Making an Impact

Your 101 to Sustainability, The Singapore Way

by Claire Langrée Saf

In the last issue, we focused on Singapore’s overall sustainability programme called Greenplan 2030. In this issue, we take a look at some of the more local initiatives that each and every one of us can tap into this summer, for those staying, and beyond, for those returning to the Red Dot in August. Here is a small selection of several interesting initiatives happening now, helping the community’s move towards a more sustainable living. Remember though that our joint efforts to reduce carbon emissions in the atmosphere largely depend on reducing energy consumption, starting with cars and electricity!

Working towards an eco-friendly community

Fostering a green community here in Singapore helps in encouraging each and every one of us to make conscious efforts in doing our part for the environment. Here is a curated list of sustainable initiatives that are helping to push our community to a more eco-friendly one:

BYO Singapore

Started by Zero Waste SG, BYO Singapore is a movement to encourage individuals to reduce their use of plastic disposables by switching to reusables. To date, over 400 retail outlets have joined as BYO partners to offer incentives to customers who bring their own reusable bags, bottles or containers.

Repair Kopitiam

With the goal of combating the Buy-and-Throw-Away culture prevalent in our society, Repair Kopitiam runs as a community repair meet-up. At these meetups, you will be guided by volunteer Repair Coaches on how to repair simple items such as broken electrical appliances, torn clothes, wobbly chairs and how to dispose of e-waste responsibly.

Sharetings

Sharetings is a community-centric Telegram Channel that facilitates the giving and receiving of unwanted, useable items to maximize their use and value and to reduce waste in Singapore. To date, over 5000 subscribers have joined the channel with more than 4800 items listed.

Greensquare

Committed to combating the problem of textile and leather waste, Greensquare provides free textile recycling services to households and organisations in Singapore. They also promote awareness of the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) through education, with a focus on engaging youths in schools.

barePack.co

barePack.co aims to fight plastic waste in Singapore through a subscription-based reusable ecosystem for food takeaway and deliveries. Partnering with Deliveroo and foodpanda, barePack.co allows customers to opt for their food to be delivered in reusable boxes and cups.

Source:

www.byosingapore.com

www.repairkopitiam.sg

www.sharetings.com

www.greensquare.com.sg

www.barepack.co

Claire moved to Singapore in 2014, with her husband and two daughters. Here she turned to her lifelong passion and trained as a sustainability professional. She now has a local/global sustainability network. Claire runs, reads and photographs with AWA.