'Why do you use so much plastic?': Tables turned as CNA reporter faces tough questions – from preschoolers

SINGAPORE: I've covered political summits, quizzed world-class athletes and even interviewed the president of a Pacific island nation.

But nothing prepared me for a rather different assignment one early morning in June.

This time around, the tables were turned. I'd be facing a group who had done their research and were ready to go with no holds barred. 

It was time to see if I could handle a barrage of questions from preschoolers.

NEWSROOM TO CLASSROOM

About a year prior, CNA had published a story about whether it was possible to go plastic-free for a week in Singapore. The article was pegged to Plastic Free July, a month-long sustainability challenge aimed at curbing use of the synthetic material.

Among the key takeaways from the story was that I'd been unthinkingly and unknowingly generating an embarrassing amount of plastic waste. Much of this was down to forgetfulness and bad habits.

Another conclusion was that plastic waste is unavoidable in some circumstances – but they can also be repurposed or recycled.

What I didn't expect was for the story to land me an invitation to a classroom.

It so happened that students at Odyssey the Global Preschool's Fourth Avenue branch were exploring the importance of reducing plastic waste, in their current affairs curriculum. 

As part of an enquiry-based learning approach, the children are encouraged to ask questions and seek answers through investigation and discussion, explained their teacher Joanna Gan.

"We believe that young children should know the impact of plastic use on the environment," she said.

"By starting this conversation early, we believe that we can instil good habits that will be beneficial for their future, as well as for our planet."

While looking through various online articles, the preschoolers chanced upon my CNA article.

"The response from the children was one of curiosity. The topic intrigued them," said Ms Gan.

"The article sparked a very lively discussion and that showcased the children's willingness to be part of the solution to the excessive plastic use."

FACING TOUGH QUESTIONS

Seated in their classroom, I faced 10 of the preschoolers, seated in a semi-circle. They started the session in slow and studied fashion, as any reporter worth their salt would.

"What is your job?"; "what do you do every day at work?"; "where do you work?": These were some of the more straightforward questions lobbed in my direction as the microphone was passed from one student to another.

I knew what the children would be asking beforehand, as Ms Gan had walked me through what the session was going to be like.

The class had been meticulous in their preparation, writing down questions and even drawing pictures to accompany them.

But things started to heat up as the session progressed.

"Why do you want to be a reporter?" was a more personal query that had me contemplating my life choices.

I ended up tossing the question back at my enthusiastic audience, asking them what they'd like to be when they grew up.

Common refrains included "teacher", "navy" and even the odd "reporter" or two, which perhaps indicated some hope for the media industry.

But to the point of the session, what was clear was the kids' interest in the environment and the impact of plastic. 

"Why do you use so much plastic?" was a particularly difficult question for me, and I feebly responded with "I never really thought about the environment and just lived my life normally".

Another pointed query was "Why do you keep forgetting to bring your own water bottle?"

Despite their tender age, the children were rather well-informed.  For one, they understood the concept of micro-plastics and how they affect marine life. 

To my pleasant surprise, they had also drawn some real-world lessons from the CNA feature too.

One preschooler in the group shared how her mother started recycling her contact lens blister packs. There was also another question on what plastic-free alternatives could be.

"I bring my own bag when I go shopping because I don't want to use plastic bags," said one student.

Clearly, my group of little interviewers were already conscious of the need to reduce consumption and wastage.

"They were very eagerly looking forward to this interview session," said Ms Gan.

"They were so excited to get their questions answered and they really were very excited to share some things they know about."

She added: "We hope that through this experience, they will also realise that their voices can reach beyond the classroom."

And long may that continue, regardless of whether they decide to ever become reporters or not.