Finally, Bring-your-own-bag-day has increased its frequency from once-a-month to a weekly affair.
Admittedly, this did bring a little cheer within, but still I'm confused at the apparent half-heartedness of the authorities on this effort.
Look at both developed and developing countries around the world. Their anti-plastic-bags effort are way above us. Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Australia, Dubai, US, South Africa, etc have a set of policies with regards to being environment-friendly and their efforts towards anti-plastic bags are more proactive. Even China had recently announced a ban on plastic bags. This shows that not only First World countries are pushing for the cause.
Granted, it is too far-fetched to expect people to wake up to the Environment suddenly, but with some push by the relevant authorities, it can gradually be accepted as a way of life--a habitual one.
It is said that on average, each SINGAPOREAN uses 2 plastic bags per day. This ranks among the highest per capita rate in the world. Other developed First World countries like the US have a rate of 0.8 or so. Some just slightly above 1. If we were to just take 1 less each day, the effect would be a multiplied one.
If you aren't aware,
1. 1 million plastic bags are used and discarded worldwide every minute of the day.
2. Single use plastic bags made of HDPE remain in the environment for up to approx. 1,000 years.
3. Over 100,000 birds, whales, seals and turtles worldwide are killed by plastic rubbish every year.
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The next time you buy something, don't ask for a bag. Put more items into one, if really required.
And certainly, it's high time for usage of plastic bags to be charged. We have to take into account the social cost of such an undesirable.
人生是黑白的.
12:17 AM <3
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The Finisher's Tee and the Finisher's Medal.
I did it again! And I've made improvements over my previous marathon attempt 6 months ago, shaving the timing by 10-15 minutes, depending on the 'Net Time' Result that is not ready at the moment.
What happened during the run...
12:00am: Flag Off.
12:15am to 12:50am: Running the Changi Coast Road was draggy. But the occasional planes taking off served as some distraction. This part of the road was quite a choke-point, since it was not far from starting point. I was busy overtaking people, so as to try to get out of the crowd and the immense heat radiating from everyone. I've NEVER perspired this much during any run--I could perpetually squeeze water out from the shirt.
1:10am: Reached a mini milestone of 10km, not veering too far from usual standards. About to enter the eternal East Coast leg.
1:20am to 2:10am: The entire East Coast was about 10km long. This stretch was the liveliest throughout the marathon, with campers, pubbers and chalet-goers. Tempted by the smells of BBQ food, I started to experience hunger. East Coast had always been a dreaded stretch, for its long route and dragginess. However, this part became my favourite this time, for the sea breeze evaporated much sweat, and it was not as dark as the later parts of the route.
2:11am: Crossed the 20km mark, almost reaching halfway. Ate a powergel. East Coast Park leg about to end.
2:30am to 3:15am: One of the toughest stretch--Siglap Park Connector to Bedok Reservoir Park. Here, I had to cross 3 overhead bridges, which broke my running momentum, and had to pass by a series of undulating slopes. Water points were especially far at this stretch. The Bedok residential area was very dark too. My first cramps came on during this stretch and I had to endure the tight muscles when running.
3:20am: Reached Bedok Reservoir. Cramps made me stop momentarily. But decided to run on with it, since stopping triggered more cramps at other leg muscles. And I realised it would go off after awhile. Numbed, maybe?
3:31am: Reached the 30km milestone. The prospect of facing just 12km more gave me a little morale boost.
3:40am to 4:40am: Passed parts of Tampines, Pasir Ris, Loyang. I alternated between brisk walk and jog. By this time, one really needed to have a strong Will to carry on, because once you have reduced to brisk walk, it would take a lot to push yourself to pick up again. I was glad my Will for this race was stronger than the last race 6 months ago. It was not that difficult to convince my sore legs, time and again.
4:52 am: Reached the 40km mark. I told myself: I am really going to break my personal record.
4:53 am to 5:07am: Persistence took over me. I didn't succumb to much temptations to brisk walk. I sort of broke up the remaining distance to 100-metres and conquered them bit by bit.
5:07 am: Crossed the Finish Gantry and had a good sense of satisfaction and achievement. I've done it again.
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Next up: Singapore Bay Run (aka Army Half Marathon) in August.
人生是黑白的.
7:03 PM <3
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The Finisher's Tee and the Finisher's Medal.