By Fatihah Zaini
The idea of saving the Earth by banning mineral water or any usage of plastic is noble. Malaysians, specifically need to be aware that their act of ‘could not care less’ could lead to bad consequences in the future.
Furthermore, more overwhelming news coming to the society is the thought that marine life needs our help. They need our kind and warm heart to save the ocean.
I like the idea of saving the ocean because the ocean is what makes the earth a beautiful place. An ocean is what makes our country a talk to the world. However, what happen if after a full day beach on and the ocean is left with nothing but garbage? This garbage consists of our slow-witted mind and these creatures cease to exist because plastic takes 1000 years to decompose.
Sad, because we do not realise that we are simply the monsters whom we have created many eras ago. What is wrong with preserving the ocean as our own possession? What is wrong with wanting more than just a clear ocean? What is wrong with loving and taking care of these creatures?
No, there is absolutely nothing wrong. How do we make people care enough? International Islamic University Malaysia is currently undergoing a major change. They are banning the usage of plastic bottles, plastic straws, plastic bags and plastic containers. I must admit it was a wise decision to educate our students to love the ocean and the environment a bit more.
Of course, it brings a lot of benefits. For instance, we get to see that our university supports this campaign. Students are able to proudly bring IIUM’s name out to the world. Secondly, you know what they say, little steps matter the most. It is better than not doing anything at all. I guess that this campaign does not just educate the students but also the whole IIUM community in a particular way.
If they see how we are seriously supporting this idea, then with no doubt, in the next five years most universities will be plastic-free. It is not such a bad thought because sometimes we have to make the world a better place.
Personally, I rarely bring my own water bottle because the university used to sell mineral water but since 50-53% of our body consists of water, I start to appreciate my water bottle more. At this point, we learn how to love the things that used to be less important.
However, it is not always rainbow and sunshine. IIUM must also consider that not everyone can bring their plastic ‘hardware’ every day and everywhere. For example, if IIUM does not provide water cooler such as Coway or Cuckoo in the campus (at every corner of the buidling), IIUM community might as well just buy mineral water from outside. Will this campaign effort eventually go to waste?
I have also heard complaints from many students that even the water cooler in Mahallah does not function well. Students have the right to voice out their unhappiness, but certainly this issue should be properly addressed to ensure that the water cooler is well maintained.
This idea of doing away with plastic is somewhat a good one but everyone must also open their eyes and ears to hear both positive and negative outcomes or perhaps offer a better alternative.
Vincent Van Gogh did mention that “Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together”. Hence, in saving our beloved turtles and other marine life, the human population has to bring out their utmost kind effort which God has given us. ***