Sustainability – 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!

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.

Take The Reusable Pad Challenge

Quek Shiwei — Fri, 24 Jan 2020 04:00:00 +0000

Challengers: DEBORAH LEE, 24 and RACHEL LEE, 22

3 Fun Facts:

1. We are sisters, and we share everything!
2. We have another sister, Jubilee. Just kidding, she is our pet dog!
3. When we have heart-to-heart talks, Deborah always speaks first. When it’s Rachel’s turn to speak, Deborah will doze off.

WHAT HAPPENS TO NEPALESE FEMALES DURING THEIR PERIOD?

They are considered unclean, and are therefore forbidden to touch anyone else for fear of causing others to fall ill. They are barred from consuming dairy products, meat, and other nutritious foods, as it is believed that doing so will bring a curse upon those goods. Instead, they must survive on a diet of dry foods, salt, and rice while living in these less-than-ideal conditions.

They are banished to a room or a shed outside the house, and are not able to step out. This increases the possibility of wild animal attacks, fatal snake bites, and even violent rape.

They are not allowed to go to school. Hence, as more classes are missed, they fall behind in their studies and often end up dropping out of school completely.

Most girls and women cannot afford, or do not have access to sanitary pads. When they get their period, they often turn to unhygienic alternatives like dirty rags, dry leaves and sometimes even ashes. This increases the risk of infection.

INITIAL THOUGHTS

What do you know about what girls in Nepal go through when they are on their period? What do you do when you are on your period?

Deborah: I don’t know much about the conditions these girls face, but I imagine that it must be quite tough, pretty unsanitary, and uncomfortable. It might be similar to what my grandmother experienced in the past. She told me that she used to use leaves as pads, or she would sew her own pads from cloth and use string to tie them together.

Rachel: It has rarely crossed my mind that periods might be different for girls in other societies, and I have little knowledge of it. I am actually guilty of staining my pyjamas pants and bedsheets on multiple occasions because I tend to not keep track of my period cycles, so when it comes, I am unprepared. Coming from a girls’ school and growing up with a sister, I am used to talking openly and freely about periods/PMS/cramps and receiving support when I need it.

Deborah: When I am on my period, I usually need many pads for the first day and would wish that I have thin comfy pads and really tight undies so that it is more comfortable with a lower chance of leaking! Also, if I could, I would want to shower once more during the day so that I feel clean.

THE CHALLENGE

What have you learned about the situation in Nepal from the workshop and how do you feel about it?

Deborah: In comparison to the girls in Nepal, I am so fortunate to live in Singapore where affordable pads are available, and I don’t need to worry when I have my period. I feel indignant at the injustice that the girls in Nepal on their periods go through — being banished from their families, having to rewash their torn and used pads in dirty water from the river, and even having to miss school. I cannot imagine how inconvenient it is to have a lack of pads, and to be “kept away” from society and isolated.

Rachel: Aside from poor hygiene and a disruption to normal life, what shocked and saddened me a lot is that the Nepalese girls are put in such unsafe circumstances during their periods. They are in a run-down shed far away from their house, unprotected against harsh weather conditions, dangerous wild animals, and even bad people.

Menstruating is not just a physical experience but an emotional one as well due to our hormonal changes. Thus, I always feel that girls should ‘take it easy’ during their periods! I feel for these girls who are in such a vulnerable state, and do not receive support and care.

Describe the process of making the sanitary pad. Do you think we take sanitary products for granted?

Deborah: I felt very determined to sew a pad that is tightly stitched well and pretty. I was thinking to myself that this pad will likely be reused many times and hand-washed. I was wondering if the thread would come loose and worried that it was not sturdy enough.

I definitely take sanitary pads for granted. I usually buy them in bulk as I fear not having one when I need them. I feel extremely fortunate to be able to purchase these necessities without a second thought.

Rachel: I liked the idea of the reusable pad! It’s environmentally-friendly, low cost and most importantly, it’s something that one can call her own! Sewing is an activity that requires focus and time, and it was a good chance for me to slow down and reflect on the struggles that girls in Nepal go through on their periods. I also love that the end product will be given to a girl in Nepal because a tangible gift is encouraging.

I have always viewed pads as a necessity, so I don’t scrimp on them. So yes … I have taken them for granted.

FINAL THOUGHTS

What do you intend to do now that you know more about the situation of the Nepalese girls?

Deborah: I’m open to participating in future workshops to assist other girls in making these pads and have conversations with other friends to share the new knowledge I gained through the workshop!

Rachel: Be thankful for my access to clean sanitation, pray for girls in Nepal, and share about the Nepal situation with my girlfriends in Singapore.

About World Vision

World Vision is a Christian humanitarian and development organisation dedicated to addressing the needs of vulnerable children and families worldwide, regardless of their ethnicity, religion, gender, or nationality. Through a combination of humanitarian, development, and advocacy programmes being implemented in about 100 countries around the world, World Vision works in partnership with disadvantaged communities to tackle the root causes of poverty and injustice, thereby enabling them to reach their full potential. Their programmes address a range of essential needs that have a critical bearing on the livelihoods of poor families and the well-being of children.

Instagram: @worldvisionsg
Facebook: World Vision Singapore
Youtube: World Vision Singapore

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.

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