Chinese New Year is right around the corner and I’m sure we are all looking forward to it! This festival is not just for the Chinese but celebrated by different ethnicities in Singapore as it is a time for a reunion with our loved ones. As we immerse ourselves in the celebrations that mark new beginnings, let us spare a thought for the impact our actions have on ourselves and our future generations. Here are 5 ways how we can incorporate sustainability during Chinese New Year for a better tomorrow.
1. Gift e-Angbaos
(Image credits to DBS Bank)
What’s Chinese New Year without Angbaos? Angbao is a gift of money packed into a red packet as a way to send good wishes and luck during special occasions. However, these red packets are often thrown away as - well, we are more concerned with the cash inside. With the increasingly internet-permeated society and use of e-payment, physical red packets are even less regarded as some of us may not even want to carry cash around anymore!
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) also encourages Singaporeans to use e-Angbaos. Not only does it save the environment, but it also saves you time from having to queue up at banks to withdraw cash or exchange your old notes for new ones.
Where you can Gift E-Angbaos:
- DBS PayLah – Check out their Chinese New Year challenge here to win prizes!
- GrabPay – Earn points & rewards as you send e-Angbaos
2. Donate non-perishable food items
(Image credits to Food Bank Singapore)
Like most festivals, we love to indulge ourselves in food. One of the Chinese New Year traditions is to bring food to whom we are visiting. This often includes non-perishable food items like canned abalone, nuts, and sometimes dried fruits and meats. More often than not, we tend to keep these food items until their expiry date to only throw them away. To avoid wasting all these goodies, let do our part to end food insecurity by donating them to the less fortunate who can’t afford to have food on their table.
Where you can donate non-perishable food items:
- Food from the Heart – Find out how you can donate the right way here
- Food Bank Singapore – Drop off your excess food easily at Bank Boxes across the island
3. Travel with electric car-sharing
(Image credits to BlueSG)
Too many relatives and too many houses to visit? You can now travel quickly and conveniently with your family, young and old, across Singapore via car-sharing. You don’t have to worry about having to squeeze up the packed public transport carrying your bulky gift hampers for your relatives. The obvious benefit that car-sharing has on the environment is that there are fewer cars on the road and therefore reducing carbon emissions. By car-sharing on electric vehicles, you can even completely reduce direct carbon dioxide emissions as you enjoy a comfortable and enjoyable way to commute!
Where you can find electric car-sharing:
- BlueSG – With more than 380 stations across Singapore, subscribe and get your first month of Basic Membership for FREE
4. Give your old stuff a new life
(Image credits to Hip2Save)
With spring cleaning, we often find ourselves throwing away furniture or clothing that may no longer fit us. If you haven’t already heard, one man’s trash could be another man’s treasure! Try giving them a new life by finding them a new home (and possibly earning some cash so it’s less painful for your pocket when giving Angbaos), or even upcycle them to give them a second charm.
Where you can give them a new life:
- Resell them at online marketplaces like Carousell and Facebook Marketplace
- Pass It On – Connects the people with items to donate to the folks who need them
5. Embrace Sustainable Fashion
(Image credits to Refash)
Another tradition not to be missed would be to wear new clothes from head to toe! It is believed that by doing so, you can start the new year with fresh beginnings. The tradition also involves wearing red as it symbolizes good luck and fortune – except that in the modern days of 2022, we no longer follow traditions strictly. In the year of the tiger, go bold and explore conscious fashion choices! Build good karma from healing the environment by renting, upcycling, buying secondhand pieces, or even simply starting by looking into your wardrobe and rediscovering the pieces that may be sitting at the back, but just as good as new.
Where you can adopt Sustainable Fashion:
- StyleTheory – Rent your entire Chinese New Year outfit from clothes to accessories
- Swapaholic – Refresh your wardrobe and swap your clothes with someone else
- Refash – Embrace secondhand pieces with pieces from popular brands you may love
Have a roar-some Chinese New Year
In this Chinese New Year, bring your family onboard to celebrate sustainably with you. Use this opportunity as a chance to bond as you work together to achieve a common goal! Also, travel together as a family as you can be sharing travel costs and saving the environment altogether.
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