Change the way you think about the environment

Shoppers should pay extra when they get gifts wrapped. This money should be donated to a green group.

Wrapping paper, ribbons and labour charges have to be paid for.

But it would be better if they donated the extra cash to a worthy cause, such as an environmental education programme.

Such a move would enhance the reputation of shops as well as shoppers.

The extra fee would also discourage shoppers from using the wrapping service offered by shops and help to protect the environment.

DICKSON CHOW

The Chinese Foundation Secondary School

Thanks for your letter, Dickson. I'm happy to see that you're thinking of ways to help conserve our resources.

Learning to look after our environment requires a change of mindset. The foundation of this new thinking is a respect for our environment - which is something I think you have, Dickson. When we appreciate what we have, then we will be better motivated to look after it.

This weekend I switched all my old-style light bulbs to environmentally friendly ones. The green bulbs use less energy and they last longer - so I'm helping protect the environment and I'm reducing my electricity bill. Bonus.

Kate, Editor