What is composting? Composting is a natural process that transforms organic waste into a nutrient-rich soil conditioner. By recycling organic materials like kitchen scraps and other biodegradable materials to create compost, we can create fertilizer that can be used to enrich soil in gardens(Smith, 2020). Composting is essentially a form of decomposition carried out by microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi and insects(EPA, 2022). It occurs naturally in forests and other ecos

Food waste is an egregious global issue and one of Singapore's largest waste streams. In the past decade, the amount of food waste in...

Do you have what it takes to be ‘that girl/guy’? This recently viral trend on social media encourages users to be in touch with their wellness, particularly through taking care of their physical health. Everyone should aim to reach the best versions of themselves! In the garden city of Singapore, hiking can be a way for you to achieve wellness.  Tips for hiking Hiking is an engaging form of exercise that keeps your cardiovascular health in check. Basking in greenery can reduc

Our sunny Singapore island offers many exciting outdoor activities like trekking, hiking, cycling, and even kayaking! That is… if you can beat the sweltering heat and somehow motivate yourself to leave your air-conditioned room. The science behind the increased heat is important for a small nation like ours to understand. Fortunately, there are tips and tricks that we can adopt to help us stay cool and breezy in our tropical climate so that we can head out and appreciate our

What is greenwashing? Greenwashing is the act of making false or misleading statements about a product or practice's environmental benefits. It promotes false solutions to the climate crisis that distract from and delay concrete and credible action. Green products can be sold at a premium, making them more expensive, which can lead consumers to overpay. Greenwashing undermines credible efforts to reduce emissions and address the climate crisis.  Why do companies do it?  I t c

Mindful consumption is the ability to be aware of one’s resource usage, ranging from electricity and water usage to purchasing decisions (The University of British Columbia, n.d.). Did you know that the fuel and energy sector is the leading contributor to pollution, with food production and fast fashion sectors in second and third place (Davda, 2024)? For such a consequence, the common denominator is us consumers; hence, we must apply mindful consumption to reduce wastage, po

Imagine a world in which humans turn a blind eye to climate change. The air is thick, hot and polluted with the upward shifts in global temperatures, and extreme weather has led coastal regions to the verge of destruction. Food and water security is threatened, increasing prices and causing diseases to soar exponentially. Natural disasters, droughts and storms increase, posing hazards to ecosystems and livelihoods and severely impacting homes and jobs. In the present, we are

Health Benefits of Indoor Gardening Did you know that dust, dust mites, pet debris, and even cleaning products can be sources of indoor air pollution? Indoor plants can then act as natural air purifiers by absorbing these harmful substances, simultaneously releasing oxygen. Some air-purifying plants include the peace lily, Mother-in-law’s tongue, and the Swiss cheese plant! They are capable of removing pollutants such as formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene (Noah Gard

It may seem that only those blessed with a green thumb can make a garden thrive, but even if you’re a budding plant parent, fret not! For those who are simply looking to spruce up their living environment, there are many low-maintenance indoor plants to choose from! What to consider when getting an indoor plant Before choosing your plant, there are many factors that you should keep in mind! Figuring out the environmental conditions in your home allows you to find the right pl

Are you tired of staring at blank walls and wanting your space to feel less claustrophobic and lifeless? Try these tips to bring some of the outdoors in! Flowers and fruits : These small additions add a vibrant pop of colour and a sense of liveliness to your living quarters. Dried flowers are also another alternative that can make your living space more inviting without worrying about attracting unwanted guests like pesky insects.  Small plants : Succulents, hanging vines, an

Misinformation runs rampant in the current technological age, where every  individual is given a platform to share their thoughts and ideas, bombarding us with some truly absurd and untrue "facts." In this article, we will be myth-busting, so you can be forewarned, lest you fall prey to these misleading assertions about the environment.  Growing local produce is always beneficial for the environment. In Singapore, our food supply relies heavily on imports, with over 90% sourc

Published online in 2007, the Footprint Calculator was launched online by the Global Footprint Network, an international organisation aspiring to nurture a sustainable living environment for all. By examining human activities in transport, housing, and food consumption (amongst others), the calculator computes the level of carbon emissions generated by individuals and compares them with their country’s average consumption profile. Segmenting a person’s carbon footprint into s

Benefits (Research Studies) Spending time in nature has been found to help with mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. For example, research into ecotherapy (a type of formal treatment that involves doing activities outside of nature) has shown it can help with mild to moderate depression. This might be due to combining regular physical activity and social contact with being outside in nature. Anxieties about climate change can also have a big impact on our we

It’s finally the end of the year and the perfect time to embrace the festive cheer. Alas, the weeks leading to the new year can also be...