Singapore is one of the more active countries when it comes to being environmentally conscious.
While the country may have a minuscule 0.11 per cent contribution to global emissions, it is adversely affected by global climate change by a healthy margin like the rest of the world.
And that’s why Singapore committed to halve its 2030 peak greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and to achieve net-zero emissions “as soon as it’s viable.”
For a country that has limited access to renewable resources, the number may seem ambitious, but it is achievable. And for that, it needs citizens who are responsible for the climate and climate change.
It’s taken an entire generation or two to increase the global warming levels globally, and it will take another generation to reverse that damage.
And for that, we need to make sure that the next generation learns about the perils of climate change early on.
You’ll need to condition children to live in a more sustainable fashion. Incidentally, you can emphasise this in a fun manner.
In fact, Singapore offers plenty of eco-friendly activities to do across the island and you can make a day or a weekend out of it, getting away from the hustle and bustle of the city and reconnecting with nature.
Here are five eco-friendly activities that you can try with the whole family.
1. Beach Cleaning Exercise
Image Source: Trash Hero Singapore
One of the easiest and popular ways to join eco-friendly activities as a family is to join the beach clean-up.
Make it a weekly or fortnightly affair wherein the whole family heads to the beach in the morning for a clean-up drive.
Not only do you get to spend time in the sun and sand but also use it more productively by contributing to the environment.
With the oceans throwing back all the plastic and litter that’s dumped in it, there’s always something to clean.
It’s also an extremely rewarding process and for those who are clean freaks, this just might work as therapy.
You can join a number of coastal clean-up groups across Singapore including Green Nudge by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) for universities, along with Seven Clean Seas, Trash Hero Singapore and more.
2. Learn Repair & DIY Skills With Repair Kopitiam
Image Source: Repair Kopitiam
Another responsible way of safeguarding the environment is learning to minimise waste.
Less waste equates to fewer items ending up in landfills and the ocean.
Sadly, the fast fashion and throwaway culture has only contributed to the wastage that we create.
So instead, you can turn the tide by living a more sustainable life that extends to clothes, technology, furniture and more.
And to make this process easier, Repair Kopitiam ensures that a group of people learn important repair skills.
This extends to electronics, furniture, appliances, clothing and more. You will learn a number of DIY tips and tricks that will help increase the life of different objects in the house.
That way, you have fewer chances of failure and lesser opportunities to go out and buy a new device.
Repair Kopitiam offers a seven-hour-long handyman course in four categories –
- Electrical Appliance Repairs
- Home Electrical Repairs
- Home Repairs & Maintenance
- Plumbing, Drywall & Adhesives
The cost per session stands at $165 (inclusive of GST) for everyone.
3. Head To The Nature Reserves For A Weekend
Image Source: Red Bull/Facebook
Singapore has several nature reserves that you can explore over a weekend.
Make it a family outing and you have a better opportunity to be closer to nature.
You also get a chance to explain to your kids the importance of nature in an absolutely beautiful environment.
Here are the four nature reserves that you must check out:
1. Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
Just 12 km away from the city centre, it has one of the richest and most diverse ecological systems.
It also retains one of the few areas of primary rainforest in the country.
Established in 1883, it is one of the first forest reserves to be created in the country.
2. Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
This is a mangrove forest that protects a large number of migrating birds.
Do check out their guided tours on select weekends to learn more about the wildlife and flora and fauna of the place.
3. Central Catchment Nature Reserve
It is the largest of the nature reserves in Singapore occupying over 2000 hectares of forest cover and is home to the richest forest in terms of biodiversity.
It also acts as a large and green lung situated right in the centre of the country.
4. MacRitchie and Seletar Reservoirs
The park and nature reserve is a popular destination for runners, water sports enthusiasts, and nature lovers.
The 11 km nature trail loop is home to macaque monkeys, squirrels and monitor lizards, and you may even spot flying lemurs or owls.
Don’t forget the TreeTop Walk that offers a bird’s eye view of the plants and animals that live in the forest canopy.
4. Have A Picnic At Marina Barrage
Image Source: National Water Agency Singapore
It is the world’s largest urban reservoir that provides a large portion of local water supply to Singapore.
It also helps prevent flooding in low-lying areas. And you can participate in a number of water sports like kayaking, boating and more.
Make sure to head to the hydro dam as well and check out their Sustainable Singapore Gallery that will give you a detailed look at the government’s efforts towards environmental sustainability.
5. Plan An Eco-Friendly Staycation
Image Source: ParkRoyal Collection
Do you want to pamper yourself but make that it’s done sustainably? In that case, you can try a weekend at the ParkRoyal Collection built with a hotel-in-a-garden concept.
It has 15,000 sq. mt. of lofty tall sky gardens, reflecting pools, waterfalls, planter terraces, and vertical greenery.
It also offers a plant-based menu comprising vegan dishes, while the building’s open-sided concept is configured to create a maximum perimeter for natural light and views.
The hotel also does not make use of single-use plastics in a bid to minimise its efforts to eradicate waste.
Do you have any other eco-friendly activities of your own? Do share it with us too.
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