Did you know? In 2020, about 200,000 tonnes of domestic waste disposed of in Singapore were disposables. To put that in perspective, it is about 400 Olympic-sized swimming pools or 80 football fields.
From the free plastic bags taken thoughtlessly, to the plastic containers and utensils, the disposable waste we generate wind up at our only landfill, Semakau Landfill, which is estimated to be fully filled by 2035. 🗑
Don’t worry. You can do your part in simple ways! 💚
1. Bring Your Own (BYO)
Photo Credit: MamaShop
In 2017, Zero Waste SG started the Bring Your Own (BYO) movement where many retail outlets offered incentives to customers who bring their own reusable bags, bottles or containers.
If you have the habit of taking away food, why not bring your own container! Not only will you reduce the packaging waste, but you will also save the additional costs from retailers for disposable containers. 🥡
Pro-Tip 😎: Get a Stojo Collapsible Box to occupy less space in your bag!
2. Zero Waste Shopping 🛒
At the supermarkets, we tend to not think twice about the plastic packaging involved. According to the Singapore Environment Council’s position paper published in 2018, Singapore used 820 million plastic bags from supermarkets 🛍
Instead of pre-packaged groceries, try zero-waste shopping! At these zero-waste stores, you are encouraged to bring your own shopping bags and reusable containers to fill with items like food, soap, and laundry detergent. You are free from wasting excess packaging or food.
Sounds daunting? Don’t worry, I got you covered 🤓
Here are 4 simple steps to get your zero waste journey started:Step 4: Pay for the amount you have filled.
And you’re set! 😊
Shop at Unpackt, a zero-waste bulk store in Singapore. Photo Credit: Unpackt
3. Try Composting
Have green fingers? 🌱 Try composting!
Trust me, I am also squeamish when it comes to insects 😟
But, you can’t deny that they offer valuable fertiliser that is natural and full of nutrients for plants! This will come in handy if you are growing plants at home 🌿
Photo Credit: The Green Collective Singapore
Composting may sound mysterious and difficult but it is pretty simple. Once you have started your own compost box, toss in your organic waste and leave the rest to the worms! 🍎🥦
To learn more about composting in Singapore, read more here!
4. Sustainable Beauty Switches 💄
Ditch the plastic from your cosmetics! There are many alternatives available for you to make the switch.
Instead of buying bottles of body wash, try soap bars 🧼 There are many variations of soap bars to choose from. Here’s a fun fact: Soap bars use much less packaging to store, and less water to produce. Plus, they tend to last a lot longer.
How’s that? Keen to make the switch? 😉
Get your own Soap Bars from The Sustainability Project here! 💚
Tough switch? No problem. Here is another solution! 😁
Try refillable soap and shampoo on tap! At The Social Space, bring your own bottles to eliminate package waste. From body wash to laundry detergent, you will be satisfied with the range of products from their refillery 💚
Fill your reusable bottles! Photo Credit: Selina Altomonte
Now, go slay sisters! 😘💅
5. Thrift and Upcycle Clothes!
As trends come and go quickly, many in the industry leverage on replicating trends with cheap material. We can easily find items of recent trends in many fast fashion retailers.
However, fast fashion causes extensive damage to the environment, exploits workers and even harms animals. As fast fashion is meant to keep consumers on top of trends, many of these garments are often discarded after a few wears.
Try upcycling old clothes and thrift for second-hand ones 👚 Give them a second life!
You never know what type of gem you may create or find with your own hands 🤩💚
Photo Credit: Cleo Page