I contribute to combat climate change… by going back to the good old days!

Seeing the devastating effects from plastic dumping around the world, I recalled how things were in the past. There was no such thing as liquid soap in plastic bottles, everyone was using bar soap which was individually wrapped with paper. Food, too were wrapped in brown wax paper, we did not use Styrofoam or plastic containers back then. In home, stools, shelves or containers etc. were made from wood or bamboo instead of plastics.

It’s tough to go back fully to the previous lifestyle but I decided that I can start to reduce plastic usage by first switching liquid soap to bar soap. Imagine how many plastic bottles I can avoid throwing just by doing this! Bar soap lasts longer and will benefit your pocket in the long run too!

In Singapore, there are shops that operate on a “bring your own container” policy whereby you fill your own reusable containers with items like food, soap, and laundry detergent, to promote zero waste.

Jane Lim

Corporate Planning Dept, SCAO Singapore