The Weird and Wonderful: The Ant Plant

The ant plant, also commonly called Baboon’s head, is native to Southeast Asia and is considered rare and critically endangered in Singapore. It is a remarkable botanical wonder that has developed a unique and mutual relationship with ant colonies.

In this series, we showcase the diversity of rare, peculiar, and fascinating native flora and fauna in Singapore. We enthusiastically invite you to explore our nature reserves and gardens, urging you to pause and observe your surroundings—whether by looking up or down—to see if you can catch a glimpse of these unique wonders.

Ant Plant

Image courtesy of Bernard Dupont

Common name: Ant plant, Baboon’s head, Dedalu Api Laut, Hempedal Itik, Kepala Beruk, Pedal Itik

Scientific name: Hydnophytum formicarum Jack

The Ant plant forms a tuber at its base, known as a caudex, that are inhabited by ants in the wild.

Typically the tuber grows to about 20cm wide (but can grow up to an impressive 55cm!) and contains hollow chambers and tunnels that are ideal spaces for ant nesting.

Image courtesy of NParks

The plant provides shelter and nectar to ants. In return, the ants provide the plant with protection from herbivores and pests. This is known as a symbiotic relationship, when close associations are formed between two species.

The Ant plant is an epiphyte and grows on the surface of another plants. It is often found on trees in primary and secondary forests. The ant plant is best suited to a tropical climate and thrives in Singapore, where high humidity and abundant rainfall prevail. It derives its moisture and nutrients from the air, rain, water or nearby organic debris and stores them in its distinctively swollen stem.

Emerging from the stem, the ant plant produces long, slender, and flexible branches. These branches host short, broad, leather-like leaves and give rise to delicate white flowers.

Image courtesy of NParks

The Ant plant serves as a perfect example of the intricate interdependence between flora and fauna in the region, underscoring the importance of each species and the roles that plant life plays in the environment.

If you come across a rare Ant plant in the wild, we encourage you to capture photos and document your observations. We especially recommend using the local SGBioAtlas app or the iNaturalist app, which enables you to share and validate your findings within the community.

Discover the wonders of nature, observe the intricacies of the world around you, and let curiosity be your guide. Happy exploring!

📷 Post your findings on social media and tag us on Instagram or Facebook.

November Events in Singapore

November events in Singapore that help you raise awareness, take action, connect with nature, be a part of the environmental movement, and meet like-minded people.

1. Organic Composting for Gardening

Time: 7 p.m. – 8 p.m., Tuesday, 14^th November

Place: Punggol Regional Library – Programme Room

Organiser: GoLibrary, National Library Board

Description:

The Organic Composting for Gardening Programme discusses the importance of organic composting in gardening and its role in contributing to sustainability in Singapore. Key speaker Jayden Ong, co-founder of SoilSocial, will share about the practical aspects of organic composting at home and within community gardens.

Registration is free. Reserve a spot here.

GoLibrary is the organiser of Programmes on Sustainability. Head to an NLB library to pick up tips on how to live a greener life! Explore other programmes and offerings here.

2. What’s in my water?

Time: 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., Saturday, 18^th November

Place: Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve

Organiser: Na tional Parks

Description:

What’s in my water? is a guided morning walk at Sungei Buloh that offers an opportunity to explore and familiarize yourself with the diverse land and coastal creatures and plants inhabiting the wetland reserve. Sungei Buloh comprises mangroves, mudflats, ponds, and forests, making it a tropical haven for a wide-ranging ecosystem that includes mudskippers, crabs, water snakes, monitor lizards, otters, and various other species.

The What’s in my water? tour is free. Limited to 12 participants on a first-come-first-serve basis. Registration opens at 8 a.m., 10^th November. The walk will be cancelled if it rains.

3. East Coast Beach Plan Cleanups

Time: Friday, 10^th November, Friday, 17^th November, Friday, 24^th November

Place: East Coast Park

Organiser: @eastcoastbeachplan

Description:

The East Coast Beach Plan is a ground-up initiative for anyone interested to join or self-organise clean-ups to do their part to reduce plastic pollution from entering the ocean. Note that all sessions are ad-hoc and self-organised by interested individuals, nothing is really centrally organised. Do participate safely and at your own discretion and risk.

Read this document before you go!

4. Zero • Market

Time: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Saturday, 18^th November, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Sunday, 19^th November

Place: Tzu Chi Humanistic Youth Centre, 30A Yishun Central 1, Singapore 768796

Organiser: Tzu Chi Humanistic Youth Centre 慈济人文青年中心

Description:

The Zero • Market is a sustainable lifestyle market, where fresh produce and sustainable goods are available! They are working towards Zero Waste, starting with Zero Meat and Zero Plastic (except for unavoidable plastic packaging). It takes place every 1st and 3rd Weekend (Saturday and Sunday) of the month unless otherwise stated. Visit the Zero • Market and don’t forget to bring your own bag!

5. Love Our Coast Beach Cleanup

Time: 9 a.m. – 11 a.m., Sunday, 26^th November

Place: Georges @ The Cove

Organiser: Georges

Description:

Love Our Coast Beach Cleanup is an initiative led by georges to promote care and responsibility for the beaches and coastal ecosystems in Singapore. The cleanup process comprises an initial briefing, during which participants will receive cleaning equipment. Following the cleanup, they will be responsible for sorting the items collected from the beach.

Registration is free. Click here to sign up.

6. Repair Kopitiam

Time: Sunday, 26^th November

Place: Various locations

Organiser: Repair Kopitiam

Description:

Repair Kopitiam is an initiative designed to combat the disposable culture by offering a platform where individuals can mend their personal belongings with guidance and assistance from volunteer “Repair Coaches”. This do-it-yourself (DIY) repair event takes place on the final Sunday of each month at different locations throughout the country. To participate, attendees need to schedule a specific timeslot and are allowed to bring up to two items for repair during each session.

Booking opens on 10^th November through 21^st November. Read event house rules here.

7. Turning waste to energy: TuasOne Waste-To-Energy Plant Tour

Time: 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., 28^th November

Place: Jurong East MRT Station (Meeting point)

Organiser: CGS Experiences

Description:

Turning waste to energy: TuasOne Waste-To-Energy Plant Tour is a guided visit to Singapore’s sixth waste-to-energy plant. The plant can process about 35% of the garbage that Singapore generates daily, incinerating up to 3,600 tonnes of waste and generating up to 120 megawatts of electricity daily. Explore the facilities and learn about the technologies employed to turn waste materials into energy.

Learn more about the tour and register here.

Edit: Wow! This tour is popular and completely booked out now. You can join the waitlist or organise your own group booking via the NEA Portal.

For the little ones:

8. Weird and Wonderful Plants

Time: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Monday, 20^th November

Place: Singapore Botanic Gardens, Centre for Education & Outreach

Organiser: National Parks

Description:

Weird and Wonderful Plants is a children’s workshop and guided tour through the Singapore Botanic Gardens to observe unique and strange plants in their natural habitat. Participants will discover plants with such as the Pitcher plant, Venus flytrap, Ant plant, and Air plant and learn about their important ecological roles, why plant life is crucial for the environment and why it’s essential to conserve biodiversity.

The Weird and Wonderful Plants workshop is $50 per child. Suitable for children in Primary 1 to 6.

9. Deep Field by Tin&Ed

Time: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m. – 2 p.m., 3 p.m. – 4 p.m., 16^th – 26^th November

Place: ArtScience Museum, Basement 2, Rainbow Room

Organiser: ArtScience Museum

Description:

Deep Field by Tin&Ed is an immersive art experience by Australian artists Tin Nguyen and Edward Cutting. The experience starts with a guided tour of the museum where participants will have a chance to design their own imaginary flora and fauna taking inspiration from the natural environment. Their creations will be added to a new ecosystem of plants revealed through the lens of Augmented Reality (AR). As participants immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of the natural world, they are prompted to establish a deeper connection with and contemplate their relationship with our planet and nature.

The Deep Field by Tin&Ed workshop is free with registration. Click here for more information about Tin&Ed. Recommended for ages 8 and up. Book here to reserve a slot.

7 Energy-saving Habits to Add to Your Everyday Life

By adopting energy-efficient practices and making conscious choices in our daily routines, we can collectively reduce the environmental impact of energy consumption while helping to secure a cleaner, greener future for our city.

As Singapore continues to advance technologically and economically, the demand for energy steadily rises. Although the capacity of renewable energy has expanded, fossil gas continues to be the main energy source for Singapore. Natural gas is not renewable and emits carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and contributes to climate change and global warming.

As part of its climate pledge, Singapore plans to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. The nation-state’s approach to reaching its target include improving energy efficiency, reducing carbon emissions from power generation, developing low-carbon technologies, and responding through collection action.

Here is a checklist to help you build good energy-saving habits:

Turn off lights, fans, and air conditioning when leaving a room.

Turn off the water heater when you’re done with your shower.

Switch off electrical appliances at the power socket.

Instead of leaving an appliance on standby power, switch it off at the power socket. When devices such as laptops, TVs, modems, and routers are left on, they continue to use electricity.

Use a fan instead of turning on the air conditioner.

Electric fans require around 30 times less electricity to operate than a standard air conditioning unit. Research shows that widespread use of fans has the potential to reduce energy demand and emissions attributed to air conditioner use by up to 70%.

If you must switch on the air conditioner, set it to a moderate temperature (around 25-26°C) to reduce energy consumption.

Setting the air conditioner to a moderate temperature conserves energy and helps manage electricity demand, especially during peak hours. Once the room is sufficiently cooled, switch to a fan and avoid running the air conditioner for extended periods.

Open your curtains during the day to maximise natural lighting and minimise the need for artificial lights.

Use energy-efficient appliances and consider switching to LED bulbs for lighting.

LED bulbs consume up to 25% less electricity than Compact Fluorescent (CFL) light bulbs and can last about 2.5 times longer.

Choose an energy efficient appliance with more ticks on the energy label. An appliance with fewer ticks may cost you more in electricity bills in a year.

Image courtesy of NEA

Which eco-friendly habits are you adding to your everyday life, and which are you already doing?

Why is the Single-Use Bag an Environmental Villain?

Starting from this year, 2023, major supermarkets in Singapore have started charging for disposable bags to encourage shoppers to bring their own reusable bags. Why is it important to get shoppers to switch from disposable bags to reusable bags?

Starting from this year, 2023, major supermarkets in Singapore have started charging for disposable bags to encourage shoppers to bring their own reusable bags. Since 3 July 2023, these larger supermarkets have been required to charge at least five cents for each disposable carrier bag regardless of the material––plastic, paper, biodegradable materials, and so on. Charging for disposable bags is an effort to get the nation-state on a journey towards zero waste.

Why is it important to get shoppers to switch from disposable bags to reusable bags?

Disposable products are often seen as counter to the principles of zero waste for several reasons. Disposables are designed to be used once and then discarded. They foster a culture of wastefulness and encourages the idea that resources can be used and discarded without considering their long-term environmental impact.

The production of disposable products depletes our natural resources, such as trees for paper products, oil for plastics, and water during the manufacturing process. On top of that, manufacturing, transportation, and the disposal of single-use products require energy, which often comes from non-renewable sources like fossil fuels. This energy use contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, which drive climate change.

What’s more, once the product is used and disposed of, most of it ends up as landfill waste. Every year, around 200,000 metric tonnes of Singapore’s domestic waste are disposables. According to NEA, only 6% of the plastics that get tossed out in Singapore get recycled. Paper has a higher recycling rate of 37%. And biodegradable plastic bags don’t get recycled at all–– they are incinerated with the rest of our waste.

Although the mandate applies to disposable bags of any material, plastic bags are one of the major contributors to Singapore’s domestic plastic waste. A study by the Singapore Environmental Council (SEC) found that shoppers take about 820 million plastic bags from supermarkets a year.

Funnily (or not), plastic bags were first invented in 1959 with the intention of saving trees. They were made as an alternative to paper bags, which were causing the destruction of forests. People were encouraged to switch to plastic bags. Sten Gustag Thulin, a Swedish engineer, who designed the plastic bag, would keep one folded in his back pocket to be re-used. By the end of the 90s, plastic bags almost entirely replaced paper bags around the world. They were seen as the cheaper alternative.

While disposables may seem cheaper upfront, they can be more expensive in the long run when we consider the environmental and societal costs.

Plastic disposables, for example, have been notorious for littering our landscapes, oceans, and waterways. They are lightweight and easily blown away by the wind. When plastic waste is mismanaged, they harm wildlife, disrupt ecosystems, and can persist in the environment for centuries.

By choosing disposables, we miss out on opportunities to promote recycling and reuse, which are key components of a zero-waste lifestyle. In contrast, the zero-waste movement encourages a shift away from disposable products and towards practices that reduce waste. Sten Gustag Thulin didn’t plan for the plastic bag to become a problem, but he did have the right idea––he carried a bag with him to be reused. So, next time you go shopping, remember to Refuse disposable bags, Reuse a bag you already have, and if you must, Recycle instead of throwing it in the trash.

You might be interested in: Reduce Single-Use Plastics Checklist

Water Usage: A Collective Responsibility

Reducing water usage starts at home, but it requires a collective effort from all sectors of society. Here’s a practical checklist that individuals can use to become more environmentally conscious and build good habits regarding water efficiency.

Singapore’s Water Story

In the tiny island nation of Singapore, water has always been a precious resource. With limited natural water sources, the nation has forged ahead with a comprehensive approach to water management. Today, a significant portion of Singapore’s water supply comes from recycled wastewater, also known as NEWater, and desalination plants, which have drastically reduced our reliance on imported water. However, this progress should not encourage complacency; it should motivate us to do more to safeguard our water future.

Water demand in Singapore is currently about 430 million gallons a day–– enough to fill 782 Olympic-sized swimming pools. It is projected that Singapore’s water demand could almost double by 2060. In light of the recent revision of water prices, starting in April 2024, let’s look at some ways we can chart a course towards reducing water usage and achieving water efficiency.

Reducing Water Usage: A Collective Responsibility

Embrace smart home technologies that help monitor and control water consumption. Smart water meters, leak detection systems, and automated irrigation can significantly reduce wastage. Monitor your water usage through PUB’s online water consumption portal and set water-saving goals.

Fix any visible leaks in faucets, pipes, and toilets promptly.

Regularly check for and fix leaks to avoid wasting precious treated water, which is energy-intensive to produce. If your smart water meter has been installed and you have a MySmartWaterMeter account, log in to your account to receive alerts on suspected leaks. If you don’t have a smart water meter, you can check if there is a leak by turning off all taps and appliances using water, and a check your water meter. If the dial continues to run, there is likely a water leak.

Install low-flow faucets and showerheads to reduce water usage.

Consider installing a dual-flush toilet or place a displacement device in the tank.

Opt for a broom instead of a hose when cleaning driveways and sidewalks.

Run the dishwasher and washing machine only with full loads.

Replace outdated, water-guzzling appliances with water-efficient alternatives.

Singapore’s Mandatory Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme (WELS) helps you make informed choices when making a purchase. A product is graded with 0, 1, 2, or 3 ticks depending on how water efficient it is.

An appliance with 3 ticks would be most effective in reducing water consumption. Image courtesy of PUB Singapore

Be mindful of the amount of water you use in daily activities like showering and cooking. You may monitor your water usage through PUB’s online water consumption portal and set water-saving goals.

Collect and reuse cold water while waiting for it to heat up (e.g., in a bucket) for watering plants.

Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth or scrubbing dishes.

Water your garden during the cooler parts of the day to minimize evaporation.

Collect rainwater in barrels to use for outdoor watering.

Set up a rain sensor on your sprinkler system to prevent unnecessary watering during rainy periods.

Which water-saving habits are you adding to your everyday life, and which are you already doing?

Reduce Single-Use Plastics Checklist

In a world grappling with the repercussions of excessive plastic consumption, we, Singaporeans, are presented with an opportunity to lead the way in tackling plastic pollution.

In a year, Singapore uses 467 million plastic bottles and 473 million plastic disposable items like takeaway containers. In a recent study by United Nations University for Water, Environment and Health (UNU INWEH), Singapore was identified as one of the largest consumers of bottled water per capita and is one of the fastest-growing markets for natural bottled water, despite having access to clean drinking water for all.

This checklist focuses on reducing single-use plastics, a pressing concern in a densely populated urban environment like Singapore. By minimising plastic waste through reusable alternatives and fostering a culture of conscious consumption, we can help alleviate the burden on landfills, land ecosystems, and marine ecosystems.

Here is checklist to help you become more environmentally conscious and build good habits regarding single-use plastics:

Carry a reusable water bottle and coffee cup to reduce reliance on single-use plastic bottles and cups. Bring a reusable food container if you’re getting take away.

Use a reusable water bottle instead of purchasing single-use plastic bottles.

Using reusable water bottles, coffee cups, and food containers reduces the need for single-use plastic containers, decreasing plastic waste in Singapore’s landfills and waterways.

Use reusable shopping bags or bring your own tote bag when shopping to avoid plastic bags.

Bring your own reusable shopping bag instead of taking a new plastic bag.

Reusable shopping bags reduce the demand for disposable plastic bags, which are a major source of litter and pollution and require resources to produce.

Decline plastic straws and utensils when dining out and choose venues that support this initiative.

Use metal or glass reusable straws instead of plastic straws. Or ditch straws altogether!

Plastic straws and utensils are often not recyclable and can harm wildlife when they enter ecosystems. Not using plastic also reduces the carbon footprint associated with plastic production.

The food and beverage industry has switched to paper straws as an alternative. However, a recent study in Belgium found that paper straws contain PFAs, forever chemicals, commonly used in items as a water repellant. PFAs are toxic and harmful to human health and environmental health. Ditch the straw, or if you must, bring your own reusable straws.

Choose products with minimal plastic packaging or eco-friendly packaging. Or opt for items sold in bulk where you bring your own containers.

Bulk food stores often provide ec0-friendly paper or glass packaging. You can also bring your own containers from home.

Choosing products with minimal plastic packaging lowers the demand for plastic production and reduces waste generation.

Encourage friends and family in Singapore to participate in plastic reduction initiatives, such as the BYO (Bring Your Own) campaign.

Bring your own container when you purchase cut fruits from the fruit and juice stall.

Encouraging friends and family to participate in plastic reduction efforts spreads awareness and promotes a culture of sustainability in Singapore.

Image courtesy of BYO Singapore

Which eco-friendly habits are you adding to your everyday life, and which are you already doing?

Sustainable Transportation Checklist

This checklist promotes sustainable transportation alternatives, encouraging you to reduce your carbon footprint. By opting for public transit, carpooling, walking, or cycling, we can not only alleviate congestion but also contribute to cleaner air and a healthier urban environment in Singapore.

Singapore’s bustling urban landscape is characterised by its efficient transportation systems. However, this efficiency often comes at the cost of increased traffic congestion and air pollution. This checklist promotes sustainable transportation alternatives, encouraging you to reduce your carbon footprint. By opting for public transit, carpooling, walking, or cycling, we can not only alleviate congestion but also contribute to cleaner air and a healthier urban environment in Singapore.

Checklist to help you become more environmentally conscious and build good habits regarding transportation:

Use public transportation, such as buses and the MRT, for daily commutes and city travel.

Utilising public transportation reduces Singapore’s road congestion, air pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions from personal vehicles.

Consider carpooling or ridesharing with neighbours or co-workers to reduce the number of vehicles on the road.

Sharing rides reduces traffic congestion and lowers individual fuel consumption, decreasing Singapore’s air pollution levels.

Opt for walking or cycling for short trips and when possible.

Walking and cycling for short trips reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality in Singapore’s urban areas.

Explore Singapore’s extensive network of park connectors and bike paths for eco-friendly commuting and recreation.

The C2C Trail stretches 36 km, extending from Jurong Lake Gardens to Coney Island Park.

Using park connectors and bike paths promotes eco-friendly transportation and encourages outdoor activities.

Support initiatives like car-sharing services that promote shared vehicle use.

Car-sharing services reduce the number of vehicles on the road, decreasing air pollution and traffic congestion in Singapore.

Which eco-friendly habits are you adding to your everyday life, and which are you already doing? Comment below.

Reducing Food Waste: The Art of Proper Vegetable & Fruit Storage

When we throw away food, we’re not just wasting the food itself, but also the time, resources, and energy that went into producing and transporting it. A simple way to combat the problem of food waste is by learning how to store our vegetables properly.

In a bustling metropolis like Singapore, where space and resources are at a premium, the issue of food waste takes on added significance. When we throw away food, we’re not just wasting the food itself, but also the time, resources, and energy that went into producing and transporting it. A simple way to combat this problem is by learning how to store our vegetables properly, extending their freshness and reducing food waste in the process.

Composting food scraps is undoubtedly an effective method to decrease waste and nourish our soils but preventing food from reaching the compost bin in the first place is even more impactful. By adopting proper storage techniques, we can maximize the shelf life of our vegetables and minimize food wastage in our homes.

Let’s delve into some of the practical tips and tricks for storing vegetables and fruit in Singapore to maximise their freshness:

Tropical tip: Given Singapore’s tropical climate, it’s essential to be mindful of temperature and humidity. Keep most vegetables and fruit in the refrigerator, as the humidity and warmth can cause rapid spoilage in our tropical environment.

Leafy Greens: Leafy greens, like kai lan and kangkong, should be stored in airtight containers or resealable plastic bags to prevent wilting. Add a dry paper towel to absorb excess moisture and maintain their crispness. Store them in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator.

Bok Choy, Nai Bai and Chinese Cabbage: These staples can be stored in the fridge, but first, wrap them in a damp cloth or paper towel to maintain their moisture content and crispness.

Tropical Fruits: Singapore is known for its variety of tropical fruits. Store fruits like durian, mangosteen, and rambutan in the fridge to extend their shelf life, especially if you don’t plan to consume them immediately.

Tomatoes: Storing tomatoes upside down prevents moisture from escaping and keeps bacteria at bay. This simple technique can significantly extend the shelf life of your tomatoes.

Cool, dark, and well-ventilated: Keep your potatoes, garlic, and onions in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated space. But keep the potatoes and onions separated as they can make the other spoil faster.

Chill the Chilies: To prolong the life of your chili peppers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help keep them fresh and vibrant for longer.

Avocados: To ripen avocados faster, place them in a paper bag with a banana, apple or pear. Once ripe, transfer them to the refrigerator to extend their shelf life.

Herbs: To keep herbs like coriander, mint, and laksa leaves fresh, submerge their roots in a glass of water in the refrigerator. Trim the stems and change the water regularly.

Local Produce: Embrace locally grown vegetables, as they are likely to stay fresher longer due to shorter transportation distances. Supporting local farmers not only reduces food waste but also bolsters the local agricultural industry.

Plan Your Purchases: In Singapore’s compact living spaces, it’s crucial to plan your grocery purchases wisely. Buy what you need and consume it before it spoils. This practice not only reduces waste but also helps you make the most of your kitchen space.

By adopting these simple storage guidelines, we can prolong the life of our vegetables and fruit, reduce food waste, and save money in the process. Remember, reducing food waste is a collective responsibility that benefits us all, making Singapore a greener and more environmentally conscious place to live. Let’s embark on this journey toward reducing food waste, starting in our own kitchens, and lead the way to a more sustainable future for Singapore.

Have you mastered the art of vegetable storage? What other tips have you tried and tested? Share them in the comment section below.