Zero-waste is one of those buzzwords constantly being thrown around.
And going on a zero-waste journey sometimes feels like a thankless task for many. After all, waste of any amount is inevitable as long as the earth has humans living on it.
Despite challenges, specific individuals have taken it upon their shoulders to bear the burden of living as close to a 100% zero-waste lifestyle as possible.
Enter Jasmine Tuan, the founder of Cloop.
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She founded an eco-friendly label that aims to reduce fashion overconsumption, basically closing the fashion loop (hence, cloop) that sees people sharing outfits. It’s a great alternative to buying fast. And importantly, more sustainable than throwing away outfits faster than you can say SHEIN.
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Believe it or not, the fashion industry accounts for between 5% to 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions. The equivalent of a rubbish truck full of clothes ends up on a landfill site every second.
So, who better to ask for travel tips sustainably than a woman who has made it her life’s mission to cut out wastage in the fashion industry?
First things first, it’s back to Mother Nature
We’re hanging out with Jasmine on a trek through Dover Forest.
Her fashion sensibilities extend to her trekking outfit (she already looks cooler than the rest of the group). And at every stop, our guide Vijay points out edible plants at random spots, like the betel leaf.
Jasmine is thoroughly impressed, what with her penchant for living off the earth.
“Nature has a lot to teach us. If only we have time to hang out in nature and observe what’s going on.”
“The one thing that nature teaches me is that nothing goes to waste. Even the leaf that Vijay was tearing apart, telling stories about its properties, and then throwing it on the floor. That leaf will not be wasted. It will be a nutrient for the soil. It will break down. Or the birds will fly there and eat it. You never know.”
“Although the earth has this danger, nature can be your friend or enemy. But tread lightly, and be respectful to everything you see there.
Even though Singapore may be safe enough to leave your laptop unattended in a Starbucks for more than two hours, you should still get a guide if you are going off the beaten path. Especially when it comes to exploring nature in Singapore, according to Jasmine.
“I appreciate the safe, manicured setting that Singapore has. But then the real adventure happens when it’s off the beaten track. But go with someone. Go with an experienced guy. That will help a lot.”
“When I previously explored Dover Forest with just myself and a friend, we got a little bit scared. We kept walking to spiderwebs, and it wasn’t fun. We also got quite lost and a bit deranged.”
“With a guide, there’s so much learning, You hear stories, and they can guide you. They’ll point out things you’ll miss on your own.”
Where does a zero-waste advocate like to connect with nature in Singapore, though?
“My favourite nature spot, just for convenience’s sake, is Henderson Wave because I live nearby. I like to go uphill because I miss hiking in Malaysia. I also love walking at Mount Faber and the Bukit Merah area.”
However, it is one thing going to all nature spots to connect with Mother Earth. But how exactly does that tie in with travelling sustainably?
For Jasmine, it’s all about shopping the right way and respecting the country you are visiting.
“Suppose you want to support the local economy. In that case, you can support local, ethical, and cultural things that benefit the local economy and not buy cheap copies, for example.”
“You want to support creativity, a well-made cultural product but not cheap knock-offs. You can be a better consumer by putting your money on more quality things rather than just buying them because they’re cheap.”
“Also, we shouldn’t leave our trash behind on other people’s lands some more. Very rude. If guests come into your house, you wouldn’t want them to leave their trash behind.”
“Be careful what we bring to other people’s countries. Also, be cautious about the energy that you exude in any space. Just remember that. So then you will now put your focus, not on temporary things. You put your emphasis on more eternal things.
Cool sustainability activities in Singapore
If you, like Jasmine, want to adopt a zero-waste lifestyle while travelling, here are some of the cool ways to travel in an eco-friendly manner or to learn about sustainability in Singapore the next time you’re in town:
Go bug or go home at Insectta, the first farm in Singapore dedicated to the humble black soldier fly. Here, you’ll learn how these little insects (which are pretty cute, by the way) save the earth with their voracious appetite. Witness how they chew up agricultural and household food waste, helping Singapore become more sustainable with every bite.
Nestled along the hip Siglap neighbourhood is a spot that is more than meets the eye. Your destination? The Sundowner – a hidden rooftop bar that’s a part edible garden and part bee farm. Come here to learn how busy bees pollinate plants while attending an urban farming masterclass before kicking back with your hand-crafted cocktail and watching the sunset.
Singapore is a city that never sleeps, and that, of course, extends to its incredible nightlife. But do yourself a favour and skip the bars for once. Head on a nocturnal tour that’ll let you use your senses to locate the creatures of the night. There’s no better way to appreciate nature and get an introduction to the city’s nightlife, like owls, frogs, and snakes.
On the flip side, if you’re an early bird that loves to catch the worm, get up close and personal with the marine critters that inhabit Singapore’s shores, from starfishes to crabs. On this tour, you’ll learn basic marine ecology by hitting up the intertidal zone, where the shoreline is exposed on a low tide. Don’t worry; there are evening sessions if you’re not a morning person.
