Singaporeans are becoming more mindful about how our day-to-day lifestyles can affect the environment, with nearly 9 in 10 locals now considering eco-friendly alternatives. As plenty of local brands step up their sustainability efforts to meet the needs of eco-conscious shoppers, now’s a great time to discover brands around us that are doing good.

In this month’s blog, we want to highlight 3 brands that are true game-changers in the space. On a mission to encourage sustainable consumption habits, they embrace sustainability by innovating new business models and unique products that complement your eco-conscious journey. Read on to find out what they offer.

Rent-able tech gadgets, good as new every time

There’s no denying it — our tech-savvy culture has inculcated a habit of us constantly upgrading devices that are still in good working condition for newer releases. 

Every year, we generate about 60,000 tonnes of e-waste, out of which only 6% is recycled, leaving masses of electronics headed towards Semakau landfill. 

To help reduce our throwaways, Circular provides a monthly subscription service for the latest tech devices. Instead of purchasing new ones and accumulating e-waste, you can subscribe to your own second-hand phones and accessories, then easily upgrade to newer models as they become available. 

As each device undergoes thorough servicing and refurbishment, you can be rest assured that concerns around privacy and protection are addressed before the device reaches you.

To get started, simply select your desired gadget and subscription length, and you will undergo a verification process before receiving it at your doorstep. By joining in the circular movement, you’ll get to enjoy the latest tech at a fraction of market price, and contribute to a community that shares and recycles products to maximise their shelf lives. Head over to Circular’s website to discover the full range of devices available.

All-natural, all-effective cleaning products

Cleaning agents have long been known for their harmful impact on the environment. Not only do they contain toxic chemicals that drain into oceans and pose a danger to marine life, they also come in single-use packaging that contributes to plastic pollution.

Though many commercial brands have switched to non-toxic ingredients, SimplyGood has taken it a step further by eliminating plastic use with its dissolvable cleaning tablets. 

Launched by local entrepreneur Jeremy Lee, SimplyGood is your one-stop shop for 100% plant-based natural soaps and detergents. From body cleansers to pet shampoos, these tablets are made to be 300 times lighter and 200 times smaller than traditional liquid cleaners, allowing you to save space and reduce your carbon footprint at home. 

With SimplyGood, you have the option to purchase their “Forever Bottles” to replenish your cleaning liquids, or dissolve their cleaning tablets in a repurposed bottle from your home to minimise your household waste. 

Combining affordability and accessibility, they also have a complete home cleaning kit and different types of cleaning starter kits for sale. For greater convenience, you can even subscribe to receive refillable top-up tablets for their cleaning products every month. 

If you’re interested, you can start by taking a look at the best-selling cleaning tablets on their website. 

Long-lasting staples for your wardrobe

In Singapore’s hot and humid weather, one thing that we cannot live without is our trusty go-to basic T-shirt that we can throw on whether we’re heading out for a quick grocery run or pairing it with a preppy outfit for work. 

Determined to create simple everyday wear that is elegant, comfortable and sustainable, EcoStaples embarked on their journey to create a range of timeless wardrobe basics designed with Singaporeans in mind. Unlike fast fashion brands that mass-manufacture polyester clothes, EcoStaples makes an environmental difference by utilising eco-friendly bamboo lyocell fabric.  

Primarily made from bamboo, which in itself produces 35% more oxygen than average trees, bamboo lyocell fabric is non-toxic and biodegradable in just around 8 days, a stark contrast to synthetic materials that take hundreds of years to break down. 

Moreover, bamboo garments are lightweight, hypoallergenic, and possess sweat-wicking properties, keeping you cool and comfortable in our tropical climate.

In addition to their environmental commitment, EcoStaples has also created recycled packaging to perfectly fit their products, avoiding the use of biodegradable bags that ultimately contribute to landfills as well. The next time you’re replacing some of your wardrobe staples, you can shop with EcoStaples on their website. 

Support brands that make a difference

When mitigating our personal environmental impact, it’s important to show our support for brands like Circular, SimplyGood and EcoStaples that are dedicated to helping consumers lead eco-conscious lifestyles while providing products that do not compromise on quality. Their products and services are not only beneficial to our lives, but our support for these local businesses can also encourage more to follow in their footsteps, contributing to a sustainable marketplace for all. 

If you found this month’s blog helpful for your eco journey, you can also stand a chance to win our Facebook and Instagram giveaway! Simply comment on our giveaway post by answering this question: “Name 1 featured brand in our blog that is changing the game for eco-conscious shoppers.” 10 lucky winners will receive a $30 eCapitaVoucher and a Geneco Green Starter Kit (worth $40). Contest ends on 30 Jun 2023, T&Cs apply. 

Let’s continue to #PowerTheChange and conserve our natural wonders for our future generations. 

While it may feel like the waste we create on a daily basis is insignificant, the numbers can quickly accumulate over time. In 2022 alone, 7.39 million tonnes of solid waste were disposed of in Singapore, of which 1.86 million tonnes was generated by households.

As more organisations take a stance on attaining zero waste, it is now easier for us to make impactful changes and enjoy a more eco-conscious lifestyle.

In this month’s blog, we’re showcasing three local brands that are making environmentally-friendly household products easily accessible. If you’re keen to start embarking on your own zero waste journey, read on to see what they have to offer.

Natural personal care for the family

While we rely on soap to clean our body, mass-produced soaps use synthetic chemicals to create lather and scent and these are generally packed with preservatives that can be harmful to our skin, hard to break down when washed away, and contribute to pollution in our drains and oceans.

The Castile Soap Shop solves this problem by curating high-quality natural soaps and cleaners that are produced the right way. The brand advocates for the many natural ingredients found in our surroundings, primarily made from 100% organic plant oils, and incorporates them into their products to promote an organic, chemical-free cleaning routine. 

Their online store features a wide array of products, be it for the body, hair, pets or home, making it a one-stop shop for all things related to home and self-cleaning. And once every month, the brand also provides a Mobile Refill Service for customers to have their favourite soaps topped up right at home in their recyclable bottles to reduce plastic waste.

Making eco-conscious choices can be convenient with brands like The Castile Soap Shop. If you would like to check them out, head over to their website or Instagram page.

Going green one chopstick at a time

Every week, over 1.5 billion disposable chopsticks are used worldwide – and are sent straight to the landfills. 

With so much wood at our disposal, ChopValue has found a way to transform all these single-use waste into functional home furniture and decor pieces. From kitchen accessories, to home office desks and wooden toys, the brand is making their impact and crafting unique items to elevate your home, one chopstick at a time. 

The company begins their process by collecting used chopsticks from various businesses before turning them into new engineered material that is stronger than oak and harder than maple. Consumers can now drop off their excess unused disposable chopsticks too, located at their micro-factory at 56 Loyang Way. Production then takes place in their micro-factories around the world to produce high-quality, minimalist furniture designed to elevate homes without compromising functionality or style. 

You can find a range of upcycled furniture from phone holders to cheese boards on ChopValue’s online store, or follow their Instagram page to keep up-to-date with their latest news.

Choose Eco-Brands Over Mainstream Products

Practising yoga can help to reduce stress and anxiety by encouraging mindfulness and promoting a sense of relaxation. However, it is also important to be equally mindful of the impact that our fitness routines have on the environment.

Items such as conventional yoga mats, exercise balls, and resistance bands are typically made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which is non-biodegradable and difficult to recycle, and can take up to 500 years to break down. They also contain phthalates and other harmful chemicals that are released into the air and the environment over time. 

By using eco-friendly workout gear and making sustainable choices, we can not only improve our own wellbeing but also contribute to a healthier environment. You can start to do so by taking a look at TouchTheToes, a local yoga shop that focuses on supplying sustainable and ethical products to promote an eco-conscious active lifestyle. 

The store stocks yoga mats, workout apparels, and fitness accessories made from organic cotton, natural rubber and recycled plastic bottles. Their signature yoga products are free from synthetic chemicals and provide stronger grip and cushioning – courtesy of natural-occurring properties from components like rubber, cork and jute. 

TouchTheToes’ goal is to ensure that they are neither short-changing their suppliers, nor charging a hefty price tag to their customers. Most of their products are ethically sourced and produced in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals – a framework that prioritises responsible consumption, zero poverty and climate action. If you’re looking for new workout wear, why not check out TouchTheToes on their website or Instagram page.

Embark on your zero-waste journey today

As zero-waste practices continue to grow in Singapore, there are many more brands who are providing eco-friendly solutions and alternatives to help you embark on your own environmental journey.

Starting from today, you can make a stand to do your part in reducing waste by checking out these three sustainable living brands for your household essentials. 

If you have enjoyed our monthly blog, you can also stand a chance to win our Facebook and Instagram giveaway too! Simply comment on our giveaway post by answering this question: “Name one of the 3 featured brands in our latest blogpost that advocate zero waste living.” 10 lucky winners will receive a Geneco Green Starter Kit and $30 worth of eCapitaVouchers. Contest ends on 31 May 2023, T&Cs apply.

Let’s continue to #PowerTheChange and embrace a #ZeroWaste lifestyle.