March Events in Singapore

Check out the green events in Singapore this March. Let’s raise awareness, take action, connect with nature, join the environmental movement, and meet like-minded people.

1. Open My Factory: ALBA E-Waste Logistics & Sorting Hub

Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., Fri, 1st of March

Location: Tuas Crescent MRT Station Exit B (Street Level)

Organiser: My Community

Description:

How do we properly dispose of our batteries, printers and light bulbs? Step into ALBA’s E-Waste Sorting & Logistics Hub and learn about the different types of e-waste collected in Singapore. Witness the drivers and sorters in action, as we unravel the practical challenges to recycling our mobile phones and tablets, printers, television and more.

Click here to learn more.

2. Singapore Maritime Gallery Tour

Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., Sat, 2nd of March

Location: Level 2, Marine South Pier, 31 Marina Coastal Drive Singapore, 018988

Organiser: Maritime and Port Authority Singapore

Description:

Participate a 1-hour walking tour at Singapore Martime Gallery. It will take you on a voyage to discover the story of Maritime Singapore. The gallery offers an opportunity to explore Singapore’s rich maritime heritage, the vital link between the maritime industry and our daily lives, and how Singapore maintains its position as a global hub port and leading international maritime centre, tapping on technology to remain world-class and future ready.

Click here to learn more.

3. Coral Woman — International Women’s Day Event

Time: 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., Fri, 8th of March

Location: 6001 Beach Road, Golden Mile Tower, #05-00, Singapore 199589

Organiser: The Projector

Description:

Get ready for an evening of conversation, art, inspiration and activism!

In Coral Woman, we follow Uma who has been painting coral reefs as the subject of her art despite never having been underwater to see actual corals. At age 49, she learns how to dive and discovers some hard truths about the state of coral reefs in India. This isn’t just a film; it’s a story of empowerment, female resilience, growth, rediscovery and the transformative power of art. From coral bleaching to pollution to governmental passivity, Coral Woman confronts it all.

Click here to learn more.

4. SG Eco Ranger Sustainability Workshop: Eco Enzyme Making

Time: 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., Tue, 12th of March

Location: PAssion Wave @ Sembawang, 60 Jalan Mempurong, Singapore 759058

Organiser: PAssion Wave @ Sembawang

Description:

Did you know that you can make your own eco-enzyme at home and old oil can be made into soap?

Find out more about being environmentally conscious and how to be sustainable in our daily lives. Learn fascinating tips with SG Eco rangers and bring home your sustainable products.

Click here to learn more.

5. WWF Earth Hour Festival 2024

Time: 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m., Sat, 23rd of March

Location: Wisma Atria

Organiser: WWF SG

Description:

Join the WWF Earth Hour Festival 2024 at Wisma Atria. Join WWF for a day of fun-filled activities and performances and witness Singapore’s bustling shopping district go dark for an hour as we collectively pledge our commitment to a climate-resilient future.

Click here to learn more.

6. SG Eco Arts Festival: Eco for the Sake of…

Time: 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., Sun, 24th of March

Location: 277 Orchard Road orchardgateway #03-12/#04-11 Singapore, 238858

Organiser: GoLibrary | National Library Board, Singapore

Description:

The Singapore Eco Arts Festival is an upcycling and sustainable arts festival that showcases and shares creative ways of repurposing waste in Singapore.

In this event, the co-organisers of the SG Eco Arts Festival will be sharing about their journey in bringing together creative practitioners, community initiatives, and members of the public to celebrate and learn about innovative sustainable practices as well as circular thinking.

Click here to learn more.

7. Plastic: Remaking Our World

Time: 23rd Jan. – 23rd Jun., 2024

Location: National Museum of Singapore, 93 Stamford Road Singapore

Organiser: National Museum of Singapore

Description:

Plastic: Remaking Our World examines the history and future of this controversial material: from its meteoric rise in the 20th century and its environmental impact to cutting-edge solutions for a more sustainable way of using plastic. The exhibition features over 300 objects, posters, films and photographs from the Vitra Design Museum and its partners, including rarities from the dawn of the plastic age, objects of the pop era and contemporary designs and projects, with additional content on the use of plastic and sustainability in Singapore.

Learn more details her e.

8. Zero • Market

Time: 9:00 – 14:00, 1st and 3rd Saturday & Sunday

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!

Learn more here.

9. Repair Kopitiam

Time: Sunday, 24th March

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 8th March through 20th March. Read event house rules here.

Fostering Communities of Change, One Repair at a Time

In the vibrant city-state of Singapore, a transformative initiative known as Repair Kopitiam has been quietly revolutionizing the way residents approach their belongings.

Introduction

In the vibrant city-state of Singapore, a transformative initiative known as Repair Kopitiam has been quietly revolutionizing the way residents approach their belongings. Founded in 2014 by Veerappan Swaminathan and Farah Sanwari and currently run by SL2 Impact, the non-profit arm of Sustainable Living Lab, Repair Kopitiam has evolved into a force combating the prevalent “Buy and Throw Away” culture. By encouraging residents to repair rather than discard, the initiative aims to create a sustainable society that redefines the lifecycle of products.

Monthly Repair Meetups

The heartbeat of Repair Kopitiam is its community-driven approach, evident in the monthly repair meetups held on the last Sunday of each month. At these events, diverse groups of people converge, bringing with them malfunctioning or broken household items in need of repair. The initiative not only addresses the immediate issue of item repair but also fosters a collective responsibility towards a circular economy.

Volunteer Repair Coaches

Central to the success of Repair Kopitiam is the passionate volunteer Repair Coaches who guide participants through the repair process. The transfer of knowledge from those proficient in repairs to eager learners forms the backbone of a sustainable community model. Beyond one-off repair events, Repair Kopitiam offers workshops where participants delve into the intricacies of tinkering, gaining technical prowess and the mindset of a lifelong learner.

Community Impacts

With a cumulative impact of training approximately 4,500 volunteer Repair Coaches since its inception, Repair Kopitiam currently operates with over 100 Repair Coaches across nine event locations. The initiative serves as a filter for recycling, focusing on the importance of repairing items before resorting to recycling. By promoting pre-repair maintenance, replacing broken parts, and salvaging functional components, Repair Kopitiam seeks to lower the barrier for the general public to engage in repair activities.

A Vision for the Future

Repair Kopitiam recognizes the pivotal role that the youth play in shaping the future, and as such, the initiative actively engages this demographic through collaborations with educational and youth organisations in Singapore. Extending beyond the monthly repair meetups, these programmes emphasize the importance of pre-repair maintenance, instilling in the youth a proactive mindset regarding the maintenance and repair of everyday items.

Conclusion

photo: Repair Kopitiam

In the hands of Repair Kopitiam, discarded items find new life, and communities are woven together through shared experiences of repair and resilience. Repair Kopitiam stands as a powerful exemplar of grassroots initiatives, showcasing that by addressing the specific needs of individuals within communities, a ripple effect of positive change can be sparked, fostering a collective ethos of responsibility and environmental stewardship.

Sustainable Packaging in Singapore: Opportunities and Challenges

As Singapore moves towards a sustainable future, addressing packaging waste will be crucial in achieving its net zero goals. The study underscores the importance of collaborative efforts between different stakeholders for long-term success. Recommendations include a focus on consumer education, government incentives, and innovative business models.

In 2021, Singapore generated 1.82 million tonnes of domestic waste that needed to be incinerated. Almost one-third of it was domestic packaging waste, accounting for 523,000 tonnes (valued at S$1.8 billion), and incineration of the packaging waste alone generated over 3.15 million kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent (KgCO2e).

Identifying packaging waste as one of Singapore’s primary waste streams, the Singapore Environment Council (SEC) conducted a study, Unlocking Sustainable Packaging Opportunities in Singapore, in collaboration with KPMG in 2022 to assess the state of sustainable packaging, consumer attitudes, and opportunities for effective packaging waste management to realise Singapore’s vision of getting to net zero and closing the loop for packaging waste.

The study surveyed over 1,000 respondents from diverse socio-economic backgrounds to understand how packaging is used in Singapore, people’s awareness of eco-labelling, and perceptions of stakeholder roles in sustainable packaging.

Key Findings

Public Awareness and Education

7 out of 10 consumers lack a full understanding of what materials are recyclable and what are not.
78% cited the absence of insufficient information and clear labelling on sustainable packaging as a hindrance to making sustainable choices.
Consumers also view the effort needed to wash and clean recyclables for recycling as the biggest challenge to recycling.

Challenges and Opportunities for Businesses

95% of the respondents expressed a willingness to choose products with sustainable packaging, while price was a significant factor, with 53% stating they would only opt for sustainable packaging if it didn’t cost more.
70% believed there should be a reduction in packaging material for most products.
27% cited a willingness to use refillable bottles if they could cut down on costs.
Over half of the respondents would take part in take-back schemes if collection points were convenient and accessible across Singapore.

Stakeholder Roles

Consumers rely on the Singapore government (29%) and corporates (22%) to implement and provide credible sources of information about eco-friendly packaging.
More educational campaigns, better recycling infrastructure, and compulsory eco-labelling are solutions deemed helpful for consumers to manage their packaging waste better.

diagram from SEC

Recommendations:

The study highlighted an urgent need for businesses to explore sustainable packaging options, presenting opportunities for cost savings.
Upstream players, such as manufacturers and suppliers, can play a pivotal role in redesigning packaging and reducing material use.
Businesses should collaborate with the government, supply chains, and consumers to address the carbon footprint across the product life cycle.
Government incentives, including tax relief and research grants, are crucial to supporting businesses in adopting sustainable practices.

Read the full report here.

December Events in Singapore

December 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. Sustainability Open Innovation Challenge 2023

Organiser: Enterprise Singapore

Description:

The fifth edition of the Sustainability Open Innovation Challenge, organised by Enterprise Singapore, seeks innovative minds to devise sustainable solutions under key themes: Climate Change, Green Buildings, Sustainable Agriculture & Trade, Sustainable Materials, and an Open Category.

Successful innovators will gain a unique opportunity to engage in co-innovation with corporate partners. In addition, prizes include potential grant support, S$75,000 from Hexagon Group, as well as funding and real-world testing facilitated by industry pioneers. Learn more

2. Fashion Swap — Festive Edition

Time: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., 1st – 3rd December

Place: AnchorPoint

Organiser: Cloop

Description:

Get ready to unwrap the most wonderful time of the year with Cloop’s festive edition Fashion Swap! Whether you’re gearing up for travelling, Christmas, NYE, or CNY celebrations, Cloop’s got your style needs covered sustainably!

Learn more about the event here.

3. East Coast Beach Plan Cleanups

Time: Friday, 1st December, Friday, 8th December, Friday, 15th December, Friday, 22nd December, Friday, 29th December

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. Death of a T-shirt?

Time: 7 p.m., Thursday, 7th December

Place: Punggol Regional Library – Programme Room (Level 5) | Zoom

Organiser: Punggol Regional Library

Description:

In this programme, Jasmine Tuan, co-founder of Cloop, and Kevin Kho, Centre Manager of the RGE-NTU Sustainable Textile Research Centre will talk about the afterlives of our clothes. Find out what Singaporeans are doing to tackle the problem of textile waste, and how technology can help to give our clothes a second chance of life.

Get tickets here.

5. Zero • Market – Eco Xmas Edition

Time: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., 16th & 17th December

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!

Learn more here.

6. Project Blue Wave Ambassador Workshop Part 1 & 2

Time: 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., Saturday, 16th December

Place: PAssion Wave@Marina Bay

Organiser: PAssion Wave@Marina Bay x Stridy

Description: Learn about marine biodiversity and environmental conservation with PAssion Wave @ Marina Bay and Stridy. Complete the sessions below to be an ambassador:
Part 1: Theory
Part 2: Waterway / Park Cleanup
Part 3: Volunteer with us

The minimum age of participation is 12, and participants are expected to register as volunteers and volunteer with PAssion Wave.

Online registration closes on 11 December. Use this link to register.

7. Repair Kopitiam

Time: Sunday, 17th December

Place: Various locations

Organiser: Repair Kopitiam

Description:

Booking opens on 1st December through 13th December. Read event house rules here.

8. Sustainable Creative Artwork by Visual Arts Centre X NTU ADM

Time: 10:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., Saturday, 30th December

Place: Visual Arts Centre

Organiser: Visual Arts Centre x NTU ADM

Description:

This immersive experience is perfect for aspiring eco-conscious artists and individuals of all ages. Learn to merge artistic expression with a commitment to environmental responsibility. Dive into techniques that bring your ideas to life while championing sustainability. From recycled materials to nature-inspired themes, the workshop will ignite your passion for art and the planet.

The minimum age of participation is 10.

Learn more about the workshop here.

7 Practical Ways to Reduce Textile Waste

The fashion industry has long been synonymous with change and innovation, yet with these advancements comes a controversial side – the problem of textile waste. Here are some practical ways to reduce textile waste and make a positive impact on the planet.

The fashion industry has long been synonymous with change and innovation, yet with these advancements comes a controversial side – the problem of textile waste. Textile waste is pollution caused by the production and disposal of textiles such as clothes, shoes, accessories, towels, sheets, curtains, mattresses and more. It has adverse impacts on the environment.

In production, various toxic chemicals, dyes, and heavy metals used in the making of textiles, when not properly managed, find their way into water systems through run-off, which can affect the water quality of water bodies like rivers and lakes and underground aquifers. Run-off contamination also poses health risks to local communities that consume or come into contact with contaminated water, poisons the soil, and disrupts the balance of aquatic ecosystems.

The fast-fashion industry contributes to textile waste in a significant way. In response to the demand for budget-friendly trendy clothing, companies produce products quickly with synthetic materials. Polyester, for example, is a type of plastic fabric that is made from petroleum-based substances. During its manufacturing process, greenhouse gases are released into the atmosphere. Notably, the fashion industry produces 2-8% of global greenhouse gas emissions every year.

The combination of low prices, subpar quality, and fleeting trendy styles also perpetuates a cycle of disposable consumption, where items are bought and discarded shortly after.

When polyester textile ends up in a landfill, it does not break down. It only degrades over time into microplastics and further pollutes the land and water.

In Singapore, textile that does not get recycled gets incinerated along with the rest of our waste and further generates emissions and air pollutants. Particularly concerning is the incineration of garments crafted from synthetic fibres, as it may release microfibers into the atmosphere.

Fashion is a powerful form of storytelling through self-expression. When we don clothing, footwear, and accessories, it evokes a sense of self-confidence and positivity. We use it to communicate our identity, values and personal style. Fashion serves as a visual representation of who we are. Not to forget, fashion also serves a practical function, providing us with clothing suitable for different weather conditions or activities.

As individuals, we can make a difference by adopting sustainable practices in our fashion choices. Here are seven practical ways to reduce textile waste and make a positive impact on the planet.

Mindful Consumption

Before making a new purchase, ask yourself if you need it. Consider the quality, versatility, and timelessness of the item. Choosing timeless pieces that can be styled in different ways extends the lifespan of your wardrobe.

Second-hand Shopping

Explore thrift stores, vintage shops, and second-hand online platforms. Buying pre-loved clothing not only gives garments a second life but also helps to reduce the demand for new production.

Clothing Swaps

Host or participate in clothing swaps with friends, family, or colleagues. Clothing swaps are a fun and sustainable way to refresh your wardrobe without spending money or contributing to textile waste. Cloop, Swapaholic, and The Fashion Pulpit are a few local organisations to look out for. Connect with them to stay updated on their upcoming events.

Upcycle or Repair

Transform old or worn-out clothing into something new through upcycling. Turn old jeans into shorts, create a tote bag or a pouch from an old t-shirt, embroider designs or add patches to revive old garments.

Proper Clothing Care

Extend the life of your clothing by following proper care instructions. Wash clothes in cold water, air dry when possible, and avoid over-washing. Proper clothing care helps maintain the integrity of the fabric and prevents premature wear and tear, reducing your need to replace them.

Support Sustainable Brands

When purchasing new items, support brands that prioritise sustainability. Look for companies that use recycled materials, eco-friendly materials, have ethical manufacturing practices, and take-back programmes. By supporting these brands, you can contribute to a shift in the fashion industry towards more responsible and sustainable practices.

Donate or Recycle Responsibly

If you find yourself with clothing you no longer need, donate it to local charities or clothing banks. Ensure that the items are clean and in good condition. If the items are not fit for donations, explore recycling options. Cloop’s yellow bins, for example, accept items in any condition.

What are some practices you adopt to make less textile waste?

Close the Loop for Fashion for Good

In this interview, Yinling, the co-founder of Cloop, shared her journey to circular fashion and the origin story of Cloop, a circular fashion enterprise focused on reducing fashion overconsumption and helping consumers close the textile loop with solutions for unwanted textiles and sustainable shopping alternatives.

Close the Loop for Fashion for Good

—An Exclusive Interview with Yinling Tan

Featuring Singapore’s environmental advocacy and innovation, Singapore Green Guardians (SGG) had the privilege of having an insightful conversation with Yinling Tan, the co-founder of Cloop. In this interview, Yinling shared her journey to circular fashion and the origin story of Cloop, a circular fashion enterprise focused on reducing fashion overconsumption and helping consumers close the textile loop with solutions for unwanted textiles and sustainable shopping alternatives.

SGG: How did it all start for you, Yinling?

Yinling: During my time studying in the UK, I found myself ensnared in the world of online shopping, accumulating a room full of unworn clothes I didn’t need.

In 2019, upon completing my degree in Environmental Science and returning to Singapore, I enrolled in a two-month zero-waste boot camp run by Secondsguru. Our final project, coincidentally, delved into the waste produced by the clothing industry, and the findings were shocking:

The fashion industry consumes a staggering 93 million litres of water. For perspective, the water used to produce a simple pair of jeans (3,781 litres) could sustain an individual for five and a half years.
The industry also contributes to 8% of the global carbon emissions every year, which is almost as much as all the international flights and shipping combined.
Fabric manufacturing accounts for 20% of worldwide wastewater.
87% of the total fibre used to make clothes ends up incinerated or in landfills. (Quantis, 2018)

These eye-opening facts led me to reflect on my shopping habits, sparking a personal redemption arc and a commitment to champion sustainable fashion.

SGG: What did you do?

Yinling: I started to run swap events and eco-conscious campaigns. In 2020, I met my now business partner Jasmine Tuan, and we founded Cloop. Our mission is to close the loop for fashion for good. Yet, we soon realised clothes swapping had limitations—80% of donated clothes we received couldn’t be resold or swapped. Since Singapore doesn’t have its own textile recycling facility, it is difficult to track the actual textile recycling rate.

To address this, in March 2022, we collaborated with Life Line Clothing, a Malaysia-based textile recycler. Their facility collects, sorts, upcycles, and downcycles textile materials, providing a second life for textile waste.

Photo: Life Line Clothing

In July 2022, the first textile recycling bin in Singapore was launched, and a year later, we have more than 370 bins citywide and counting.

Locate Cloop Life Line Recycling Bin Near You

SGG: How much textile waste do you collect?

Yinling: Weekly, we collect up to 50 tonnes of textile waste, yet this represents only 1% of the total waste generated. Our goal is to install 600 bins across Singapore, doubling our textile waste recycling capacity.

SGG: What other initiatives does Cloop have?

Yinling: Recognizing recycling as a last resort, we stress the importance of rethinking clothing purchases, advocating for waste reduction through swapping, second-hand shopping, and upcycling old textiles.

To foster awareness and behavioural change, we conduct upcycling workshops and deliver talks to corporates and schools. With six pop-up thrift stores and regular swap events, we provide avenues for those aiming to embrace sustainable fashion. To stay updated on our events, you can follow us @cloop.sg on Instagram.

Photo: Cloop

SGG: What’s the next step for Cloop?

Yinling: Another initiative is to assist corporates in reducing textile waste through Life Line Clothing’s Upcycle4Better programme. By upcycling old textiles like company uniforms and bed linens into new products—tote bags, pouches, and cleaning cloths—we aim to help organizations achieve their sustainability goals while creating community-based job opportunities for designers and sewers.

Photo: Cloop

Celebrating the Winners of the Earthshot Prize 2023

On Tuesday (November 7th), The Earthshot Prize held its 2023 annual award at Mediacorp Theatre in Singapore. It is an initiative launched by Britain’s Prince William in 2020 to address critical environmental challenges. The award celebrated the achievements of five outstanding projects under five categories — building a waste-free world, cleaning our air, fixing our climate, reviving our oceans, and protecting and restoring nature.

Here are the five winners and their projects.

1. Protect and Restore Nature

Winner: ACCIÓN ANDINA

The Project:

Acción Andina brings together local and indigenous communities in the high Andes to collaborate on the protection and restoration of native forests and ecosystems. The initiative provides essential resources such as salary support, project and financial management, and technical training.

Impact:

Since 2018, the project has planted nearly 10 million native trees across five countries, restoring over 4,000 hectares of Andean forests and safeguarding more than 11,000 hectares of native forests from destruction.

Future Plans:

The goal by 2045 is to protect and restore one million hectares of high Andean native forest ecosystems across seven countries.

2. Revive Our Oceans

Winner: WildAid Marine Programme

The Project:

WildAid ensures marine protected areas (MPAs) worldwide continue to fulfill their conservation promises, create sustainable fishery zones, and combat overfishing threats.

Impact:

Operating in 96 MPAs across 16 countries, WildAid has improved protection for over 8,500 marine species.

Future Plans:

With a focus on expanding to 250 MPAs and coastal fishery zones in the next five years, WildAid is determined to strengthen the global efforts to conserve our oceans.

3. Clean Our Air

Winner: GRST

The Project:

GRST pioneers cleaner battery production by eliminating toxic adhesives in lithium-ion batteries and reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

Impact:

GRST’s technologies enable a 35% reduction in energy consumption, a 40% decrease in greenhouse gas emissions, and production of batteries that last 10% longer.

Future Plans:

Expanding to international markets, GRST plans to set up a manufacturing facility in Singapore.

4. Fix Our Climate

Winner: Boomitra

The Project:

Collaborating with 150,000 farmers worldwide, Boomitra focuses on improving agricultural practices to enhance soil health, increase crop yields, and sequester carbon dioxide.

Impact:

Since 2018, Boomitra has removed 15 million tonnes of CO2, with plans to provide at least US$200 million to farmers and ranchers by 2025.

Future Plans:

Boomitra is scaling their solutions internationally to help farmers improve soil health and increase crop yields. It also aims to store one gigaton of CO2 in the soil by 2030.

5. Build a Waste-free World

Winner: S4S Technologies

The Project:

S4S Technologies aids small-holder farmers in India by providing solar-powered dryers and food processing equipment, preventing unsold produce from going to waste and supporting women entrepreneurs.

Impact:

Over 100,000 farmers and 2,500 female entrepreneurs have experienced increased profits and doubled or tripled incomes since 2020.

Future Plans:

S4S aims to expand its network to one million small-holder farmers, help 10,000 entrepreneurs, and save half a million tonnes of food from waste in the next three years.

Photos: The Earthshot Prize

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:

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:

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.

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

October Events in Singapore

October 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. The Conscious Festival 2023

Time: 12:00 p.m. Friday, October 13^th – 7 p.m., Sunday, October 15^th

Place: South Beach Tower, 38 Beach Road, Singapore, 189767

Organiser: Green is the New Black

Description:

The Conscious Festival 2023 is an experiential event that focuses on the future of humanity in relation to climate, technology, and environmental consciousness. Through music, art, talks, workshops, and community building, it aims to raise awareness and help people adopt a more sustainable lifestyle.

Find more details about the festival here.

2. East Coast Beach Plan Cleanups

Time: 9:00 a.m., Friday, October 13^th; 9:00 a.m., Friday, October 20^th; 9:00 a.m., Friday, October 27^th

Place: East Coast Park

Organiser: @eastcoastbeachplan

Description:

Read this document before you go!

3. Learning Forest Tour

Time: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m., Sunday, October 14^th

Place: Singapore Botanic Gardens, Visitor Services at Tyersall Gate

Organiser: National Parks

Description:

The Learning Forest Tour features a network of boardwalks and elevated walkways that allow visitors to explore habitats ranging from a freshwater forest wetland to a lowland rainforest. Visitors can learn about freshwater forest wetland ecosystems at the Keppel Discovery Wetlands and walk amongst a collection of some of the tallest tree species in Southeast Asia at the SPH Walk of Giants.

The Learning Forest Tour is free. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the session. Limited slots are available on a first-come-first-serve basis.

3. Welcome Waders!

Time: 9:30 a.m. – 13:00 p.m., Saturday, October 14^th

Place: Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Visitor Centre

Organiser: National Parks

Description:

Every year, millions of migratory shorebirds make an extraordinary journey from their breeding grounds in the Arctic to this part of the world. The journey is a difficult one, and many of them fall prey to hunters, predators, and storms. However, a greater threat than all these is the loss of their ancestral rest stops to development, as populations plummet in the face of starvation.

For the shorebirds that arrive at Sungei Buloh, the reserve is a constant sanctuary in a coastline that is changing everywhere. For some, this is a chance to rest and refuel before their next stop in

Australia. For others, the reserve is precious home until April comes by, and they are readied for the long flight north.

Welcome Waders! is held in conjunction with World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD), which falls on 14 October this year. WMBD is a biannual awareness-raising campaign that highlights the need for the conservation of migratory birds and their habitats.

4. Four Conversations 2023: The Clean Shift

Time: 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 14^th – 4:30 p.m., Sunday, October 15^th

Place: The Pod, Level 16, National Library Building, 100 Victoria Street, Singapore, 188064

Organiser: National Library Board

Description:

Four Conversations is an annual signature programme by the National Library where thought leaders share new possibilities for the future while inspiring lifelong learning and the creation of new knowledge.

Embrace a paradigm shift towards sustainability and make a positive impact on our lives and society. Be empowered by our local and international speakers

and explore new possibilities in the areas of employment, finance, human behaviour, and consumerism.

Click here to register now!

5. Zero • Market

Time: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Sunday, October 15^th; 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Sunday, October 21^st

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! We 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!

6. Ubin Mangrove Kayaking – OCBC Park

Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., Sunday, October 20^th

Place: OCBC Mangrove Park

Organiser: Sea Angel

Description:

In support of the Restore Ubin Mangroves Initiative, Sea Angel is offering a limited run of community kayaking trips! From this immersive experience, community members will develop positive thoughts and feelings toward the mangroves and come up with questions and ideas for consideration by park designers and regulators.

The community rate for the kayaking trip is $30/pax including a guided tour, kayak equipment, a lifejacket, and bottled water.

The public feedback window is open till October 20^th. To register for the event, please click here or contact 96775467 via WhatsApp.

7. Cloop 3rd Year Anniversary Party

Time: 10 a.m., Saturday, October 21st – 6 p.m., Sunday, October 22nd

Place: City Sprouts Sustainability Centre 102 Henderson Road, Singapore, 159562

Organiser: Cloop

Description:

Cloop celebrates 3 years of closing the loop for fashion for good, and would like you to join the festivities! This party has a big programme lineup including swaps and a bunch of earth-friendly activities.

Learn more about the event and purchase your ticket here.

8. Lifestyle Market

Time: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., Saturday, October 28^th

Place: Jurong Lake Gardens, Gardenhouse

Organiser: National Parks

Description:

Hang out at BIG’s lifestyle market to discover and support local brands that offer a variety of green products. From plants to crafts, homewares to pets, there’s something for everyone!

9. Repair Event

Time: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Sunday, October 29^th

Place: at various locations near you (check the website for details).

Organiser: Repair Kopitiam

Description:

Join the upcoming repair event to revitalise your belongings with ease. Repair Kopitiam is here to rejuvenate what you cherish, from electricals to clothes needing a fix, even those broken household items. Its experts will mend your things, reducing waste, and promoting sustainability.

Click here to reserve a slot (Booking starts at 12 p.m., October 13^th). Remember to check the sign-up conditions for your chosen time slot before coming.