Creation Care – Kallos

Fashion With A Purpose

Eunice Sng — Thu, 26 Nov 2020 01:11:00 +0000

Interested in sustainable or slow fashion? Perhaps you are a budding creative yourself hoping to start a business in Singapore. EUNICE SNG speaks to some of Singapore’s fashion up-and-comers to find out just what it takes to lead a purpose-driven business.

PARADIGM SHIFT LABEL BY AUDRIS ADABELLA QUEK
In the first year of operating Paradigm Shift, we were blessed with a growing audience and brand momentum. Thus, I was eager to launch new products. I was about to send out an email to our manufacturer requesting to begin production on the next product when the Lord convicted me. He asked me, “Who designed that dress and who decided to go ahead with production?”. I was dumbstruck and could not answer Him because I knew it was all me and God was not even given a chance to have a say in it.

He later gave me instructions to only sell the long black dress for a whole year. I was in shock! How would that sustain us? Then He convicted me, “What paradigms would you be shifting if you ran your business like everybody else?” At that point, I really did not understand, but I obeyed. One year later, I see the fruits of obeying Him above all logic and business sense. Because we only sold one item for that whole year, the brand can now speak with credibility and authority when it comes to talking about slow fashion and production because we walked the talk! It was an almost unheard of “business model” but hey, if the King says, it goes.

A challenge of identifying ourselves as a sustainable brand is that it automatically limits the kind of materials we can use. But this is always exciting because it forces me to work with what we have and to make the impossible possible, with God, of course! Sometimes it looks like charting new territories where others have yet to, and exploring new methods and ways of running a sustainable fashion business.

I wish to see Singapore’s fashion industry change from domination to empowerment, a shift from brand’s self-obsession to customer-centricness. Instead of brands influencing the masses in the fashion decisions that they themselves dictate, my hope is for brands to make decisions based on the customer’s needs. What good does fashion have if it is only about self-elevation? I believe in fashion for good; empowerment throughout its supply chain from start to end.

WILL & WELL BY ELISA LIM
The name Will & Well came out of the Lord speaking to me about the idea I had to design inclusive and functional fashion for all. He said, “If you have the will to do it, then I will make it well for you.” With that comforting understanding, I found the meaning for the brand as well. In the same vein, for our clients (who can range from stroke patients, to people with disabilities, to the able-bodied), if they have the will to live a good life, regardless of their age or physical situation, then we will make it well for them too through inclusive clothing so that it is easier for them to get dressed.

Everyone wants to look good, so the clothing needs to be attractive as well, not just functional. An example of that is our Unisex Drawstring Front-Zip Pants! We designed it as a customised piece for a lady who had a hip surgery, but I wear it too, and an 80-year-old granny does too! I think it’s really fun like that, when a garment is being worn by different age groups. People wear it all for the same reason, for the ease of us, for the comfort, for its classic look. Our Front-Zip Midi Dress is another piece that was birthed out of a conversation that I had with an elderly lady who lives alone. She was telling me that she couldn’t wear dresses anymore because she didn’t have anyone to zip the dress up for her and she can’t stretch that way. It just goes to show that regardless of age and physical ailments, fashion can still accommodate and beautify each customer.

Every single morning, I spend some time reflecting on what I have — everything is a gift from Him and He can take it away at any time. It can be business opportunities, family, church or friends. It’s a good reminder that nothing belongs to me and it helps me not to cling on to anything in this world too tightly — it’s an approach for living that allows us to make decisions based on His will and His values and His principles. Then, He will make whatever He placed in our hands well for us to fulfil!

ELIZABETH LITTLE BY EILEEN TAY
My brand is called Elizabeth Little — named after my daughter because she was really tiny compared to her brother. She is definitely my inspiration! Children have endless ideas and they are not restricted by the same things adults are, so it’s really great fun to create with her! For example, she’s turning six and is currently into fairy princesses — thus, all the sleeves I do now have to have sleeves that puff up!

I started a slow fashion brand because I wanted to leave a legacy for my children that encourages them to value quality over quantity. Slowness has a negative connotation, but to me, ‘slowness’ also means taking time to just wonder, admire, and appreciate what other people make with their hands! I suppose it also ties in with biblical values because it’s really about being contented with what we have, and also about patience.

As a Christian in the creative industry, social media is extremely powerful. There are so many negative influences these days, thus, as a Christian, it is important to post positive messages. With every social media post, I take time to think and pray that it will be uplifting. We also try to incorporate Christian messaging on our packaging. With every dress order that we get, we send out a postcard with penned down Bible verses for every customer — Philippians 4:4 is my favourite. Sometimes, we get feedback that the recipients were encouraged — even if they weren’t Christian — because everybody loves being blessed!

When the COVID situation happened back in March, three of my stockists closed down and I had a whole office filled with extremely expensive Liberty fabric shipped in from Italy. Thus, I was stuck with a super high inventory cost and there was no way we could utilise the fabric because all the fairs I was supposed to participate in got cancelled. Thankfully my mentor prompted me to start making masks and when I posted pictures of the samples, the feedback was phenomenal. However, I didn’t want to profit from something like this during this period, especially because masks had become an essential item. God gave me the idea of donating one mask for every mask sold, and that was what I did! To date, I think we have donated about 15,000 masks!

Take The 3 ‘R’s Challenge

Quek Shiwei — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 04:00:00 +0000

CHALLENGE RULES

For 3 weeks, practice the 3Rs intentionally. These are your guidelines:

Reduce: Reduce consumption of resources by not shopping for 3 weeks for non-essential items.

Reuse: Eliminate single-use plastics by using reusable items. Find a way to reuse any waste before deciding to throw or recycle them.

Recycle: Recycle every piece of waste accumulated by you in these 3 weeks.

Challenger: SECK LI-LYN, 20

3 Fun Facts:

1. I am 1.74m tall
2. I cannot speak Chinese
3. I love coffee

INITIAL THOUGHTS

Nonchalance is the biggest factor that prevents me from being eco-friendly. Usually, I don’t care about practicing the 3Rs in my daily life, so I think this challenge would make me more aware of my carbon footprint. I currently stay on campus in University and it is easier to choose convenience. I wonder whether this will prove to be a deterrence in this challenge. We’ll see!

THE CHALLENGE

Week 1

8 Jan: The challenge starts today! I think I’ve prepared myself quite well — I’ve got my reusable bags, reusable cutlery, and tumblers. I decided to dine in today instead of taking out. I realised that just this decision alone saved me so much trash — the plastic bag, the plastic box, and the plastic cup.

11 Jan: I went to Kinokuniya today. When I was at the cashier, I declined a plastic bag and placed the book into my tote bag instead. However, I realised that the book was wrapped in a thin layer of plastic for protection so I guess some plastic waste is inevitable. I decided to get okonomiyaki for lunch but realised too late that it was encased in a styrofoam box. Oh well, I will make a mental note for future purchases.

12 Jan: My weekend tradition with my sister is buying bubble tea. It is only today that I realised that we have been mindlessly drinking out of a plastic cup with a plastic straw. I love bubble tea so much that it will be hard to stop drinking it suddenly. The other option would be to use my tumbler. However, I am quite shy by nature. I am afraid my request will cause inconvenience if there is a long queue behind me. I wish that bringing one’s tumbler was more of a norm, so I wouldn’t have to feel shy about this.

13 Jan: Today I managed to recycle 3 plastic bottles, 4 takeaway boxes, and 2 glass bottles from my hostel room. The process of cleaning my room definitely opened my eyes to the extra effort needed to live a sustainable lifestyle. I went shopping today because I figured cooking will help me to save trash as compared to buying take-out meals. I was wrong. Every grocery item I bought was all covered in plastic! If I focus on the amount of waste generated in the production line-up of many everyday items, it amounts to a lot of hidden waste (used by separate items in the production chain). This after-thought made me feel quite dejected; my actions seemed insignificant in comparison to the large amount of waste unknowingly produced daily. But I shall just do what I can!

Week 2

15 Jan: I used my tumbler when I purchased iced milo today. I confess: I dislike washing my tumbler when I am comfortable in bed and have to make a trip to the kitchen. Tossing away a plastic cup will be much more convenient. However, I know that convenience comes at a cost.

16 Jan: I have some friends coming over to my dorm room tonight which means I will be switching on the aircon today. In my attempt to be eco-friendly, I set it to 25 degree Celcius, which is the optimal temperature for being sustainable!

19 Jan: After drinking out of some glass bottles, I decided to upcycle them into flower jars to decorate my room. I bought some dried lilacs for the glass bottles to match with the overall purple aesthetic of my room.

21 Jan: Today was spent rushing to prepare for a school event the next day. All of my friends were using Grabfood delivery to save time. At first, I was hesitant, but I caved in. While the amount of waste was minimal on my end (my meal set had minimal packaging), the peer pressure and the need to maximise time really got to me!

Week 3

22 Jan: The school event was today. Being on the organising team, I wanted to reduce waste but it was pretty impossible. When I saw the massive amount of waste at the end of the day from the food stalls present, I was in shock! Before this challenge, I wouldn’t have thought twice about how much waste such events produce. But being more eco-friendly intentionally has certainly made me more aware of waste accumulation.

25 Jan: I lost my tumbler! It was devastating. I had become attached to it over the course of this challenge. How was I going to get my much-needed coffee in the morning? I decided to buy fewer drinks during the day, and drink from my water bottle instead. I typically don’t like drinking water but this alternative was surprisingly easier than I thought!

26 Jan: This challenge has honestly not been easy. I dislike washing every container that I have used. I dislike having to save my trash till I see the nearest recycling bin. Today, after training, my teammates and I wanted to eat at one of the canteens in the University hall. However, the cold drinks sold were already pre-packaged, so I could not use my new tumbler. In the end, I bought a hot tea to takeaway in my tumbler instead. I would have preferred a cold drink after a gruelling training session but there was no other option available. Sigh.

27 Jan: My impulse online shopping spree on Shopee has come back to bite me. I forgot that items get delivered in multiple layers of plastic. When I was making my online purchases, I was attracted by the flashing signs of “SHOPEE CNY MASSIVE SALE”, “10% CASHBACK” and “FREE SHIPPING”. Honestly, I confess that I cared more about the amount of money I could save from the sale rather than the plastic that came along with my purchases.

FINAL THOUGHTS

It was easy to maintain a sustainable lifestyle over the first few days but proved a challenge when I needed to do it over a prolonged period of time. I felt that there were 2 main problems that hindered me from reducing my carbon footprint:

– Convenience: I realised how much I relied on take-outs. In University, I often feel like I am in a rush. Taking time to wash, dry, and pack utensils daily slowly became a tiring chore since time is precious.

– Peer pressure: I found it difficult to be eco-friendly when my friends are not. I felt bad whenever I needed to wash my utensils while all my friends waited for me.

In spite of these, cultivating a sustainable lifestyle is not entirely impossible. There were some daily choices that were manageable such as bringing my tumbler when I purchased drinks and bringing a tote bag wherever I go as a substitute for plastic bags. I hope that I can continue these new habits even though the challenge has ended and still do my small part to care for creation.

Spotlight: Audris Quek of Paradigm Shift Label

Quek Shiwei — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 04:00:00 +0000

In today’s society where instant gratification is all the rage, Audris, founder of Paradigm Shift Label (PSL) has chosen to challenge this norm. As we chatted, one thing was apparent to me — she strongly believes in producing ethical products because God loves the makers behind these products. Instead of choosing products solely based on low cost and convenience, she chooses to re-examine the supply chain and question the origins of products. Now 25, Audris is set on shifting the paradigms of consumers, one dress at a time.

Hi Audris! What does PSL stand for?

PSL is an ethical fashion label and its vision is to clothe people with strength and dignity — whether they are the makers of the products or the consumers. I hope that people will associate themselves with the ‘Paradigm Shift Lady’: she breaks social norms, carries powerful influence, and evokes positive change. Beyond fashion, the brand is about people and empowering the makers and consumers to be catalysts for change.

What does fashion mean to you?

When I was younger, I used to think that fashion was just about chasing trends and dressing to look good. The way I used to dress would say something like “Hey, look at me! I’m fashionable. I know what’s in and what’s not.”

But really, fashion can become one’s identity and people use fashion to make a statement. So, to me, fashion is an expression of yourself and your identity.

Fashion today promotes wearing shorter and tighter clothes, and to show more skin. In birthing PSL, God impressed the word “modesty” upon my heart. I gradually realised that fashion has subtly stolen many young women’s identities. Fashion “dictates” us to dress in accordance with what’s in-trend or gets more attention. I hope the apparel from PSL can clothe women in styles that are modest, modern, and enable them to feel confident and contented. What we wear can “beautify” us, but beauty truly comes from within! Our body is a temple of God and we should glorify Him with it.

Could you share how you started PSL?

When I was 14, my class was asked, “What is your dream?” I wrote down three things: to design my own products (clothing), have my own business, and use the money to help the less fortunate. However, I completely forgot about this dream till I was 22. I left my job in the events industry due to burn-out. All I had was just a diploma in events management; there was not much else that I could really branch into. Out of desperation, I asked God,

“Where can I go from here?” I had a call for missions and I wondered, “God, is the time now?” I heard nothing.

I then asked myself, “Audris, if there are no limitations in the world, what would you want to do?” I was reminded of my dream at 14, but I discounted it as an unreachable dream since I had no background in fashion or arts. But I sensed that the Holy Spirit said, “Who do you think put that dream in you?” I was shocked; I always thought that fashion is a worldly thing and that dream came from my flesh. I realised that God cared about fashion!

Within two weeks, the Lord opened the door for me to step into the fashion industry to learn the ropes of how to manage a fashion business. A month later, while chilling in my room on a weekend, the Holy Spirit dropped the words “paradigm shift” into my mind. I thought, “Have I been very prideful, and there’s something He wants me to see differently?” But God’s response was, “That will be the fashion label we will start in the future.” I found it hard to believe.

I WAS ASKING GOD, “I THOUGHT I WAS MEANT TO BE A MISSIONARY. WHY AM I DOING THIS BUSINESS THING? ” AND I FELT GOD SAID TO ME, “THIS IS BUSINESS AS MISSIONS.”

After nine months, I felt like God had given me the business’s blueprint and even inspired me with the products’ design! God challenged me to take a leap of faith to leave my job and to start PSL. But I told him, “God, why now? I don’t have enough funds.” He replied that He needed to start the fashion label when I had nothing, so that when people looked at the brand, they would know it was God who started it, because only God could make something out of nothing.

In the next two to three months, God also introduced the idea of building a kickstarter campaign, and I headed to Nepal for a recce trip. On the plane, I was asking God, “I thought I was meant to be a missionary. Why am I doing this business thing?” And I felt God said to me, “This is business as missions.”

Once back from Nepal, I praise God that PSL managed to raise almost $13,000 in 40 days from 155 backers. I finally had enough funds to move into production. And the rest is history.

What have been some of the highs and lows of PSL thus far?

Apart from supporting the makers, hearing stories from consumers about how PSL’s products have changed their perceptions of fashion and how they are now more aware of modest dressing also warms my heart. Another high was when I was able to pay myself with the profits from PSL. Starting PSL was uncertain in the beginning, so it was very fulfilling to be able to pay myself!

The lows would be about managing differing expectations from people. There are days when I would spiral into this hole of thinking, “I’m not doing enough” or “I’m not good enough,” and question if I am the right steward to run PSL. Thankfully, God assures and comforts me. He sends people to remind me that He wants me to steward PSL and press on. It is so important to not get caught up with what everyone says but to ask Him for creative solutions and plans.

ULTIMATELY, I BELIEVE THAT WE SHOULD NEITHER EXPLOIT PEOPLE NOR OUR PLANET. IF WE CARE ABOUT PEOPLE, SURELY WE MUST CARE FOR OUR PLANET TOO!

Since PSL's heart is about being an ethical fashion label, how has that changed your buying patterns?

Ever since becoming an advocate for ethical brands, I have learned how to be a more responsible and thoughtful consumer. I used to think that if a product is cheap and convenient, I would buy it. Our generation goes for instant gratification, but being more aware of ethics and the people behind products has helped me to slow down and rethink my buying patterns. Now, I ask “Where was it made?”, “Who made it?”, and “How was it made?” I give more thought to the supply chain and not just the instant gratification of the purchase itself.

PSL started out with the aim of being purely an ethical label. However, I now see the importance of caring for our planet too and PSL is gradually moving towards becoming a sustainable brand too. At the start, we used natural material like cotton, linen, and biodegradable plastic as much as possible, but it was not a priority. However, I am now very intentional in the materials we use!

Our signature “Long Black” is made using an upcycled fabric from Nepal’s local market. That has really helped set the tone for moving into being sustainable. Ultimately, I believe that we should neither exploit people nor our planet. If we care about people, surely we must care for our planet too.

What do you think God is calling you to do with PSL in the near future?

One of the things God spoke to me clearly about is that PSL will bridge the gap between the developed and developing world. It has a part to play in alleviating poverty and to speak up for the defenceless. PSL will be used to shift paradigms in different areas — whether it’s shifting the mindset of a consumer who may have a certain view of trendy fashion to what modest fashion looks like, or the minds of people in the manufacturing scene as to how they view the makers of products.

PSL also aims to help the makers stand on their own two feet through job provisions and stable income. PSL is doing that now in small measures by partnering certain manufacturers but in the long run, we hope to effect greater change. All of this sounds overwhelming and idealistic at times, but I believe that if He is leading PSL there, He will provide every step of the way.

Why We Should Care About Climate Change

Kang Li — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 04:00:00 +0000

Do you feel in despair or grateful when you think of the world? With recent events like the Australian bush fire crisis and the Covid-19 outbreak, I have sometimes been tempted to give up hoping that things can be better on earth. I forget that, despite distressing problems, this earth was created by God, who still cares for it. Some of us may say, “This earth will not remain when Christ returns, so why should we be concerned about the state of the earth?” We may all have different views about the earth we live on — but how does God see it now?

JOY OF THE CREATOR

Genesis 1 describes how God feels about the heavens and the earth — that is, everything — He created. After each day’s work, God surveyed what He made and judged that it was “good” — and this declaration was repeated seven times! His deep satisfaction and joy in creation is also evident from Job 38–41. God reveals to Job that as He laid the foundations of the earth, “the morning stars sang together, and all the angels shouted for joy” (Job 38:7). He then talks about His creation with a kind of tender pride, such as when He describes Himself fathering rain and dew (38:28), and paying loving attention when His creatures give birth (39:1–2).

Can you relate to how God delights in the things on earth? I personally enjoy escaping the city to beautiful nature spots. I am sure there is some aspect of creation that each of us delights in, be it a bright sunny day, a vast ocean, or even things made from natural resources like great food and pretty clothes. As our loving Father, God would surely delight in us enjoying His creation. However, with the onslaught of man-made disasters that have worldwide impact, the consequences of human sin, which puts all creation under bondage (Rom 8:20), are evident and painfully felt.

CONNECTING TO THE CREATOR

“The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it” (Ps 24:1). This verse comes to mind as I reflect on why I love the earth and care for its health. I still remember magical moments of standing amidst majestic mountains and seeing wild horses gallop through the rolling plains of Mongolia. These moments were all the more glorious because I felt connected in a new way to my Creator who has created such beauty. Back home, whenever I am stressed at work, I would take a walk down a road lined with rain trees. I’d look up to see the sturdy trees against warm sunlight, and my heart would calm down. These trees provide perspective to my problems: as they have stood firm for years through the storms, so too will God stand by me and help me to overcome all things. All these connections with nature and God grow my appreciation for His creation and His character.

EVERYTHING ON EARTH BELONGS TO GOD, AND NOTHING BELONGS TO US.

KEEPERS OF THE EARTH

As I meditate on Psalm 24:1, I am reminded of this beautiful truth: Everything on earth belongs to God, and nothing belongs to us. And yet, God has given humankind the responsibility of stewardship over everything He has created (Gen 1:28). Like a gardener given the task of keeping his employer’s garden, we are given the responsibility to watch over our Creator’s earth. As keepers of the earth, we are to manage all these resources on earth in a way that shows our love for both God and His creation. This begins with an attitude of gratitude and appreciation for the things that sustain and enrich our lives, from the food that keeps us alive, to the technology that we use every day. This will help us to treasure and use these things with care, going against the exploitative and throwaway culture that is so prevalent today.

This role as keepers of the earth is not just a responsibility, but also a privilege for us as God’s beloved daughters. We are part of His grand purpose to redeem and restore shalom to humankind and creation. Shalom refers to more than just peace. It is a state of well-being and fruitfulness in which God, humans and all the rest of creation live in loving harmony, with concern for the good of every single creature. We can think of it as God saying to us: “You have experienced the shalom of being reconciled with me. Would you now partner with me to extend this shalom throughout the world?”

As I sought to love God more, I grew in my conviction that I need to be a better steward of the resources given to me. I have become more intentional in my consumption, trying to use only what I need. For example, I have switched to buying pre-loved or BNIB (Brand New in Box) apparel, and only when needed. I can afford to buy new clothes, but in seeking to honour my Creator, I want to be more thoughtful in what I buy, so that I can reduce the environmental impact caused by fast fashion. For me, this means that I can look good and also feel good in my new outfits!

MY NEIGHBOUR'S KEEPER

Apart from loving God through caring for His creation, being keepers of the earth is also about keeping the second greatest commandment — to love our neighbours as ourselves (Mark 12:29–31). My heart aches when I see photos of East African mothers holding their malnourished babies. How helpless it must feel to see the life of your children ebbing away because you’re not able to provide for them! Climate change is one of the main reasons that hunger is the norm for one in five people in the whole of Africa. I feel awful knowing that this is mainly because they have taken the brunt of the actions of developed countries. Those of us who live in advanced economies have the means to shield ourselves against the effects of climate change. In contrast, those of our neighbours who have fewer resources suffer from the impact of the unsustainable devouring of the earth’s resources, largely driven by the demands of the affluent.

WE ARE PART OF HIS GRAND PURPOSE TO REDEEM AND RESTORE SHALOM TO HUMANKIND AND CREATION.

In seeking shalom, I realized that being my brother or sister’s keeper means remembering how my choices can affect my neighbours across the world who seem distant, but are very close to God’s heart. In practical terms, I ask myself the difficult question of whether I really want that cup of bubble tea, or can I give it a miss to reduce plastic waste? I also consider carefully how much to travel, given that air travel accounts for a significant proportion of carbon dioxide emissions that contribute to global warming. How can we live in, use and enjoy creation as keepers of the earth? I believe that it is good for us to enjoy the pleasures of God’s creation, but to do so wisely (like having bubble tea when one is stressed, but in a reusable cup). We have the responsibility to steward carefully what is given to us. Guided by the love for God and our neighbour, let us reflect and pursue the beautiful shalom that our Father has brought us into, so that others may glorify God as well.

Want to learn more about creation care?

Check out these books!
1. Saying Yes to Life by Ruth Valerio
2. Planetwise: Dare to Care for God’s World by Dave Bookless
3. Bible and Ecology: Rediscovering the Community of Creation by Richard Bauckham

Take The No-Waste Challenge

Quek Shiwei — Fri, 23 Nov 2018 16:00:00 +0000

CHALLENGE RULES

1. This will be a 2-weeks challenge.

2. Week 1: Embrace Reuse. Make a list of 3 items that you would usually throw away without much thought and find ways to upcycle them into functional products.

3. Week 2: Favour Old Over New. Look through your wardrobe and make a list of clothing items you do not want anymore. Bring them to the nearest thrift shop and do a clothes swap instead.

4. Both weeks: Shun Disposables. Bring your own takeaway containers and utensils when you eat out / takeaway food. Do not use plastic straws / cups too, if possible!

5. Jot down your reflections from the 2-week journey. Have fun!

Challenger: SARAH SEE, 19

3 Fun Facts:

1. I don’t drink bubble tea
2. I like changing hairstyles frequently
3. People often ask me if I’m Korean

INITIAL THOUGHTS

Though this challenge seems simple at a glance, after contemplating the components and expectations of each aspect, my guess is proven right — I am in for a ride! If that isn’t enough to intimidate me, I have zero knowledge about living a “zero-waste” lifestyle. Where do I start?!

Before beginning my challenge, I read blogs, considered waste production statistics, and watched videos for lifestyle tips. Going “zero-waste” is a movement where people strive to send no trash to landfills, and thus generally reduce the number of disposables we unthinkingly use. That means using items like tissue packets, food containers, plastic bottles (and more) is a big NO-NO! This came as a second shock: I never knew our waste could amount to fill 3,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools! Yet, as I begin to consider my own carbon footprint, I realised I am just another nonchalant contributor to those statistics. Disposing of old or used things is like second nature. God has given us the responsibility to preserve and care for His beautiful creation. I have my role as a steward, but am I playing my part? Sadly, I know the answer is not a satisfactory “yes”.

While there is apprehension, the desire to see a change in the way I live in light of that responsibility overrides that. It has taken me time to process all the information needed, as well as determination to prepare for this two-week journey of learning the heart behind a “zero-waste” lifestyle. Since I have been given an opportunity to honour God’s handiwork in practical, doable ways, I resolve to do it well. Challenge accepted!!!

THE CHALLENGE

Week 1
Following the “zero-waste” lifestyle tips, I uncovered a lunch box, utensil set, ask, and recycled bag from the depths of my kitchen cabinet. With these in tow, I felt more at ease tackling the two weeks ahead.

Right from the get-go, I encountered my first obstacle. It was the first time I went out with my lunchbox to take away lunch, and I felt nervous. Would the vendor think of me as troublesome? However, remembering why I was doing this challenge immediately replaced the initial worry. Fewer styrofoam boxes, plastic bags, or utensils will be thrown away carelessly! This means a possible step of change and push for a less consumerist lifestyle! With these in mind, I ordered confidently and returned home rejoicing. After that first experience, it became my personal conviction to pack meals in a lunch box as often as I can. Recognising that the little I do to help the environment can go a long way is satisfying in itself.

The most challenging aspect of this week has been to avoid titbits and sweets because they are wrapped in plastic! I love indulging in chocolates, chips, and candy, so this was undoubtedly a test of self-control. So instead of an addictive snack, I settled for fresh fruits. This week of going “zero-waste” has attuned me to consider what disposables I use and how often I use it. On top of that, I’ve begun to enjoy a healthier lifestyle as well!

“Embrace Reuse” was quite a fun project! I enjoy crafting things but never really set aside time for it. It certainly added a refreshing twist to my otherwise ordinary studying routine. Knowing I could create something completely new from used items has awaken creativity within me. I made a terrarium from a jam jar, a cable cord organiser from a show box, and a hanging planter from a 1-litre plastic bottle! Who knew the lives of disposables could be extended for so many beneficial purposes! Do-it-yourself crafts will definitely be my new hobby, and the growing garden in my home will attest to it.

Week 2
Avoiding disposables has been much easier this week; it is slowly becoming second nature to me! Still, it is difficult living completely waste-free. While the previous week has trained me to explore alternatives, this week pushed me to put them into practice.

Watching videos on thrifting has become one of my favourite pastimes and going to a thrift store has been on my mind lately! When I discovered I was to go thrifting for this challenge, I was ECSTATIC. From my research for “Favour Old Over New”, I found a thrift store named Refash, and I was all for their motivation to reduce clothes wastage and give pre-loved pieces a new lease of life. I brought two bags of my old clothes, and in exchange happily purchased two items under $16!

FINAL THOUGHTS

Looking back on these two weeks, I can honestly say it hasn’t been the easiest! It really took time and effort to get into the groove of this lifestyle.

I’ve never tried going “zero-waste” EVER in my life, so it was difficult (sobs), but I’m glad to say this experience has opened my heart to adopting this lifestyle… even after this challenge! My lunchbox and utensil set will faithfully stay by me. I’ll also continue to keep track of how much waste I use each day, and avoid plastics as much as I can. Something I have yet to do (but will endeavour to) is completely replacing plastic items, like toothbrushes and body wash bottles, common disposables whose environmental harm we think little of.

Do you have love for the Father’s beautiful creation? Then get your containers and cutlery set ready, because this challenge is for you!

Sarah's Top Tips for Reducing Waste

– Bring a recycle bag to avoid using plastic bags
– Use a notebook instead of post-its
– Handkerchiefs can replace tissues and are washable
– Buy items packaged together rather than individually
– Split makeup wipes into twos or threes for longer use
– Eat ice cream with cones! That way you avoid plastics AND still get your sweet fix.

Caring For Creation – Be A Steward Of The Earth!

Jiamin Choo — Mon, 23 Jul 2018 16:00:00 +0000

Recently, I watched Chasing Coral on Netflix. It’s a 2017 documentary about the magical underwater world. At first, I was dazzled by the imagery of pink, magenta and orange coral reefs. I was reminded of the time when I snorkelled in the Red Sea, the Great Barrier Reef, and the clear waters of Papua New Guinea. My heart warmed at the thought of drifting through the waters, lost in the wonder of these majestic reefs.

But a sobering message rang out: coral reefs are bleaching and dying. What were once vibrant homes for schools of fishes were losing their colours, fading to bone white, then rotting into sludge. This has been reported all over the world — sightings of coral bleaching at alarming rates. Reefs are dying because most of the heat generated by the burning of fossil fuels has been absorbed by the ocean, causing ocean temperatures to rise by two degrees. I found myself in tears, protesting, “Nooooo!!” as the imagery showed healthy, beautiful reefs vanishing into coral graveyards within a year.

Why should we care? Is it because coral reefs are vital in maintaining the ocean’s health, and without a healthy ocean, we don’t have a healthy planet? Is it because over a billion people depend on coral reefs for food and income from fishing and tourism? Or is it because we’re God’s stewards, appointed to take care of our Master’s creation, and in doing so, we honour God and bring Him delight?

Through Genesis 1–2, God reveals Himself as the Creator, creating the heavens, earth, and seas, and all the vegetation and living creatures. God blessed His creation, and after creating humankind in His own image to rule over His creation, God saw everything that He had made and judged it to be very good.

Then God brought Adam to the Garden of Eden to “work it and take care of it” (Gen 2:15). Another translation from the Hebrew text can mean to “serve it and to preserve it”. It’s important to note that Adam (representing humankind) wasn’t the owner, but a steward entrusted with the joyful responsibility of managing and nurturing God’s creation. One day, humankind (that’s us!) will have to give an account to God regarding how we’ve managed the things entrusted to us — relationships, time, finances, souls, and also this earth we live in. Would we be found to have taken His things for granted or even exploited them? Or would we be found faithful in our stewardship of God’s resources?

God loves all of His creation. It’s not us or the environment. It’s us and the environment. We’ve been created by the same Creator to glorify Him. Psalm 148 bears beautiful witness to how both nature and man are called to praise God together! Even though God’s creation is suffering because of humankind’s sin, one day, creation itself will be set free from slavery to decay and brought into the glory of God’s children (Rom 8:21).

I may not be a marine biologist or an environmental advocate, but I can do my part in caring for God’s handiwork, including the coral reefs. Plastics often end up as ocean debris, destroying habitats and killing thousands of marine animals each year. Hence, I’m choosing to use fewer plastic products. I carry a stainless-steel water bottle, bring my tingkat to pack meals from the food court, and carry my reusable bag when I go shopping. Last year, I braved the switch to Hannahpads (a brand of washable sanitary cloth pads) so as to help keep thousands of plastic-based disposable pads out of landfills. This does mean more effort and less convenience. But we want to care for this world, because it belongs to our Creator who’s entrusted us with it. We should not let God’s creation perish. Not on our watch.

PRAYER
God, thank You for creating nature that reflects Your beauty and glory. Help me not take Your creation for granted, but to faithfully care for it as a steward who honours You. Amen.

REFLECTION TIME
1. What do you love most about nature, and why?
2. What are some ways that you can care for God’s creation right here, right now?

DELVE DEEPER
Read and reflect on these passages on how creation care matters:
o Psalm 104
o Romans 8:18-25
o Colossians 1:15-20

HANDLES
To engrave God’s Word onto your heart, meditate on it throughout the day. Maybe it’s a key word or verse that stood out during your Bible reading. Don’t rush through it, but slow down, focus on what it really means and ask God to show you how to apply it in your life.

Take the No-Disposables Challenge

Quek Shiwei — Thu, 29 Sep 2016 16:00:00 +0000

CHALLENGE RULES

1. Track your usage of disposables for food consumption THREE days prior to the challenge.
2. For ONE WEEK, you are not to use any disposable items related to food consumption.
3. Find replacements for the disposable items you usually use, e.g. a Tupperware to replace takeaway food, a reusable cup if you’re buying a drink, cutlery etc.
4. Keep a daily journal of how you are coping.
5. Have fun!

Challenger: ABIGAYLE HUAN, 16

3 Facts:

1. Rate of disposable usage: Almost every single day!
2. Most-used disposable: Bubble tea plastic cup
3. Difficulty of challenge: 7/10

INITIAL THOUGHTS

I felt really self-conscious throughout the three days that I had to record the amount of disposables I used. I felt like every time I held something disposable, I had done something very wrong. I was more aware of the things I was eating out of, carrying, and so on. I’ve always thought that I was a pretty green person, being the kind of person that recycles old newspapers and such. Turns out that I actually use a lot more disposables than I realised!

THE CHALLENGE

Day 1: Successfully managed to avoid using disposables today! It was difficult to forgo my beautiful milk tea with pearls I could hear it calling my name as I walked home from school. The temptation was so great! But I managed to make it home safely, evading its evil plastic grip. School ended late so I ate all my meals in school on non-disposable plates!

Day 2: Today was relatively easy as I ate all my meals at home. My mum almost packed my breakfast into a (gasp!) disposable Ziploc bag!! Thankfully, I managed to stop her in time. I scared her half to death with my nonsensical blabbering as I snatched my sandwich away. At school, I had to avoid buying my favourite vegetable biscuits as they came in plastic wrapping.

Day 3: I was really, really, REALLY longing for those vegetable biscuits. It may sound gross but it actually tastes really, really good. Plus they are so addictive. As I stared longingly at the snack store, it hit me that everything was packaged in disposables, from the potato chips to the bread buns! I stood there for a good minute in dismay as I realised I would not be able to buy relief from the snack stall for another FOUR DAYS. As I watched my friends eat the mac ‘n’ cheese my school sells on Thursdays on disposable Styrofoam containers, I let out a very audible sigh. Eventually, I satisfied myself with “stealing” some macaroni from my friends.

Day 4: Today was RIDICULOUS. It was e-learning day so the Sec 4s were the only ones in school. As a result, all the food stores were closed except the snack store, drink store, and vegetarian store. It was a sad, gloomy morning. Even the sky cried. I managed to avoid buying food from the snack store, thus evading disposables. However, I fell prey to the sliced watermelon. It was held in a plastic bag. I hesitated before buying it and I tried really hard to resist. I eventually gave in. It was a sad, sad moment as my will proved no match for the sweet, juicy watermelon. I felt really disappointed that I had broken my no-disposables “streak”. However, at least I felt a little better after eating the watermelon.

Day 5: Today was a good day until I accidentally bought a drink in a disposable cup! I completely forgot about the challenge! I only remembered when my cup was already half empty. To redeem myself, I actually brought the cup home, washed it, and recycled it. I felt really bad for using more disposables. To make myself even more guilty, I did some research on how we are causing global warming with all our disposables, and watched some videos on how deforestation is destroying our planet. I felt really regretful. I also really wanted another drink.

Day 6: I managed to go the entire day without using any disposables. It was extremely difficult and I almost slipped up and bought a Milo in a PAPER CUP. At the very last moment, I remembered to ask the auntie for those stall cups that you can return to be washed. I felt good about that.

Final Day: Today I didn’t use any disposables. It was an anti-climatic end of the challenge as everything I bought today did not come with disposables.

FINAL THOUGHTS

This challenge has opened my eyes to the amount of plastics and disposables we use every day. I’ve always known that they are bad for the environment, but I never realised that I play such a big role in contributing to this pollution. Every day we get asked, “Would you like a carrier?” or “Do you need a bag?” and we nonchalantly nod, not knowing the impact that one tiny action might have. Over the course of these seven days, I learnt how dependent I am on man-made things such as plastics, and how they are in almost everything we use. I was also faced with the reality that choosing to make a change is difficult, and requires consistency, because even small changes feel weird at first. I now feel more conscious of what I am using and have decided to make an effort to cut down on my usage of disposables!

Why should I care about the environment?

The Bible begins with creation and ends with new creation. In the beginning, after creating everything and declaring it “good”, God told humankind to “fill the earth and subdue it” and to “rule over” it. Rather than a licence to exploit the earth and its resources, “subdue” actually means “manage” and “bring to order”, while “rule over” is about ruling in a way that reflects God’s rule as a servant king (Zech 9:9; Matt 20:25–28). Essentially, God is commanding humankind to care for creation! The final picture of heaven that we have in the Book of Revelation is in chapter 21. But here, heaven isn’t a place that we float towards in the sky. Rather, heaven descends to earth as a city called New Jerusalem. Creation has been renewed by God and freed from the effects of the curse of sin. Caring for creation is actually an integral part of seeking and participating in God’s kingdom “on earth as it is in heaven.” That’s why we should care about the environment!

– Marianne Wong, Assistant Pastor at Mt Carmel BP Church