussions will also be held on conservation
of energy, water and on utilizing biodegradable, non-caustic
and non-toxic household products.
Our Recycling
Centre hopes to coordinate with other nongovernmental organizations,
especially women NGO's, concerned citizens, corporate and
government bodies in the protection of the environment.
We also want to seek the cooperation of senior citizens
who finally have valuable time on their hands, to give their
service to the community in whatever skills they have experience
in or trained for, by helping out at the recycling centre.
Last but certainly not least, we want to publish pamphlets
and brochures in Bahasa, Chinese and English for the community
on how they can participate in preserving the environment.
For more details
on recycling and sustainable development call :
Tel : 603 79543008
Fax: 603 79542881
Email: ncwohq@yahoo.com
www.alamflora.my
Email: zarasein@hotmail.com
www.mppj.gov.my/pengenalan_1a21
Commission
Chair : Datin Zaharah Alatas
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