Stay in trend with these local sustainable fashion brands
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Stay in trend with these local sustainable fashion brands
As fast fashion continues gaining popularity, textile waste is a growing concern, especially when an astounding equivalent of one garbage truck full of clothes is being burned or dumped every second. The fashion industry alone contributes to 10% of global carbon emissions and 20% of the world’s water pollution. The common materials found in our clothes and unsustainable production methods adopted by most fashion brands pollute and harm our oceans and the biodiversity that depends on their habitats to survive.
With Singapore’s growing awareness towards climate change and the impact of fast fashion on the environment has spurred the growth of homegrown brands who want to do things differently. These eco-friendly brands have found their own ways to minimise the use of plastic at either end of the product life cycle, all in the name of protecting the rich biodiversity on land and under the sea.
By supporting apparel brands that prioritise sustainability, we can help to protect our diverse ecosystem and its animal inhabitants. Let’s have a look at three such local apparel brands whose pursuit for slow fashion is making waves for nature.
1. Flow Funkie Studios
Every time we wash our clothes, tiny microfibres are shed from the fabric and released into our waterways, entering our oceans and seas. Because of their tiny size, these microplastics can be consumed by marine animals, with disastrous consequences for the species and the entire marine ecosystem.
At Flow Funkie Studios, they believe in slow fashion and mindful manufacturing, by creating high quality and timeless activewear intended to last a lifetime. To disrupt the cycle of textile waste and pollution, their apparel are made from certified Global Recycle Standard (GRS) fabric, using up to 77% of recycled materials in their fabric contents.
Through the operation and production of their activewear, they follow the chemical requirements in the GRS guidelines, ensuring that only non-hazardous chemicals are used in the production process and that chemicals are disposed of properly.
While it is not possible to completely eliminate the shedding of microfibres from washing our clothes, they do what they can to lessen the impact. Every order you make comes with a polyamide ‘Baby Steps’ wash bag. The wash bag catches microfibres from all your clothes during wash, minimising the microplastics that enter the wastewater system, and protecting marine life.
With Flow Funkie Studios, we can all take small steps toward reducing microplastic pollution and protecting our oceans without cramping on our style. To support their movement, you can visit their website or Instagram.
2. Anothersole
On average, Singaporeans use 1.76 billion pieces of single-use plastic items every year, which often end up in landfills where they take over 1,000 years to decompose, this results in the release of harmful chemicals into the environment.
Shoes are among the products that are manufactured using a lot of plastic. Different types of plastics are sewn, glued, and pieced together, oftentimes making them difficult to recycle. Facing such a challenge, local footwear brand Anothersole is taking active steps to redefine footwear production.
Anothersole is dedicated to making a positive impact by producing shoes made from earth-friendly materials, eliminating the use of virgin plastic, and focuses on creating quality footwear that lasts. Their ergonomic footbeds are made from bio-based EVA, containing 20% castor bean oil, making them both environmentally and foot-friendly.
Through sustainable production, Anothersole also turns discarded plastics like water bottles into beautiful, lasting handbags. As discarded plastics often end up in the sea, the non-biodegradables become pollutants and choking hazards for marine life, including fish, gulls, and sea turtles. Taking the initiative to repurpose unwanted materials into functional accessories proves that waste can eventually be removed from our biomes to be turned into something wonderful.
If you would like to learn more about how Anothersole is committed toupcycle waste materials into fashion items, you can visit their website or Instagram.
3. SUI
Unsustainable farbic production practices such as excessive water use, deforestation and the usage of agrochemicals and dyes can cause soil degradation and chemical pollution, — all of which disrupt natural food chains and contribute to biodiversity loss. To meet the ever-growing demand for apparel, these things may seem like a small price to pay. SUI, however, takes a different approach to fashion, prioritising the environment and people.
All of SUI’s clothes are made with sustainably-produced fabric, using GOTS-certified organic cotton, hemp, and eco-friendly blends. With the goal of becoming a zero-waste brand, SUI saves every bit of leftover fabric and produces their clothes on a made-to-order basis to reduce waste.
To protect our natural ecosystems, 90% of all their garments are herbal dyed, using dyes formed from natural ingredients, and for the remaining 10%, they use azo-free dyes that are not harmful or polluting to the planet.
If you would like to learn more about how you can be a part of the change, you can visit their website and Instagram.
How Else Can We Contribute To Our Biodiversity?
Much like these businesses, we also hopes to inspire change through our initiatives. We wish to showcase how all these changes can create a collective impact on the natural biodiversity and environment that we all share, and safeguard a sustainable future for our future generations.
Through conscious choice to our daily routines — like switching to sustainable clothing, or using a laundry wash bag — we can all do our part for the environment and the biodiversity we share it with. Join us in support for native biodiversity conservation efforts and pledging to protect these biomes for a greener future.
If you still have red packets collected during Chinese New Year on hand, you can also recycle them through our #GreenForProsperity initiative. Simply visit any one of our Used Red Packet Recycling Bins across 30 retail and office locations around the country, and drop off your used or excess red packets there!
These red packets will be collected and brought to Tay Paper Recycling where they will be repurposed into new products. Our recycling bins are available until 31 March, and you can find the nearest location via www.geneco.sg/greenforprosperity.
Put your knowledge to the test in our Geneco Facebook or Instagram giveaway now and you could be one of the 10 lucky winners to walk away with a $30 eCapitaVoucher and a Geneco Green Starter Kit! Simply answer this question: “Name one impact microfibres have on the environment.” Contest ends 28 February 2023, T&Cs apply.
Together, let’s Power The Change and choose #GreenForProsperity.
Not just for us. But for generations to come.
Living in harmony with Singapore’s nature and wildlife
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Living in harmony with Singapore’s nature and wildlife
With mangroves fringing our shores, sunlit parks along the city and gardens atop our housing estates, we are fortunate to have the abundance and accessibility of green spaces all around us, and right in front of us. Besides enjoying cleaner and cooler air, spending more time in nature can help us to reduce our stress levels and improve our health and wellbeing.
Amidst our hectic lives, how do we best reconnect with nature, while doing our part to protect our lush greenery and biodiversity? Here are 3 organisations that can help us understand how we can appreciate and safely coexist with the wildlife and green spaces in our city, as we transform into a City in Nature.
1. Understanding and fostering positive relationships with our wildlife
As a home to large varieties of native wildlife, encounters with wild animals, such as wild boars and otters, in our everyday urban landscape have become increasingly common. Singapore is currently one of the greenest cities in the world, with estimates of more than 390 species of birds and 2,100 native vascular plants – transforming into a true City in Nature.
Living close to nature comes with many benefits, but it also comes with important responsibilities – because it means that we encounter wildlife more frequently. If you’ve ever spotted a wild animal and were unsure about what you should do, can do, or should be aware of, you should check out Our Wild Neighbours (OWN).
Our Wild Neighbours (OWN)
Every month, the Urban Wildlife Working Group (UWG) receives an average of 2500 calls from the public about wild animals, and it became apparent over time that there was a lack of understanding and preparedness for Singapore’s native wildlife in the country. With the continued thriving of our local terrains, the UWG started the OWN initiative to promote coexistence with our native wildlife.
OWN aims to bridge the gap in understanding between members of the public and the wild, empowering members of the public with wildlife etiquette knowledge, and educating them about ongoing rescue, rehabilitation, and release efforts. The OWN website is a one-stop platform for best practices on what you can do when you see wildlife, how you can prevent unpleasant interactions, and who you can call for help if you spot a wildlife in need. The campaign focuses on key species of wildlife found in Singapore: koels, bats, civets, macaques, monitor lizards, crocodiles, otters, snakes, wild boars, and pangolins!
If you are interested to learn more about the variety of native wildlife in Singapore, you can check out their website.
2. Growing a love for nature from young
When it comes to building a relationship with nature, it is a good idea to start positive practices and understanding from young. Research suggests that nature-based learning and education improves a child’s academic performance and builds critical thinking skills. On top of that, spending time in nature makes room for a healthy exposure to Vitamin D, and reduces anxiety and stress levels in children.
Though cultivating an appreciation for nature takes time, we encourage starting small with Roots & Boots.
Roots & Boots
Inspired by the forest school pedagogy originating from Scandinavia, Roots & Boots takes a unique approach to education by encouraging nature exploration and play in children as part of their growth and education from the early years.
Through a holistic approach, children can solidify their academic and social-emotional growth through their interactions and enhance their appreciation for nature, environmental education, and STEAM learning (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics). The outdoor learning environment also strengthens the bond between our little ones and the natural environment around them.
There are a variety of one-off enrichment programmes available outside of the school curriculum such as the Nature Explorers and the Young Adventurers programme. These programmes are created to provide a safe space for children to explore and learn from their encounters, and nurture their appreciation for the environment.
Nature Explorers
Parent-accompanied and suitable for children 2 years and younger, the Nature Explorers programme provides limitless opportunities for young children to experience and encounter the outdoors using sensory and language-rich guidance.
The Young Adventurers
Young adventurers from 3 to 10 years old can also have a go at independent play in nature. Whether rain or shine, these sessions are designed to include a great deal of discovery and adventure at various outdoor locations in Singapore. This will provide Young Adventurers with opportunities for inquiry, experimentation, reflection, and play as they get acquainted with the outdoors.
If you’re interested in signing your little ones up for a new adventure, you can find more information on Roots & Boots’ website and Instagram page.
3. Unwinding in nature atop an iconic 1960s shophouse
Whether it’s for the young or old, it’s always exciting to find nature where you least expect it. If you’re looking for an urban oasis to disconnect from the city life and get in touch with nature, you will be happy to find The Sundowner.
The Sundowner
When Clarence Chua, founder of The Sundowner, first chanced upon the empty concrete rooftop in 2020, he knew it would be just the spot for travel-starved souls in Singapore to find the perfect escape. The Sundowner sits atop the bustling cafes and bars of the Siglap restaurant belt in a shophouse roof. The unique vision for the space stemmed from the idea of having a ‘sundowner’ at the end of the day – a practice in the safari where one enjoys a drink at the end of the day while watching the sunset. It is a nature-based social space for like-minded lovers of nature and tranquillity to mingle and unwind.
On top of that, The Sundowner also organises a range of experiences such as nature-based workshops, lifestyle activities, and other farm encounters for people of all ages to participate in. One of their most popular rooftop farm experiences is the Bee Encounter. You get to don a bee suit and enjoy a closeup encounter with bees, where you will get to inspect a beehive and observe them harvesting nectar from around the farm. Every nest in their apiary is a rescue, so you will also be supporting local ecology. This 1.5 hour interactive farm experience is perfect for kids and young families, to get them away from the computer screens and interacting with nature.
If you would like to check out the various workshops and private experiences they are organising, head over to their website and Instagram page.
Inspire a more sustainable home with #GreenForProsperity
This Chinese New Year, we have kicked off our #GreenForProsperity initiative, to inspire Singaporeans to look deeper into our green spaces and contribute to the conservation of our native biodiversity, so that we can build a sustainable home for our future.
Choose #GreenForProsperity with us this year by joining us to pledge your support of biodiversity conservation efforts! We will be donating $10,000 to the biodiversity conservation and research efforts by National Parks Board’s registered charity and IPC, Garden City Fund, but we need your help – pledge to show your support here and we will donate on your behalf.
We’re also excited to bring back our inaugural Used Red Packet Recycling Bins initiative after last year’s successful collection and recycling of 1,040kg of red packets.
From now till 31 March, simply drop off your used or excess red packets at any of the 30 Used Red Packet Recycling Bins at our partners’ locations – CRU, IUIGA, Refash, OTO, and Wisma Atria – island-wide. These red packets will then be pulped by Tay Paper Recycling and made into paper products.
And while you’re doing good for the environment, share with us which Used Red Packet Recycling Bin location you will be dropping off your red packets at on our Instagram or Facebook posts to stand a chance to win $28 worth of eCapitaVouchers!
As we look towards embarking on a greener journey this year, we hope that you will be inspired to support and protect our biodiversity and green spaces for a brighter and more sustainable tomorrow.
Together, let’s Power The Change and choose #GreenForProsperity.
Not just for us. But for generations to come.
