Have you been overseas before? I'm sure you have. Ever noticed how grey everything seems to become the moment you get onto a cab/bus and travel from the airport to the city centre? Ever wonder why this is so?

Also ever wonder why foreigners/tourists' first impression of Singapore is that it is very clean and green? We all have a part in making this a reality.

We share four reasons why:

1. Lush greenery Instead of a dreary grey city landscape as is the case for most cities, we are lucky to have Singapore covered in lovely flora. There are over 2 million trees in Singapore - with over 2800 trees per square kilometre, it means one tree for every 2-3 residents! How many cities can boast that? 

A replica of the Angsana Tree along Upper Serangoon Road (Photo by Benny Loh).

Can you imagine how insanely hot Singapore would be without our green shady friends?

2. Throwing stuff away is also surprisingly convenient

Remember when you were overseas and it was near impossible to find a rubbish bin to throw your trash?

We have it lucky.

Bins are everywhere in Singapore. In fact we habitually know where the bins are located whenever we want to throw our rubbish.

Just think about it, does it grate on your nerves throwing something on the floor? You very much prefer to throw it into a bin right?

Good on you, you Singaporean, you.

It's amazing that these bins are regularly cleared as well. The manpower needed must be mind-boggling.

3. We have an army of hardworking people cleaning up after us

Our streets are really one of the cleanest in the world.

Do you feel uncomfortable when you see a huge piece of trash in the middle of the pavement? If you said yes, that's because you are so used to clean pavements.

And we have hardworking aunties/uncles/ah gongs/ah mas clearing our trash everyday and cleaning our tables.. The least we could do is smile and acknowledge them, ok?

4. Singaporeans quite frankly, care a lot about the cleanliness of our surroundings 

Now if we can take it a step further and besides cleaning up after ourselves, actually help clear the trash in our neighbourhoods. Singapore has a growing number of volunteers and community leaders who are pitching in their effort to keep Singapore clean and green. If you would pick up a piece of trash on the floor of your home, you certainly can extend that mantra to your neighbourhood.

Top photo by Benny Loh. If you like what you read, follow us on Facebook and Twitter to get the latest updates.