Here’s how you can tackle the top environmental concerns in Singapore.
Greta Thunberg became a household name last year as she pressed for government and business leaders to commit to climate change. This reflected an emerging global consensus that we need to protect our earth. Singapore followed suit last year, with our first ever Climate Rally taking place in 2019.
This Earth Day, we wanted to share what our research has identified as the top four environmental concerns in Singapore.
Food Security
Food security is when everyone has physical, social and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs. Ranked first in the 2019 Economist Intelligence Unit’s Global Food Security Index, Singapore’s vulnerabilities in food security may not be apparent. As a country that imports 90% of its food supply, the city-state is at the mercy of various external risks including climate change and fluctuations in natural resources that threaten consistency of its supply from other food-producing countries.
How can you help? Donate to Garden City Fund’s Singapore Botanic Gardens Seed Bank where your donation can improve the variety of food crops. Support initiatives to protect the environment and supplement the city’s food supply such as Bollywood Veggies and Edible Garden City.
Plastic Waste
In late 2018, Carlsberg switched from plastic rings to glue to be more eco-friendly. The detrimental effects of plastic pollution on our oceans, marine life and land are well-documented in countless photos and videos of wildlife being trapped or hurt and overflowing landfills. As consumers, we can do our part by reducing the amount of plastic we use, whether it is using reusable straws or bringing our own bags when grocery shopping.
How can you help? Participate in Zero Waste SG’s “Bring Your Own” (BYO) movement, encouraging Singaporeans to use reusable bags at supermarkets. Contribute to WWF that advocates for a circular plastic economy through PACT. If you adore Singapore’s pristine water bodies, give to the Waterways Watch Society which strives to preserve their immaculate condition.
Threats to Biodiversity
Being able to go otter-spotting when out on our walks is a huge highlight for people seeking an escape from our dense urban surroundings. ‘Biodiversity’ is what enables us to enjoy our green spaces, something that many of us appreciate more than ever in this circuit breaker period. It is a crucial factor for maintaining the richness of our ecosystem and something that we need to fiercely protect.
How can you help? Support Nature Society Singapore’s “Too Precious To Be Ignored” fundraising campaign, which promotes a scientific and hands-on approach to connect more generations of Singaporeans to nature. You can also donate to Garden City Fund locally. If you are seeking to make a regional impact, donate to Conservation International, an organisation that works to revitalise the critical marine and forest ecosystems in which we all live within.
Food Waste
According to the NEA, ‘food waste accounts for about 10% of the total waste generated in Singapore, but 83% of it ends up incinerated. The amount generated has also increased by 30% in the last 10 years, which also compromises recycling efforts. As Singapore’s population and economic activity trends upwards, there is a need to minimise food waste, especially if it is avoidable. This is to avoid complications with food security and pressures on waste disposal facilities.
How can you help? The Food Bank Singapore Ltd is a charity you can expend some elbow grease with – from volunteering to food drives, you can create a more sustainable economy for food products. Give to Free Food For All Limited which closely partners SG Food Rescue and redistributes food to alleviate food insecurity and reduce food waste.
To find out more, explore our recent release “Issues In The Environment Space In Singapore: Key Insights To Guide Your Giving”.
