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.
Seagrasses are one of the most productive ecosystems in the world and are vital for climate change mitigation. Seagrass ecosystems can sequester up to twice as much carbon from the atmosphere as land forests.
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.
Seagrass
Seagrasses are underwater plants that are commonly found in both tropical and temperate coastal waters. Seagrass is often confused with large seaweed. Unlike seaweeds, which do not have a root system and reproduce by releasing spores, seagrasses are true flowering plants and belong to the same group of plants as land grasses and lilies. They have leaves, roots and veins, and produce flowers and seeds––the roots absorb nutrients from soft sediment and the leaves make food through photosynthesis. Seagrasses thrive in shallow, protected coastal waters with sufficient sunlight. They can exist as a few plants or clumps, but generally form dense underwater meadows.
Seagrass habitats provide crucial services such as acting as shelters and nursery areas for numerous species––including animals like seahorses and juvenile fishes of larger commercially valuable fishes and marine creatures, contributing to nutrient cycling, improving water quality, stabilising sediments for coastal protection, and playing a big part in carbon sequestration by retaining carbon within their leaves and roots.
In addition, seagrasses support a complex food web. They serve as the primary food source for sea turtles and dugongs in our waters. Sea turtles and dugongs eat seagrasses, including the seeds of the plants, and play a role in seed dispersal as they pass the seeds through their digestive systems and excrete them. Seagrasses also indirectly contribute to the food chain by hosting microscopic algae on their leaves. Smaller animals feed on these algae and, in turn, are prey for larger animals.
Seagrasses are one of the most productive ecosystems in the world and are vital for climate change mitigation. Seagrass ecosystems can sequester up to twice as much carbon from the atmosphere as land forests. They store large amounts of carbon through photosynthesis by trapping them in their stems. And when parts of the plants die and decay, they collect on the seafloor, eventually getting buried in sediment and effectively trapping carbon for hundreds of years. Although seagrasses account for less than 0.2% of the world’s oceans, they sequester roughly 10% of the carbon stored in ocean sediment annually.
Over the past fifty years, there has been significant and widespread decline in global seagrass cover, primarily attributed to human activities such as changes in land-use, coastal changes, dredging, and declining water quality. They are among the world’s most threatened ecosystems, experiencing an annual loss of approximately 1.5%. and accelerating in recent decades. It is estimated that at least 29% of the global coverage of seagrass meadows have been lost. The ecosystem services they provide make seagrasses a high conservation priority.
Seagrasses were previously abundant on Singapore’s shores, but their diversity and extent were never rigorously documented until recently. There are three major seagrass meadows in Singapore. They are at Chek Jawa Wetlands, Pulau Semakau, and Cyrene Reef.
There are about 72 different seagrass species in the world. These are some of the species that are found in Singapore.
Common name: Tape Seagrass
Scientific name: Enhalus acoroides
Tape Seagrasses have long ribbon-like leaves that can grow up to 150cm long. They are often found close to mangrove forests. Tape Seagrasses are abundant at Pulau Semakau and Cyrene Reef.
A key consideration when visiting seagrass meadows:
The roots and rhizomes (underground stems) of seagrass are often buried in sand or mud. When trampled on, the underground stems can damage and take a long time to recover. So keep off the seagrass!
Join a conservation initiative!
Consider becoming a part of Team Seagrass–– a volunteer team working in collaboration with the National Biodiversity Centre of the National Parks Board and Seagrass-Watch. Help contribute to the monitoring of seagrasses along Singapore’s shores!
If you come across seagrass in the wild, we encourage you to (safely and respectfully) 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.
COP28 marks the first global political acknowledgment of the role of education in climate action. 42 Member States endorsed the groundbreaking Declaration on the Common Agenda for Education and Climate Change, committing to integrating education into their national climate strategies.
The 28th United Nations Conference on Climate Change (COP28), hosted in Dubai, stands out as a historic moment with a focus on the role of education in addressing the global climate crisis. A groundbreaking Declaration on the Common Agenda for Education and Climate Change was endorsed by 42 Member States, marking the first global political recognition of the crucial part education plays in climate solutions. This declaration positions education as the building block for a sustainable future.
The Threefold Commitment: Adapt, Mitigate, and Invest
The climate education declaration sets forth a threefold commitment, urging Member States to take action in key areas: adapt, mitigate, and invest. This commitment outlines a comprehensive path for nations to weave education into their national climate strategies. The emphasis is on developing climate-smart education policies and enhancing financing to construct robust and climate-resilient education systems.
Commitment Area 1: ADAPT
In the first commitment area, countries pledged to identify vulnerabilities and implement national education strategies addressing climate risk. This involves adopting adaptation measures and building resilient education systems. The commitment extends to incorporating education into national adaptation strategies, emphasizing its role in equipping learners with the knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes needed to adapt to new climate realities and innovate for a sustainable future.
Commitment Area 2: MITIGATE
The second commitment area focuses on developing comprehensive strategies to build climate-smart and resilient education systems. The goal is to prepare all learners to actively engage in climate mitigation. Countries commit to including education in their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and leveraging education to achieve net-zero emissions.
Commitment Area 3: INVEST
The third commitment area underscores the need for strong cross-sectoral collaboration to increase global finance for education. This includes support through climate funds and institutions to promote education recovery and climate adaptation and mitigation measures within education systems. Countries commit to encouraging both domestic and international education financing, addressing existing gaps, and creating systems and learners that are climate-ready. This commitment involves investing in global education funds, partnerships, and innovative financing mechanisms.
Looking Ahead
Declaration on the Common Agenda for Education and Climate Change signals a united front in the face of climate challenges. It is a call for innovative solutions, collaborative efforts, and a substantial increase in investments dedicated to education. However, this commitment must translate into concrete action from all stakeholders. The urgency of the situation demands not just rhetoric but tangible steps towards a sustainable and resilient future, ensuring that the lessons learned today become the tools for a brighter tomorrow.
The most advanced exploration, research, and media vessel ever built, OceanX, is going to be based in Singapore for half the year of 2024. She will explore our Pacific and Indian oceans and engage with scientists, educators, and students in Singapore.
Oceanx: Coming Soon to a Berth Near You!
Written and Videographed by Mahboob Mahmood
Oceanx is a one-of-a-kind vessel: an innovation-packed platform to discover and engage with our incredible oceans and their inhabitants!
Oceanx and her crew — including marine scientists, biologists, data engineers, divers, filmmakers, and ocean discovery technicians — are dedicated to exploring the oceans and sharing their findings with everyone.
Starting in 2024, Oceanx will be based half the year in Singapore from where she will explore our Pacific and Indian oceans.
During the COP 28 summit in Dubai, I had the privilege of meeting Mark Dalio (Founder and Creative Director), Nicole Thomson (VP of Partnerships), Amy Freeland (VP of Communications), and other Oceanx team members. They invited me to explore Oceanx and I gladly took up their offer.
Neptune and Nadir
Colin Wollerman (Pilot and Technician) showed me around the two manned Triton submarines.
Neptune dives down to 1,000 meters to collect samples using both a vacuum tube and a robotic arm.
Nadir dives with a 2-person film crew who operate high-resolution cameras and powerful lights to film the ocean depths.
The Scuba Centre
Mark Ward next took me to the ship’s incredibly well-stocked scuba centre, complete with a dive boat and dive suits for most kinds of temperatures!
The Decompression Chamber
Oceanx has its own decompression chamber. This chamber, and other medical facilities, enables Oceanx to travel far and wide while safeguarding her crew.
The CTD Profiling System
Mark then showed me the CTD (Conductivity, Temperature, and Depth) Profiling System. This is an unmanned system that can go down as deep as needed to collect samples of ocean water and tiny life forms.
The Remote Operated Vehicle
Andrew Craig (ROV Team Leader) showed me the ship’s 6,000-metre ROV (Remote Operated Vehicle). Capable of reaching 98% of the ocean, the ROV is tethered to the ship; it collects samples, takes videos, and gathers all kinds of information.
The Remote Control Centre
We then visited the space-age mission control centre, which acts as the brain and control centre for the ROV.
Who said playing immersive video games doesn’t build science skills?!
Other discovery vessels include an Otter Autonomous Surface Vehicle and a helicopter.
Photo: Oceanx
Data Collection
Underneath the ship’s hull is a gondola which contains equipment that maps the ocean floor!
Think about the many ways in which Oceanx can collect data on the shallows and depths of our oceans!
The Wet Lab
Mark then took us to the wet lab. In the wet lab, there are three tanks that can create different environments (salinity, temperature, etc.) to keep alive coral and other sea animals for further studies. A dark, cold tank room can recreate environments for creatures that live in the cold, dark, depths of the ocean. And freezers enable the preservation of specimens for later studies.
The Dry Labs
I then met Mattie Rodrigue (Science Program Lead), who introduced me to two of the ship’s three dry labs. The first lab we visited focuses on imaging and microscopy. Among many very cool things, Oceanx is making 3D images of sea life and will share these globally with scientists, educators, students, and people around the world!
The second dry lab — the Molecular Sequencing Facility — is even cooler! It sequences the DNA of specimens. Because the oceans are so underexplored, Oceanx has already started discovering specimens with new DNA structures!
Through the combination of information-gathering tools and labs, Oceanx is able to collect and analyse the oceans and her inhabitants on an almost real-time basis!!
And this is just the beginning: as the ship’s data streaming and community features get going, Oceanx will be sharing real-time information with and obtaining real-time inputs from scientists, educators, students, and observers around the world.
Stay tuned for the many ways Singapore’s scientists, educators, and students can engage with Oceanx — and through Oceanx with the incredible oceans and life around us!
Hornbills, also known as forest farmers, play a vital ecological role in their natural habitats, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. This nickname aptly describes their significant contribution to the spread and germination of seeds, especially those from big-fruited forest trees.
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.
Hornbills
Hornbills, also known as forest farmers, play a vital ecological role in their natural habitats, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. This nickname aptly describes their significant contribution to the spread and germination of seeds, especially those from big-fruited forest trees. There are around 60 species of hornbills found in Africa and Asia.
These large black and white birds with contrasting-coloured beaks are not to be mistaken for toucans. Hornbills and toucans are both tropical fruit-eating birds and do the same job of spreading seeds to keep forests healthy, but their similarities end there. Most hornbills have a distinctive beak feature called a casque.
Three species of hornbill are believed to be native to Singapore––the Oriental Pied Hornbill, Rhinoceros Hornbill, and Helmeted Hornbill. These birds flourished in the 1800s, but gradually disappeared from the landscape to the point of local extinction, falling victim to hunting, habitat loss due to deforestation, and other human activities.
In 1994, a pair of wild Oriental Pied Hornbill, believed to be visitors from Malaysia, was spotted at Pulau Ubin. Later on, the first local breeding was observed in 1997.
Hornbills nest in suitable holes in a tree. When a female hornbill is ready to lay eggs, she seals the entrance with mud, fibres, and regurgitated fruit delivered to her by the male. She leaves a narrow opening through which the male brings food to her and their young and breaks out only after a few months when the nestlings are fully fledged.
Natural tree holes for nesting are limited in Singapore’s natural environment. In an effort to encourage wild hornbills to breed, over 20 artificial nest-boxes were installed within trees all over Singapore. Since their re-introduction, Oriental Pied Hornbills have multiplied and thrived in Singapore. They are the only true wild hornbills in Singapore.
The Oriental Pied Hornbill is a medium-sized hornbill with mostly black plumage with a distinctive white patch on its face, a pale yellowish bill and a small casque. Females have a smaller bill. It mainly feeds on fruit but also prey on small animals, such as small birds and reptiles.
They can be found in wooded areas, forest edges, mangroves, gardens, and parks around Singapore. Most Asian hornbills require large areas of forest to survive, but the Oriental Pied Hornbill has demonstrated an ability to adapt to urban environments, making use of the remaining patches of forests within the city. They have been spotted in urban areas that border green spaces and can tolerate a moderate level of human presence and activity. Their population is currently stable and is not a concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Visitors spotted in Singapore
Non-breeding wild visitors from neighbouring countries have been sighted on our shores and offshore islands. It is suggested that the degradation of regional forests is driving these species to search for new suitable habitat. They include the White-crowned Hornbill and the Black Hornbill.
Common name: White-crowned Hornbill
Scientific name:Berenicornis comatus
For the first time this year, a female White-crowned Hornbill was sighted on Pulau Ubin. It is a large hornbill with a bushy, upright white crest and a white tail. Males are white from the head down to the belly, and females are predominantly black, with only a white crest. It is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
The Black Hornbill is a medium-sized hornbill with black plumage and broad white tips on its outer tails. Males have a pale yellow bill and casque; and females have a black bill and casque. It has been spotted within Woodlands and on Pulau Ubin. It is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Some of these insights into the population and distribution of the Oriental Pied Hornbill attributed to data from eBird and iNaturalist, collected and submitted by the community. You, too, can contribute to research by providing valuable data.
If you come across hornbills in the wild, we encourage you to (safely and respectfully) capture photos and document your observations. We especially recommend using the local SGBioAtlas app, the eBird 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.
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.
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.
Otters are highly social creatures and like to forage and travel in groups of up to twelve or more. They are also incredibly resilient. In Singapore, the smooth-coated otter has adapted well to our urban cityscape.
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.
Otters
In recent years, Singapore has seen a rise in otter sightings. Once on the brink of local extinction, these critically endangered creatures are now thriving.
Otters can be found in wetlands, mangrove forests, rivers, lakes, and rice paddies. They find shelter in mangroves, where they breed and hunt for an array of prey. However, pollution and habitat loss from the decline of mangroves due to deforestation threatened their survival in the 1970s.
You can find two otter species in Singapore—the small-clawed otter and the smooth-clawed otter. They are both listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. In certain regions of Asia, these otters face the threat of poaching for their skins. The ongoing illegal trade further threatens the species.
The smooth-coated otter is most common species in Singapore. They are the largest otter in Southeast Asia and have a distinctive smooth, velvety coat. They forage for larger fish most of the time. Their also feed on crabs, shrimp, mudskippers, frogs, and birds. They are regularly seen at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve but have been spotted in locations like Singapore Botanic Gardens, Marina Bay, Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, and reservoirs. According to Nparks, there currently about 170 smooth-coated otters island wide.
The small-clawed otter is more elusive and mainly found in off-shore islands such Pulau Ubin and Pulau Tekong. It is the smallest species of all 13 species of otters found around the world. As their name implies, they have very small claws that don’t extend beyond their webbed feet. They have brown to light brown fur and a pale chest, throat, cheeks and chin. They primarily feed on crustaceans and molluscs like crabs and snails but will also eat small fish, insects, frogs, bird eggs and other small aquatic animals.
Otters are highly social creatures. They use body language and touch, smells, and calls to communicate. And they like to forage and travel in groups of up to twelve or more. They are also incredibly resilient. In Singapore, the smooth-coated otter has adapted well to our urban cityscape. They have been seen using concrete and grass for grooming, and choosing small gaps and crevices under bridges as resting sites or dens.
Living in a city where nature intertwines with urban life through parks and water bodies, we must learn to live alongside with wildlife. How can we share our rivers, reservoirs, and coastal wetlands with the otters?
Keep your hands to yourself. Do not touch, chase or corner the otters. They may look cute, but they are carnivores with sharp teeth (remember the otter in Zootopia?).
Observe them from a distance. Getting too close to the otters may frighten them.
Keep your snacks to yourself. Do not feed the otters. They have food in the natural environment. And their eating habits keep the ecosystem balanced and healthy.
Pick up any trash you see. Do not litter or leave any sharp objects in the water. Clean and safe waterways filled with fish make healthy habitats for the otters to swim and feed in.
If you come across otters in the wild, we encourage you to (safely) 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.
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.
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
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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 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
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 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?
In the current era where climate change is a pressing concern, mangrove forests stand out for their remarkable ability to efficiently sequester carbon, trapping significant amounts of carbon dioxide by storing carbon in their biomass and the surrounding soil.
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.
Mangroves
Mangroves are a group of shrub and tree species that live along shores, rivers, and estuaries in the tropics, subtropics, and even some temperate coastal areas. Although used to describe the species, plant, or forest, the term mangrove is also commonly used collectively to describe the unique ecosystem these plants form.
These inter-tidal forests, comprising salt-tolerant trees featuring a partially exposed network of roots, are possibly the world’s most productive type of wetland. They provide shelter and food for an immense diversity of wildlife. They physically protect coastlines. They provide sustenance, raw materials, and medicine to communities who continue to depend on the land for their livelihoods. They are extremely resilient and are able to withstand the worst of storms, hurricanes, and flooding.
During high tide, the roots of mangrove plants are completely submerged in seawater. And during low tide they are exposed to the sun. While the distinctive roots of mangroves play a crucial role in facilitating the respiration of these plants, their significance extends beyond that singular function.
Mangrove root systems provide a safe haven for fish fry and juvenile animals and host a variety of species, including mudskippers, otters, and water monitor lizards.
Their roots act as natural filters, trapping sediments and pollutants, and enhancing water quality. They protect marine life, and provide a natural buffer against storm surges and coastal erosion.
In the current era where climate change is a pressing concern, mangrove forests stand out for their remarkable ability to efficiently sequester carbon, trapping significant amounts of carbon dioxide by storing carbon in their biomass and the surrounding soil.
However, the combined impacts of rising sea levels and activities such as agriculture, aquaculture, urban development, and harvesting have resulted in the erosion and deforestation of mangrove forests, causing the loss of more than a quarter of these vital ecosystems in the past 50 years. In the 1820s, mangroves accounted for 13 percent of Singapore’s land area. Today, less than 1 percent of the mangroves in Singapore remain.
The most extensive expanse of mangrove area on mainland Singapore is loacted within Sungei Buloh Wetlands Reserve. They can also be found within areas such as Mandai, Labrador Nature Reserve, and Pasir Ris Park, as well as offshore islands like Pulau Semakau and Pulau Ubin.
The Bakau Minyak is one of the two most common mangrove species in Singapore and native to Singapore. They have the potential to grow upwards of 30 metres or more. Boasting a smooth dark grey bark that can reach up to 50cm in diameter, the bakau minyak is distinguished by its characteristic arching prop or stilt roots connected to the trunk, along with aerial roots emerging from its branches.
The Bakau Putih, also known as Black Mangrove, is another common mangrove species and native to Singapore. These mangroves can reach heights of up to 20 meters but are frequently spotted on nature trails as compact shrubs or modest trees ranging from 2 to 3 meters in height. The trees have a greyish bark and are notably recognised for their lateral roots that stick out from the mud surface, bearing a resemblance to a person’s bent knees.
Common name: Nipah Palm, Water Coconut, Mangrove Palm, Attap
Scientific name: Nypa fruticans
You may already be familiar with this plant based on your knowledge of a popular local dessert. Ice kacang is a local favourite of red beans, creamed corn, grass jelly and the gem of all gems––attap chee, topped with a mountain of ice drizzled with gula melaka. Attap chee is the fruit of the nipah palm. And gula melaka (palm sugar) is made from its sap. The Nipah Palm is a mangrove palm native to Singapore. It is a medium to large-sized stemless palm that frequently grows in small clumps, characterized by its expansive leaf fronds.
If you come across mangroves 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!
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