Singapore — It’s been a “long week” for Leader of the Opposition and Workers’ Party head Pritam Singh, with lengthy and loaded sessions in Parliament earlier in the week (Sept 13 and 14).
Mr Singh wrote in a Facebook post on Thursday (Sept 16) that it was the first time that he was able to clock a run, who is known to run often at Siglap PCN.
But during Thursday’s run, he went to the Paya Lebar division of Aljunied “with a quick pit stop at Maplewood Park (stage pavilion) to check out a new recycling initiative.”
He wrote that “the Aljunied-Hougang Town Council is participating in a nation-wide sustainability program that seeks to create a permanent shoe waste collection eco-system. Recycled shoes are ground down into granules to be relaid at new sports tracks, playgrounds etc.”
And while he was glad to see the recycling bin at the halfway mark, he pointed out that the smell was “Not so good,” adding that this is the normal odour for old shoes anyway.
He added that a short while ago, he met a principal of one of the project partners, Dow, while on a run in the area.
“Thank you for the introduction and collaboration, Paul. Fingers crossed, let’s take this sustainability initiative to greater heights!” posting photos of the recycling bin and a poster for the programme.
On the ActiveSG site, it says the programme started in July. “Give your used sports shoes a second life! Be part of our nationwide effort to recycle used sports shoes into materials that could be used for jogging tracks, fitness corners and playgrounds. Together, we can build a more sustainable future for ourselves and Singapore!”
Many people liked and shared Mr Singh’s post, including national marathoner Soh Rui Yong, who wrote, “My mum was just starting to nag at me for my shoes piling up so thanks for this.”
Others applauded the Aljunied GRC MP for promoting the programme, especially with the effects of climate change being felt practically everywhere.
And when a commuter asked where other such recycle bins can be found, the LO was ready with an answer.
/TISG