3 Easy Ways to Achieve Zero-Waste

Being environmentally-friendly can be effortless with a few simple habits.

In an age of climate change and high consumption patterns across the globe, the environment is experiencing unprecedented pressure. While Singaporeans are becoming more eco-conscious than ever before, saving the environment is a team effort that starts with each individual. Here, we recommend easy waste-reduction strategies that encompass the good old mantra of "Reduce, Reuse and Recycle" that not only help reduce costs but can be applied by anyone.

Dial Down on Waste

We may be famous for being a paradise for foodies the world over, but unconsumed leftovers are one of the biggest contributors to waste, especially in tropical Singapore where food goes bad quickly. In fact, a study by the National Environment Agency (NEA) found that food waste accounted for about half of the waste disposed of by each Singapore household in 2016. To avoid this, try not to buy more perishable food than you need by coming up with realistic shopping lists. In addition, store your food optimally in the refrigerator and make sure you consume all of it before it spoils or expires. (Find out more here).

Plastics are another big culprit when it comes to waste. Taking up to a thousand years to decompose and often ending up in our seas and waterways, plastics not only pollute the environment but can also endanger wildlife. To counter this, you can consume responsibly by eschewing single-use plastics like straws and bags and bringing your own cloth bags to do your grocery shopping instead. Choosing products with minimal plastic packaging goes a long way in reducing plastic use as well. If you are a caffeine fan, consider bringing your own reusable coffee cups or flasks for your next takeaway to reduce your carbon footprint.


 
Want to cut down further on waste? Eliminate excessive paper use by requesting for electronic versions of bills and opting for online reading material and subscriptions instead. You can also help alleviate wastage by printing on both sides and simply not using a larger piece of paper than you need. (Pick up more pointers here)
 

Get Resourceful

With fashion trends changing so quickly every season, it's tempting to buy clothes on the cheap from many of the fast fashion chains and blog shops available in Singapore. However, why not turn your thrifty mindset towards buying well-made staples or pre-loved items that still have plenty of mileage? Not only will you cut down on your personal expenditure, you'll own one-of-a-kind pieces that no one else has!

What's more, you can also kill two birds with one stone by shopping in your closet--you'd be surprised how pieces you've had for a while can be mixed and matched into fresh new looks, while mending old favorites is much more economical than shopping for new togs or throwing gently-used ones away.


 
The same goes for furniture. If you're looking to furnish a new home or just thinking about doing a spot of redecorating, a simple browse in our local second-hand shops can turn up troves of vintage treasures--think rosewood cupboards, marble tables and antique lamps. Not only are they unique and steeped in history, they are sure to add a beautiful touch to your home. (Check out a list of local thrift stores here)


 
And while spring cleaning can be tedious, you can also get creative by transforming interesting bits and bops you uncover into innovative arts and crafts projects, so get into the spirit of D-I-Y and get busy with your hands! (Be inspired here)
 

Shaping a New Life Out of Old Items

Cooked a great meal but could not avoid leftovers? Try composting the scraps to give your garden an added boost of nutrients. (Learn how to here) Better yet, grow your own edible garden to minimize food waste. (Find out how here) Lots of fruit and herb plants such as tomatoes, ginger, basil and mint thrive in our warm climate, so save the planet and eat healthily by growing only what you need.


 
Last but not least, you can help the recycling initiative by sorting your paper, plastic, glass and even electronic waste and bringing them to designated collection points (Locate your nearest recycling facilities here) or selling them to your garang guni man. Otherwise, there is always the option of re-purposing used bottles to store your knick-knacks or turning them into vases or candle-holders that will brighten up your home.
 

Running for a Cause

Best of all, being green is not just about cultivating good habits. Income is committed to helping raise environmental awareness, so join us at the Income Eco Run 2018 as a fun, healthy and meaningful way to meet like-minded people and establish a culture of caring for the environment. (Check out the details here)