Got the utility bill today. $182.37 ($120.42 USD). Not bad, considering the total includes electric, gas, water, garbage and all the taxes and service fees. Why is there a negative gas charge? Guess I’ll find out next month. Anyway, it’s sure convenient to have everything on one bill.
I like to convince myself that I’m more “green” in Singapore. I’ve got on-demand hot water heaters in each bathroom. I use the on-off switches on the electrical outlets to avoid phantom power use. I have reusable grocery bags. I don’t own a car and rely on public transportation (okay, I’ve been getting lazy and taking a taxi most mornings).
But, then I remember about the air-conditioning unit running. A lot. That doesn’t feel so eco-friendly. And recycling just doesn’t happen in Singapore. It pains me every time I throw an aluminum can in the trash. I get this guilty feeling like I’m littering. And worst of all, there seems to be an affinity for plastic bags in Singapore. I have to stop the checkers from putting individual items in small plastic bags intended for larger plastic bags. The fast food restaurants put drink cups in small plastic bags. Fries go into another plastic bag. Then everything goes into another plastic bag. Seriously, a regular take-away meal could net three or four plastic bags.
I’m not so green after all…
Takes about 5 minutes to heat enough water for a shower.
Switch-on when needed
