We only have one Earth that provides us with everything we need, from clean air to drinkable water, so let’s take care of her!
Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a lifestyle. Sustainability is important because it helps us meet our needs today without harming the future; it encourages using resources wisely, protects the environment, and fights climate change to keep the planet liveable. Even if you’re just beginning your journey toward a more eco-friendly world, remember that every little action counts!
Consume Responsibly
Eating sustainably means choosing foods that are good for the planet, which more often than not, also positively affects your health. Try to opt for more plant-based foods like vegetables, grains, and beans, as they have less impact on the environment than meat – do you know that even skipping meat just one day a week can reduce your carbon footprint as much as not driving your car for an entire month? In addition, go the extra sustainable mile by reducing food waste, supporting organic farming, and buying seasonal produce.
Go Local
Singapore relies heavily on imported goods, especially food. However, a growing number of local farmers are working toward a more self-sufficient Singapore. Buying local produce reduces your carbon footprint and supports freshness since local ingredients don’t have to travel far. Look out for certifications like Singapore’s Good Agricultural Practice or Clean and Green labels when shopping to support local, sustainable food production.
The best part about eating local? Guaranteed freshness, which in turn means the produce is packed with more nutrients since it doesn’t have to be harvested before its peak to account for travelling time from farm to plate.
Bottle Up
Singapore has one of the cleanest tap water in the world, so why not make use of that by bringing out your own reusable bottles instead of buying beverages? There are so many pros to doing this – not only do you save money on buying drinks, but it is also much healthier. Plus, you’ll avoid purchasing single-use containers that will further harm the environment.
That said, not every country has potable drinking water, so do your necessary research before turning that tap on!
The Public Life
Singapore, as well as most major cities such as Tokyo and Paris, is blessed with a robust public transportation network – there are very few places that you’re unable to get to without the ever-reliable train or bus service!
Accessibility aside, private transportation is a huge contributor to pollution such as greenhouse gases. We’re not saying to sell your car, but for a change, you could walk or cycle to your nearby café instead of driving!
Paper Trail
If you haven’t already, it’s time to opt out of the many paper letters and bills that clog up your letterbox and dustbin. Most organisations allow you to switch from paper mail to emails, a much more efficient and greener way of receiving communications.
This way, you get the added benefit of more efficient communication, so no more missing important mail even when you’re away on a much-needed holiday!
Just don’t put important emails into the Junk folder…
Rethink Single-Use Items
Single-use items like coffee pods, straws, and disposable utensils may be convenient, but they contribute massively to landfills and ocean pollution. Opt for reusable or biodegradable alternatives, such as steel or glass straws, or even pasta straws like the Italians, to reduce waste and save money in the long run.
Care to Borrow, Rent and Buying Pre-loved
Working on a DIY project but don’t want to buy new tools? Try borrowing from neighbours, reaching out on social media groups, or renting through a circular economy app like Lendor.
And if you love keeping up with fashion trends but hesitate to buy new clothes, there are plenty of apps where you can rent outfits for special occasions or shop for pre-loved and upcycled clothing, such as Style Theory and of course, Carousell. There’s also Refash, a popular re-commerce platform with a considerable number of physical stores in Singapore so you don’t end up buying the wrong size. There are also quite a few thrift shops around selling pre-loved items.
Recycle Right
The importance of recycling has long been instilled into us, but it is more than chucking cardboard boxes into the big blue bin. All too often, non-recyclable or contaminated items, such as containers with food waste still in them, are carelessly dumped into the blue recycling bins, disrupting the entire recycling process. If you’re unsure of what to do with your rubbish, you can refer to this handy guide from Clean and Green Singapore.
It’s Easy to Go Green
By adopting sustainable habits in our daily lives, we can contribute to a cleaner, greener future. Every choice, no matter how small, brings us closer to a healthier planet for ourselves and generations to come! Sustainable living is within reach for all of us; let’s embrace it and make a lasting impact on the world we share.
