Another big step to reducing waste, UnPackt will be Singapore’s first zero-waste grocery store… we’re ready for this, people.
The zero-waste movement is really picking up traction in Singapore – as it should! With masses of people chucking out waste without thinking of the consequences, there’s also a growing community of eco-conscious warriors actively acting on reducing waste, avoiding food packaging and shopping and dining sustainably.
And here’s one more reason to join the zero-waste camp is the launch of Singapore’s first grocery store where goods will be sold without any packaging: UnPackt. Customers are encouraged to bring their own containers to bag their food items and sundries (we just stocked up on batik fabric produce bags by Bamboo Straw Girl at The Green Collective, so we’re ready to go). Most of these will be dispensed from self-serve gravity bins at the store, which will open in Ang Mo Kio in May 2018.
The Zero Ways is also a pop-up initiative to build another zero-waste grocery and lifestyle store with a social cause. They have a Kickstarter campaign where you can chip in to help them set up a permanent home for a physical store. The Zero Ways will also be at the upcoming So Gelam market to put the the word out, so drop by if you can!
With all this talk on reducing waste and especially plastics, it’s good to understand why it is so important to reduce waste. Let’s paint a picture: according to a research paper by the Singapore Environment Council (SEC), Singapore uses three billion plastic bags a year on average and last year, we produced 800 million kg of plastic.
Think about it: this surpasses the 5.5 million people we have in Singapore. And yup, most of it was packaging. Unpakt and Zero Ways, we’re coming for you…
The Honeycombers team are super committed to reducing waste! Here’s what we’ve done so far:
We’re saying no to single-use plastic
And bringing our own containers to refill with cleaning products at The Social Space
Cutting down on shopping, one outfit at a time
A capsule wardrobe means wasting (and spending) less
Sustainable dining in Singapore – we’ve got options
Start a garden in your own balcony
Shop sustainable! Know Singapore’s ethical fashion brands
Support Singapore’s first eco-friendly pop-up store