Culture and Environment

I was asked about the conflict between culture and environment, if any during my discussion with the representatives from the Petaling Jaya Chinese Guild Organisations last Thursday on the possibility of jointly organising the coming Chinese New Year celebration. I mentioned about having an environmental friendly festive celebration in which programmes, refreshment served, preparation and others should have sustainability component. For example, minimisation of waste and activities or performances highlighting the message for environmental protection should be taken into consideration. Everyone agreed the concept of having an environmental friendly celebration but confessed the difficulty of implementing it. They were also worried about the possibility of scarifying either one along the preparation process.


One interesting point brought up was the compatibility between culture and environment. While it is noble for having both at the same time, at time conflict might occur and we have to find a win-win solution. The question is how to balance the two dimensions, namely protecting the environment and preserving the culture.


Fire cracker, for example is not only affecting the safety of people and buildings, also the environment will be deteriorating as paper was used and smoke was produced. People tend to continue lighting up the fire cracker as it was a tradition during ancient time to scarce away the wild animal and also to brighten the festive season. If virtual fire cracker with same effects can be created through technological innovation, then the question of getting rid of fire cracker might not have been brought up.


Another wasteful instance is the serving of packet drink for every individual visiting our house. As our customary warm hospitality, we used to serve drink to our friends straight away without asking in advance whether they are thirsty or not. As most of the friends have rushed through few visits in a day, they are more likely have taken few drinks before visiting us. It always ends up with the packet drink opened, but untouched. If we can either ask first or serve them with drink in glasses, then the good tradition which might resulted in wasteful gesture can be maintained with pride, to our mother Earth. Others like serving set meal instead of the buffet, e-invitation rather than the posting of greeting card.

A study revealed that people tend to throw away more rubbish during post festive season. This happened as many people tend to purchase a lot of food stuffs preparing for the festive celebration either in anticipation for more consumption or due to the attraction from sale's offer. However, the goods will normally unconsumed and end up in the rubbish bin. So, practicing a green procurement for celebrating the festive season should not be considered as a set back to the cultural tradition.

The common saying of "Being environmental friendly can be profitable" in a way is true provided that innovation, adaptation and tolerance is observed. To me, good value and culture must always be maintained and come first, but injecting environmental friendly components is also equally important.