Feeling lost in eco-conscious jargon? Thinking about doing more for the Earth than drinking from a straw-less soda cup? A few years ago, that was me too. So here’s a little something to nudge you in the right direction if you’re deliberating about going green.
“Saving the Earth” is so last century.
These days, buzzwords like ‘sustainable’, ‘low CO2 footprint’, ‘ethical’ and ‘zero-waste‘ unpack that once vague, grand idea coined some 35 years ago when the ozone layer was shockingly found to be fast depleting. With Greenland’s ice caps melting 11,000 kilometres away, we find ourselves asking (or not), what that has got to do with us and our sunny island near the Equator.
You’ve probably heard it being said: “The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.” Over the years, environmental activists have tried valiantly to educate the masses on how best to heal and preserve the natural world.
Bleak reports from everywhere tell of species extinction, excessive pollution, soil toxicity, deforestation, natural resource scarcity… Now, at the risk of sounding like a Planeteer, there’s no other time than now for local communities, organisations, agencies and governments to let our powers combine. Can we play our part and declare “I am Captain Planet”? How would you channel your earth-saving superpowers, even if from your own backyard?
’emo’ eco beginnings.
My green journey started out some 10 years ago when I got frustrated with plastic overload in my home. Plastic bags stashed with, umm… more plastic bags waiting to be used to line trash bins; a brimming cabinet dedicated to storing plastic takeout boxes of all shapes, sizes and mismatching lids. Know what it’s like to have them tumble on you when you’re rummaging for that one right at the back?
In 2018, I attended my first Eco-Film Festival (highly recommended!) and caught “Extinction Soup”. From that day, I was convinced that all living things are inter-dependent, and we truly need to share Earth’s resources with fairness and kindness. Curiosity about the green movement found me learning about recycling, composting, shopping local and owning less stuff.
Admittedly, my family and I aren’t 100% linen-wearing, solar-powered, chemical-free vegans (yet?), but in other ways, we are building simple habits like using the a/c less, walking instead of driving, meatless one-days and choosing bamboo/glass over plastic/styrofoam containers.
what triggers you?
Perhaps you felt a pang after seeing viral photos depicting trash-covered beaches and innocent wildlife trapped in plastic waste, or maybe you’re inspired by your neighbour’s stylish re-usable tinkats and keep cups, or got fascinated by your aunt’s urban vegetable garden flourishing from DIY compost. Or you may have even heard about Sir David Attenborough endearingly breaking the internet simply by starting an Instagram account?
Could the Covid-19 pandemic have gotten us all evaluating our stewardship of what is good and precious, and realising the sorry state of the world we might be leaving behind? Either way, there’s always that breaking point where you decide: it’s time for change.
conscious or hyper-conscious?
If you’re like me, you may have valid concerns about this new lifestyle decision.
Do I have to give up eating meat? Must I support only local and sustainable produce farms? Can I never drink bubble tea on the go without my arsenal of reusables? How do I know what can or cannot be recycled? What is upcycling? Am I indirectly promoting unethical practices of the fast fashion industry when I shop?
Breathe, just breathe. I get it. It may seem a little overwhelming now, but let me just say this, calmly, in my most motherly voice:
No one can do everything all the time, but everyone can do something some of the time.
-me, 2021
Okay, so maybe you can’t immediately save the last Javan rhino on Earth, but once you make the first step, things will follow. Of course, it matters that you begin with realistic changes. Start with the easy ones that suit your schedule and budget, and build upon those. It really isn’t advisable swinging to the extreme.
Afterall, we all know where crash dieting gets us…
get started on your green journey.
To start you on your journey, here are some great resources that really helped me. Along the way, you will naturally and instinctively catch on, as you decide what works and what doesn’t. Once you see and feel the benefits of a green lifestyle, despite some setbacks (yes, we battle the inconvenience monster all of the time) don’t be surprised if you become an advocate yourself! Joining communities both online and offline helps make it fun and fulfilling too. Ultimately, it’s about making the world a healthier place, whether you hug a tree or a friend, that’s up to you! 🌿 Here are some sites you should definitely check out:
Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment.
Keep up-to-date with what the Singapore Government is doing and plans to do. It’s the big (local) picture, so you may as well check out where you can fit in. Check it out here.
Zero-Waste SG.
Volunteer at this charity organisation with your skillz and free time, and learn as you go! Visit them here.
The Green Collective SG.
Connect with a green community while participating in workshops and talks. Or browse the e-shop and physical store to get acquainted with gorgeous eco-conscious products and brands. Check them out here.
The Sustainability Project.
Get inspired by how one student’s simple habit of re-using paper in 2014 established an expanding zero-waste movement and much more. Visit it here.
The Whole Food Diary.
Another eco-hero that has inspired me, albeit not based in Singapore. This young mother of two walks her friendly talk as she raises family and awareness to all who would pay attention. If you’re looking for an example of what a holistic green lifestyle looks like, this is it. Click here for more!
Remember, real, lasting change doesn’t happen overnight. Stick to the plan and stay informed by the right sources. Above all, go easy on yourself (and others) and let inspiration take over!
Can’t wait to go green? Why not check out some cruelty-free make up brands here or try some meatless alternatives every now and then like this guy?
