courtesy of roceco.co.uk
by: Chia Kylie, 25 Nov 10. lol, randomly pulled out of the computer.
Go Make a Difference, or Go M.A.D., coincidentally the same name as SP’s main green movement website (www.spgomad.sg), is a book providing “500 daily ways to save the planet”. Consisting of tips and ideas from various people, conservation groups and websites, the book also suggests ways of supporting ecological and ethical campaigns. Published in 2006, it is an essential for budding young change-makers and environmentalists.
An example of a hot tip is the anti-GATS (General Agreement on Trade and Services) campaign. This ethical issue, more rampant in US, encourages students to ensure their school does not replace principles of learning with those of profit-making. Writing in to your teachers and campaigning for the school to be a no-GATS zone sparked my rebellious streak, but that rarely happens in Singapore, so there’s no problem in that area. The students’ campaigning group is at www.peopleandplanet.org.
What with the recent greening of SP’s campus with icons like InnoVillage, SP is not ready to stop their “save the world” scheme anytime soon. New installments like Eco-Heritage trail and The Sanctuary in our study areas, organizing department Estates expects these to attract butterflies to the campus. There are hopes that the greenery would also reduce the amount of heat convection to surrounding buildings in the day. So, with all these precedent measures in place, what else can we do to support and optimize the green concept?
The wildlife category of Go M.A.D. gives tips for attracting butterflies: “Minimizing pesticide usage saves the top soil and insects too”, leaving the garden a more hygienic place for butterflies and ourselves to loiter. “Not being too tidy and leaving composts lying around whenever possible, provides shelter for insects and butterflies”, as their natural haunts and nesting sites are confined and well-protected.
Bright coloured-flowers and sweet nectar attracts these beautiful creatures too. But if you want to create a more controlled and specific spot to monitor and observe them, bring cut orange slices or sugar solution and place them in containers in the open (any strategic place you can see them without startling them). Then, brighten the containers with coloured paper and wait for them to pick up the scent. For more information, go to www.butterfly-conservation.org.
Do get this book if you’re into ideas that help the environment in the home, school, office or while travelling, or if you just into saving the world. Go M.A.D. is available at SP Main Library, Colours Level, call number TD 171.7 GOM.
