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Author: Yvonne Qiu
News and Events
Promote CAELI-sponsored or organized events coming up that month such as Community of Practice meetings, webinars, and conferences where CAELI members are presenting. The article will also include notable news, statewide events, legislation, etc.
Promote CAELI-sponsored or organized events coming up that month such as Community of Practice meetings, webinars, and conferences where CAELI members are presenting. The article will also include notable news, statewide events, legislation, etc.
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When users click the tile, a new tab opens that shows a short article featuring certain CBPs and their services.
Global Climate Literacy Competitions: Student Registration Open!
Are you ready to dive into the Global Climate Literacy Competitions? Registration opens soon—starting November 4th at 1:00 P.M. UTC until November 24th at 12:00 P.M. UTC! Get all the must-know steps for a smooth registration and grab ready-to-use social media posts to spread the word. Let’s kick-start a movement for climate champions—your school could be at the heart of it all!
Why Climate Education Matters
Climate education equips young people not only with the knowledge to understand complex environmental challenges but also with the skills and mindset needed to take immediate and long-term actions. This is crucial for both mitigating climate change and adapting to its impacts.
Activating the Youth through Global Climate Literacy Competitions
In a world increasingly affected by climate change, education serves as a powerful tool to catalyse action. Climate education equips young people not only with the knowledge to understand complex environmental challenges but also with the skills and mindset needed to take immediate and long-term actions. This is crucial for both mitigating climate change and adapting to its impacts.
The recent World Bank report observes that education is one of the most effective predictors of climate change awareness. With just one additional year of education, climate awareness can increase by 9%, significantly driving behaviour changes and community-level actions. Furthermore, education helps build resilience, enabling communities to better cope with extreme weather events, reduce disaster risks, and foster sustainable behaviours—skills that are increasingly essential as climate disruptions threaten learning outcomes and educational systems globally.
To harness this potential, the Global Climate Literacy Competitions powered by Green Guardians offer an exciting, gamified platform for grades 6–8 students (ages around 11–14) to develop their climate literacy. This competition aligns perfectly with these global needs by:
- Encouraging green skills development through engaging, bite-sized learning games.
- Equip students with systems-thinking skills and develop broad, up-to-date knowledge and holistic problem-solving skills to tackle climate issues.
- Inspiring youth to act as environmental change agents today.
- Fostering global citizenship by connecting schools worldwide to participate in sustainability efforts.
Competition Details
Connecting 1000+ schools around the world, the first competition of its series focuses on climate change covering essential topics including net-zero targets, climate mitigation and adaptation, green energy, and water conservation. The competition runs from November 4 to December 7, 2024. Participation is FREE for all schools worldwide with grades 6, 7, and 8 students.
Join the Global Climate Literacy Competitions and take the next step towards a sustainable future!
By participating, students not only become climate-literate but also develop the skills needed to influence their families and communities positively. For more details about the competition, visit www.globalclimateliteracy.org/program/glc or contact the team at Green Guardians team via info@greenguardians.com.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
February Events in Singapore
Check out the green events in Singapore this February. Let’s raise awareness, take action, connect with nature, join the environmental movement, and meet like-minded people.
1. Edible Garden Volunteers
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Sun, 11th, 18th, and 25th of Feb.
Location: Roof Top Garden @ 506, 506 Yishun Avenue 4, Singapore, 760506
Organiser: Tony the Farmer
Description:
Visit the community garden and help out with basic garden chores like weeding, composting preps, harvesting, soil mixing, and watering. Produce from the garden goes to the community fridge, which helps families in need.
2. Litter Vanture (Clean up)
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Sat., 17th Feb.
Location: Boon Keng MRT Station (NE9), 900 Serangoon Road, Singapore, 328260
Organiser: Stridy
Description:
Get an hour of walking exercise in, maybe meet some interesting people, do some good and learn all about the waste management challenges in Singapore.
Litter picking equipment will be provided so you won’t get your hands dirty.
3. Urban Farming Workshop
Time: 4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., 23rd Feb., 2024
Location: Choa Chu Kang Public Library – Programme Room 1 (Level 4), 21 Choa Chu Kang Avenue 4, Lot One Shoppers’ Mall, #04-01/02
Organiser: GoLibrary | National Library Board
Description:
The programme will cover Singapore’s food story as well as the “30 by 3o” mission. Participants will learn about urban farming and the science behind Controlled Environmental Agriculture.
4. NUS Social Impact Catalyst: Project Demo Day
Time: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., 24th Feb., 2024
Location: 180 Kitchener Road #06-10, Singapore, 208539
Organiser: NUS Social Impact Catalyst
Description:
NUS Social Impact Catalyst’s annual Project Demo Day (PDD) showcases top-tier student talent and explores groundbreaking student-led projects focusing on sustainability and innovation.
Witness a competitive pitch battle where NUS students contend for grants totaling $65,000, driving their projects towards real-world impact.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Repair Kopitiam
Time: Sunday, 25th February
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 9th February through 21st February. 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.
January Events in Singapore
As we welcome 2024, check out the green events in Singapore this coming January. Let’s raise awareness, take action, connect with nature, join the environmental movement, and meet like-minded people.
1. Textile Recycling Drive
Time: 9:00 – 21:00, 3rd Jan.
Location: NTU Alumni Club, Chill@5 at NTU@one-north
11 Slim Barracks Rise, Executive Centre #05-03
Organiser: NTU Alumni Club & Green Square
Description:
NTU Alumni Club is back with its annual textile recycling drive! Declutter your wardrobes and give your preloved clothes a second home! Recyclables collected will be handed over to second-hand textile importers in various developing countries.
Items collected include clean clothes, towels, bedsheets, curtains, cushion covers, functional bags, and belts.
2. The Opening of the New Children’s Biodiversity Library by S.E.A. Aquarium
Time: 12th Jan., 2024
Location: B1, Central Public Library, 100 Victoria Street
Organiser: National Library Board, Singapore
Description:
The Children’s Biodiversity Library by S.E.A. Aquarium will be open on January 12th. It is Singapore’s first learning space dedicated to marine biodiversity for children in a public library.
In partnership with the National Library Board and Resorts World Sentosa, this unique space provides educational programmes every month that bring the magic of vibrant marine life closer to our young learners.
3. Ecological Visions: Singapore’s Evolving Landscape | Lit for the Planet
Time: 14:30– 16:30, Sun, 21st Jan.
Location: B1, Central Public Library, 100 Victoria Street
Organiser: National Library Board, Singapore
Description:
Embark on a cinematic journey that delves into the relationship between Singapore’s status as a city-state with its island ecosystem. The compelling trio of films examine various knowledge systems at different points of history – the indigenous knowledge of the Orang Pulau, the practice of Mohammad Din, an artist-mystic and the observations of ornithologists. Their narratives capture the nuances of human-nature relationships and the transformative impact of urban development on indigenous communities across sea and land.
4. Living with Tropical Birds
Time: 15:00, 21st Jan.
Location: Singapore Courtyard, Level 2, City Hall Wing, National Gallery Singapore
Organiser: National Gallery Singapore
Description:
Have an engaging exploration of the intersection between art, nature, and conservation, as avian veterinarian Dr Neo Peici delves into the world of macaws. Dr Neo will share her in-depth research about these captivating creatures, shedding light on the care and maintenance they require. Beyond the individual level of care, Dr Neo will also provide valuable insights into broader conservation strategies that can be actively embraced by avian keepers and enthusiasts in Singapore.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Repair Kopitiam
Time: Sunday, 28th January
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 12th January through 22nd January. Read event house rules here.
Sustainable Gift-Giving Practices for a Green Christmas
The festive season is a time for joy, gratitude, and sharing love with family and friends. It is also an opportunity to practise sustainable gift-giving that shows appreciation not only to your loved ones but also to our planet. Here are some ideas that can get you started.
The festive season is a time for joy, gratitude, and sharing love with family and friends. It is also an opportunity to practise sustainable gift-giving that shows appreciation not only to your loved ones but also to our planet. Here are some ideas to get you started.
Mindful Gift Selection
Choose gifts with a minimal environmental impact. Opt for items made to last longer and from eco-friendly materials. Products that encourage a sustainable lifestyle, such as reusable stainless steel straws, bamboo utensils, or beeswax wraps, not only delight your loved ones but also contribute to a greener planet.
Experience over Materialism
Consider shifting the focus from material possessions to memorable experiences. Gift tickets to the zoo, spa vouchers, or cooking classes for an eco-friendly alternative that creates lasting memories. Experiences often come with a smaller environmental footprint, aligning perfectly with the spirit of sustainable living.
Sustainable Packaging
Use sustainable wrapping options such as recycled paper, fabric gift bags, or reusable wrapping materials. Encourage recipients to further reduce waste by reusing or recycling the packaging.
DIY and Upcycled Gifts
Embrace your creative side by making your gifts or upcycling old items into something new and useful. Handcrafted presents, whether it’s a knitted scarf or repurposed ornament, not only express thoughtfulness but also reduce the need for mass-produced items. Your efforts will be appreciated, and your gifts will carry a unique charm.
Regifting with Grace
Regifting, often considered a taboo, can be an environmentally friendly way to share items that might have lost their appeal for you but could be cherished by someone else. Ensure that the gift is in good condition, matches the recipient’s tastes, and doesn’t carry any sentimental value that might be awkward if revealed. Regifting allows for a more sustainable circulation of items and reduces the need for new production.
This holiday season, let’s celebrate not just with joy and warmth but also with a commitment to sustainability. May this season be a time of meaningful connections, shared experiences, and a dedication to living in harmony with our environment.