THE next time you need to do ironing, start with items that require lower ironing temperatures before gradually increasing the heat.

Finally, turn the iron off and use its residual heat for delicate items.

These tips, which will prevent you having to re-heat the iron and help save energy, are among several in a National Environment Agency (NEA) guidebook on holding a traditional Chinese wedding in a “green” way and choosing energy-efficient appliances.

It is targeted at Chinese couples getting married and buying homes, because moving into a new home is the best time for people to make environmentally friendly purchases and adopt energy-saving practices, said an NEA spokesman.

For a start, 10,000 copies of the guidebook will be distributed at stores, libraries and town councils in the South East District. Similar guides for other ethnic groups will be out later this year.

Last December, the National Parks Board (NParks) also launched a green-wedding incentive for couples who fulfil a minimum number of eco-friendly practices, such as arranging for car-pooling for guests.

Couples who meet the requirements will get a 20 per cent discount off the $15-to-$260 hourly rental fees of wedding venues within HortPark.

So far, only one couple took up this offer as most people are not keen on a wedding venue that is not air-conditioned, said an NParks spokesman.

The guidebook was launched yesterday at Geylang Serai Town Day by Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong.

Dr Fatimah Lateef, an MP for Marine Parade GRC, said: “It is important for every individual to lead an environmentally friendly lifestyle to help tackle the environmental problem.”

Yesterday, residents were also given a tour of the Rain Garden. Rainwater collected there will be channelled through specially chosen plants and soil that will remove impurities from the water before it flows into Marina Reservoir.

Residents also enjoyed record-setting “flower” displays. The first, made of 3,160 paper-crepe flowers folded by participants from the Geylang Serai Family Life Centre and Geylang Serai Women Executive Community members, was to mark Mother’s Day.

The second featured 1,500 flowers made of recycled materials by pupils from Geylang Serai People’s Action Party Community Foundation.

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