Like it or not, inflation or simply the rising cost of living is a global issue, not just in Malaysia. It's time for us to be prudent in our spending. Stop blaming the government or whoever you want to. Instead, save all that time and energy to focus on your own lives. Start finding ways to cut on spending. Why focus on the problem, rather than the solution?

1. Stop smoking! If you've been smoking a pack of cigarettes a day, it's time to STOP! It does nothing for your health or the health of those around you. You'll only end up with bad breath, stained teeth, etc. If you can spend RM 5.00 per day on cigarettes, don't complain about the increase of rice price. It just got harder to harvest them with the climate change thanks to global warming. I wonder if cigarette smoke is one of the cause of pollution?

2. Goodbye luxuries! If you can spend RM 200.00 on branded perfume, it's time to search for alternatives - just an example. Cut down on fine dining. If you've been spending hundreds on losing weight, eat less! Reduce half the amount of rice for a start. Also, think of the many things you don't really need....

3. Rising petrol prices. Unfortunately, as I'm writing this, oil price rose to USD 140 per barrel. If it keeps rising, inflation worries will heighten; not that it hasn't been. If you can take the public transport, by all means please, even if you have to get up half an hour earlier. You'll save a lot. If you have no choice but to drive, plan ahead to avoid traffic jams. You'll not only waste more petrol, but waste resources (time, money, energy) and again, more pollution!

4. Electricity tariff hikes! I don't have a water heater, washing machine or air-conditioner at home. I think technology spoilt most of us. I have been living without them and still don't need them. It's time to reduce your air-cond usage, or if you'll melt without it, try setting a not-so-low-temperature. I'm sure you can still sleep/live at 25 degrees rather than 20 degrees. Turn off the lights, computers, televisions, etc. when you don't use them. Turn off your office computer monitor when you go out for lunch please. There are so many things you can do to help, but we just take them all for granted....

I'm begging you to do all the above, not just because of the rising petrol prices or hikes in electricity tariffs but rather for the sake of saving the planet. It's time to save energy and resources, and stop all the pollution!

There is always now. There is always hope. Conserve and re-use.