You don't have to make the change overnight! Take small steps with our easy-to-follow tips and work your way towards a sustainable life in Singapore.
With the issue of climate change on our minds, it’s time to take a step back and rethink our impact on this planet. The idea of reducing your carbon footprint can be mind-boggling – where do you even start? From adopting the zero-waste lifestyle to shopping for eco-friendly essentials to trying out a clean beauty routine, there are many ways to go about living a sustainable life in Singapore. C’mon, you don’t have to wait for Earth Day to show Mother Nature some love!
Simple tips for sustainable living in Singapore
1. Go green at home
Save electricity and lower your bill at the same time – it’s a win-win! Use energy-saving lightbulbs, go for energy-efficient air-conditioning units and refrigerators, cool down with a fan instead of air-con, switch off power sockets when you’re not using them, and air-dry your clothes as much as possible. The National Environment Agency has got you covered with more tips on how to save energy.
2. Use eco-friendly, reusable products
Those plastic bags at supermarkets and shops across the island really add up! To cut down on your plastic consumption, bring a tote bag when you go grocery shopping. Or, carry a foldable little bag that you can stuff into your purse or pocket. It’ll come in handy when you get a spontaneous urge to buy something. You can also go for more eco-conscious products like shampoo bars, natural skincare, sustainable sanitary pad alternatives and more.
3. Don’t buy mindless gifts
Whenever special occasions like birthdays and Christmas roll around, we tend to go wild snapping up all sorts of gifts for our loved ones. But let’s pause and think for a second – will the giftee use or enjoy the item? Or are you just buying something for the sake of doing it? Consider going the sustainable route by looking for green brands, gifting experiences instead of items, supporting local artisans, or creating a heartfelt DIY gift instead.
4. Opt for fuel-free transport
Our roads are congested enough; do we really need more cars choking the earth with exhaust fumes? Besides, why get stuck behind a wheel (and pay the sky-high COE prices) when you can peddle happily on a beaut from one of Singapore’s best bicycle shops and bike rentals? Otherwise, public transport is a better alternative to buying a car. And don’t forget the simple act of walking. It’s one of the best ways to reduce your carbon footprint for free!
5. Shop secondhand
Forget about trendy pieces that you’ll chuck in a month. Avoid fast fashion and head to thrift shops and vintage stores for your shopping haul. Alternatively, hit up circular fashion brands and sustainable labels or take your pre-loved clothes to swap meets where you can find a gem or two from someone else’s fashion pile.
6. Turn off the lights
This one’s pretty much a no-brainer that you’ve heard time and time again, we know. It’s all about natural light during the day! But you’re probably thinking, “How will I get things done at night?”. Save electricity and use less energy by lighting fragrant candles before bedtime instead. Skim through our aromatherapy and essential oils guide for ideas. You’ll have classy ornaments flickering across your space, and your pad will smell pleasant too.
7. Spend time with nature
The great outdoors may not seem so ‘great’ these days with increasing temperatures, but you should certainly give Mother Earth another chance. Studies have shown that spending time with nature can reduce stress and anxiety levels. So instead of shopping up a storm at malls, look to nature for good times that won’t cost a cent. Luckily for us, Singapore has no shortage of hiking trails, hidden gardens, lush running trails and even verdant parks that boast sky-high views.
8. Look for sustainable booze
Even boozy brands have jumped on this green bandwagon. Hopheads can join in the green movement by swigging beer from Lion Brewery Co. This craft brewery has been working with Greensteps Group to plant a tree in the Borneo and Kalimantan rainforests for every beer keg sold since 2021. Cocktail bar Analogue Initiative is also carrying out Earth-friendly actions such as using tables made from recycled plastic and offering a plant-based menu.
9. Ditch the plastic
Plastic has gotten a bad rep and with good reason. As convenient as they are, these pesky buggers have made their way to the oceans and are slowly killing marine life (who can forget the grim video of a turtle with a plastic straw lodged in its nose?). If you need help to ditch it, check out our guide to going plastic-free. To go one step further with your sustainable living journey, make a direct impact by volunteering to clean up the beaches in Singapore.
10. Educate yourself on the issue
Streaming services are home to numerous documentaries that shed light on important environmental issues. Check out Our Planet, Brave Blue World, Seaspiracy, A Plastic Ocean, Chasing Coral, Cowspiracy and David Attenborough: A Life On Our Planet. For a local perspective, read Eating Chilli Crab in the Anthropocene by Matthew Schneider-Mayerson. It’s a collection of essays on climate change and how that affects our Lion City.
11. Choose forks over knives
Veganuary isn’t just another food trend. Research has shown that animal agriculture is closely linked to global warming. Not to mention, veganism is the healthier option if it’s done right. So before you wolf down a beef burger, think about choosing plant-based options instead. Or you can check out the many vegan restaurants that have sprouted up across the island.
12. Show your love for flora and fauna
Remember, the earth doesn’t only belong to you. Show your kindness to animals by volunteering at animal charities in Singapore. Also, never buy a furbaby, always adopt. There are countless needy cats and dogs that need a new home. But if you think having a pet is too big a commitment, start easy with indoor plants. Just hit up plant nurseries and you’ll be on your way to having a lush home in no time. Oh, and did we mention they’re nature’s air purifiers?
Sustainable living in Singapore isn’t hard when you start with small steps. So who’s ready to help save the planet?
[This article was originally published in 2021 and updated in 2024 by Benita Lee.]
