Sustainable living means prioritizing the use of natural and renewable resources instead of creating excess waste and depleting environmental resources for future generations.
But how do we actually go about achieving it? 🤔
Growing up I have learnt many ways to conserve water, resources, and repurpose items (kudos to my mother!), so today I will be sharing 11 tips for you to slowly adopt a sustainable lifestyle in every part of your life as well.
This blog post will be featuring amazing products from The Sustainability Project, one of our merchants in our Local Market segment! 🌱
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USE SHAMPOO BARS
First, let's start in the bathroom, where we all go to unwind after a long day.
Solid shampoo and body wash bars are rising in popularity at the moment, as they should be! They are plastic-free, cruelty-free with natural ingredients, vegan friendly, helps in lowering carbon footprint, and most of all, they save money due to them being two to three times as durable as typical bottles of soap!
The natural and nourishing ingredients in the shampoo bars also help you achieve the healthy glossy hair that we all desire 💇♀️
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REUSE THE WATER
Next, let's head to the kitchen with the sweet savoury aroma of delicacies! 😋
If you are an avid plant lover, do not throw out the water after washing rice! Did you know that rice water is as effective, and in some cases more effective than NPK fertilizer in promoting plant growth, at least in terms of the number of plant leaves produced and higher plant biomass, and both treatments were more effective than the plain water control group?
My mum loves to water her flowers and plants with leftover rice water, keeping them green and blooming 🌻 She also keeps the leftover water from washing fruits and vegetables in a basin, using it to flush the toilet, saving a large amount of water!
Img: daydaynews.cc
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GET EQUIPPED!
Like what they say, home is where the heart is. Learning to repair your home furniture and electronics is a good life skill for everyone to learn!
My father is the home handyman - everything that requires maintenance and repairs goes through him, so we rarely have to purchase new furniture and electronics 🔧 If you would also like to equip yourself with such useful life tools, you may sign up for repairs and maintenance courses here!
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USE OF RECYCLING BINS
We know it might be tough to stay sustainable in the office and school while swamped with work, but don't worry, we got you!
Setting up recycling bins in your workplace is a simple yet effective reminder for you to practice sustainability. At REFASH, we also take pride in our recycling efforts, setting up recycling bins in the office! They are sorted into 3 categories being 'Cans', 'Plastic', and 'Paper' ♻
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BRING YOUR OWN CUTLERY
Moving on to when you are feeling fancy and dining out with your friends, or alone - I think we all remember the metal straw craze back in 2018? Since then, people have been more supportive and lowering their usage of disposable cutlery all around. I even got myself a set of metal straws and reusable cutlery set!
Since then, bamboo has been found to be the prime solution as a natural and biodegradable material, so what's stopping you from owning a green and chic set of reusable bamboo cutlery? Not only are they more sustainable than metal and, of course, plastic disposable cutlery, having a reusable cutlery set with you at all times keeps you prepared for every unforeseen circumstance.
Forget to take chopsticks after buying instant noodles? You are covered. Favourite chicken rice stall ran out of cutlery? No problems too! 😉
Get your Bamboo Cutlery Set from The Sustainability Project here.
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BRING YOUR OWN BOWL
Adding on to the above on dining, if you always decide to takeaway your food, bringing your own reusable containers are a necessity.
Did you know that the COVID-19 lockdown months in April and May saw an increase of 1,334 tonnes of takeaway packaging being used among households - equivalent to the weight of 92 double-decker buses? If you are buying one, remember to get one that works well for you, noting the material, whether it is collapsible, the size, and so on!
Get your
Stojo Collapsible Box from The Sustainability Project here.
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SHOP IN BULK
If you are like me and loves to shop online, take note of this tip!
Remember to always compile and consolidate your items then place a bulk order. Aggregating your orders can reduce waste, travel costs, and carbon footprint, as well as, creating efficiency. On the other hand, ordering one or two items a time eliminates that efficiency as each order adds another delivery trip.
Additionally, isn't it more satisfying receiving a big order all at once, just like a child on Christmas receiving gifts 🎁
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USE E-WASTE BINS
Next is for the tech junkies out there, and everyone that owns an electronic device 🤖
All technology breaks down after a while but where do you dispose of them? Now, you can drop off your faulty and worn-out devices at e-waste bins for recycling. You could dispose of your electronic devices safely and sustainably in those bins. Over 300 collection bins have been placed at malls, supermarkets, and so on, since July 1, 2021.
IMG: The Straits Times
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THRIFT OR UPCYCLE
For the fashionistas out there who want to look stylish while being sustainable, thrifting and upcycling is the way to go ✨
There are multiple thrift stores in Singapore selling secondhand clothes in pristine condition, with the occasional gem! Alternatively, upcycling and reworking your clothes is another way to stay green and fashionable 💚 Transform your boring clothes to unique one-of-a-kind pieces!
IMG: Vintage Wknd Dualsim Denim Jeans
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REDUCE FOOD WASTE
Now, about food. Who doesn't love it? Not me, for sure. 🤤
Did you know that approximately 20% of produce or more gets thrown out for cosmetic reasons like weird shapes, odd colours, or blemishes on a peel you don't even eat? That's 1 in 5 fruits and vegetables getting tossed into landfill even though they're just as nutritious and delicious!
Why are we wasting so much food?! Unforgiveable. If possible, choose to 'rescue' the 'ugly' fruits and vegetables at your local supermarket and farmer's market to combat this issue 🍎🍐 Alternatively, you could choose to buy the 'ugly' produce that were already packed and ready for purchase on websites such as Uglyfood.com.
Those fruits and vegetables are fully edible and delicious, just not as appealing!
Did you know that approximately 20% of produce or more gets thrown out for cosmetic reasons like weird shapes, odd colours, or blemishes on a peel you don't even eat? That's 1 in 5 fruits and vegetables getting tossed into landfill even though they're just as nutritious and delicious!
Why are we wasting so much food?! Unforgiveable. If possible, choose to 'rescue' the 'ugly' fruits and vegetables at your local supermarket and farmer's market to combat this issue 🍎🍐 Alternatively, you could choose to buy the 'ugly' produce that were already packed and ready for purchase on websites such as Uglyfood.com.
Those fruits and vegetables are fully edible and delicious, just not as appealing!
IMG: Greenqueen
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HAND-ME-DOWNS
Last but not least, this is for the parents, parents-to-be, and even the children! Has your child grown out of their clothes, toys, and shoes? Give them to another daddy or mummy who will find use in them 👶
Personally, as I was growing up, I always received hand-me-downs from my cousins and my mum's colleagues and friends. Similarly, as I grew out of my clothes, my mother would pack them and give it to her friends, colleagues, and even to my relatives, who were expecting a child.
This is a great way to reuse your old clothes and honestly, they are filled with memories for many children! Who knew one baby shirt would carry this many memories ~ 🍃
Personally, as I was growing up, I always received hand-me-downs from my cousins and my mum's colleagues and friends. Similarly, as I grew out of my clothes, my mother would pack them and give it to her friends, colleagues, and even to my relatives, who were expecting a child.
This is a great way to reuse your old clothes and honestly, they are filled with memories for many children! Who knew one baby shirt would carry this many memories ~ 🍃
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Sustainable living starts with just a small action to conserve, recycle, and repurpose. Now that you have gotten a clearer view of living a ✨green and sustainable life✨, we have some good news for you!
Sustainable living starts with just a small action to conserve, recycle, and repurpose. Now that you have gotten a clearer view of living a ✨green and sustainable life✨, we have some good news for you!
ENJOY 10% OFF ALL PRODUCTS
BY THE SUSTAINABILITY PROJECT
USE CODE: ECO10
VALID FROM 1ST - 2ND JAN 2022
SHOP NOW!
https://refash.sg/collections/the-sustainability-project
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