CHARGING shoppers for using plastic bags is seen as an unfeasible option for commercial establishments to take. In an interview with The Brunei Times, Martinah Hj Tamit, head of the Environmental Planning and Management Division under the Ministry of Development said that charging the use of plastic bags to customers will not deter Bruneians from continuing its usage. “For example, if we charge 20 cents per bag, Bruneians will still be willing to pay for the plastic bags and use them when they shop,” she said. This, she added, will result with only a limited impact towards ‘reducing waste generation in Brunei’ and ‘does not serve the purpose of reducing the amount of plastic bags or plastic waste in Brunei.’ She went on to say that however she was not…

IN AN aim to promote the awareness of the growing issues concerning improper waste management and the degradation of the environment, Green Brunei held the ‘Waste 2 Art Exhibition’ yesterday at Freshco, Batu Satu. According to a press release, the exhibition involved the submission of artwork from students under three categories: Category ‘A’ was colouring competition for primary schools, Category ‘B’ was painting competition for secondary schools, and Category ‘C’ was sculpting competition for sixth form and tertiary schools. The winners were announced at the closing ceremony in the afternoon of the same day where the guest of honour, Martinah binti Haji Tamit, Head of Environmental Planning and Management Division under Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation of the Ministry of Development, presented the prizes to the winning students and…

BRUNEIANS should use electricity and water economically and efficiently at home to reduce their monthly utility bills instead of waiting for the government to raise rates or cut subsidies to control energy and water consumption, said a leader of an environmental NGO. Green Brunei’s community engagement director, Khairunnisa Ash’ari(pic), said choosing energy saving and even solar-powered technology can help mitigate the effects of climate change. “Choosing (these alternatives) always begins with small steps that lead to waves of action. Remember that climate change is a cross-boundary issue, so we need everyone to contribute solutions,” she said. Speaking to The Brunei Times, Khairunnisa said more efforts should put in to reduce wastage in the country. “Lights and air-conditioning left on when there’s no one in the room is a common habit…

FIVE students from Universiti Brunei Darussalam yesterday handed over 1,707 books of different categories including fiction, history and children’s books to the community libraries of the Senior Citizens Activity Centre (PKWE) in Lambak Kanan and ‘Mukim Buku Rimba’ (MBR). The books were contributed by Green Brunei Eco Drive and Singapore Brunei Youth Leadership Exchange Programme (SBYLEP), as well as members of the public during a nine-day collection period, according to a press release from the Brunei Youth Council. The ‘MBB Book Donation’ project was conducted by the students as part of their Community Outreach Programme activity under the Brunei Youth Council in order to add reading resources to the two libraries. “Both facilities, which opened recently, cater to the community, especially the elderly. It is hoped that the project could help…