THE retail scene is abuzz with ecofriendly activities, from recycling waste materials and rejecting the use of plastic bags to selling products made of sustainable resources.

Mr Howard Shaw, executive director of Singapore Environment Council, says:

“A lot of what is going on in Singapore is due to the exposure to the media and globalisation.

“Modern-day communication and a more educated population are some of the reasons behind the sudden upswing of sustainability.”

He adds that though Singaporeans may not be exposed to natural disasters, people here have come to realise that they are part of the global environment.

“They know that if something is not done, it may become catastrophic,” he says.

“And the media plays a part in it. In a broad sense, we’re talking about waste here. If retailers think of reducing packaging, consumers have less rubbish to deal with."

“Reducing energy and giving out less bags will affect any retailer’s bottom line as well.”

Mr Yang Wah Kiang, managing director of Nanyang Optical, says that at Nanyang
Optical, they aim to reduce adverse environmental impact and advocate corporate
social responsibility and awareness.

Nanyang Optical’s “green” eyewear shops carry the Linkskin range of ecofriendly eyewear made of recycled materials. The company has also implemented a
“full circle recycling system”.

“Recycling bins are set up in all our outlets for the collection of old spectacle frames, contact lens cases and solution bottles,” says Mr Yang, adding that the
company works with local plants for the collection of items for recycling.

Another shop that advocates the eco cause is Ocean Minded at VivoCity.

The American company believes in utilising recycled and sustainable materials in its footwear, apparel and accessories whenever possible.

It was built on the principles of “protecting beaches, respecting the environment and an overall love for life”.

The Billabong concept store at 313@ Somerset boasts a set-up that encompasses
the use of recycled materials, energy-saving fixtures and a state-ofthe-art waste management system — a concept that is in line with 313@Somerset’s eco-friendly practices.

The mall utilises solar panels to harness energy for its carpark lighting and uses energy-saving stand-by escalators to reduce energy consumption. Last month, Suntec City Mall held EcoChic Singapore at its premises.

The event was in collaboration with Green2greener, an environmentally focused international charity organisation based in Hong Kong.

It showcased clothing and accessories by international designers, which are made with sustainable materials such as bamboo, soya, pineapple fabric, waste
rubber and plastic scraps. Dr Christina Dean, founder of Green- 2greener and EcoChic Fashions, says:

“We have received an amazing response in different parts of the world during our EcoChic shows in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Jakarta and Geneva, which we organised with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development.

“Our EcoChic events give a voice to designers who are influencing the shift towards
greater sustainability in the fashion industry.”

Mr Shaw says there are plans in the pipeline to start an eco-retailer certification programme to encourage more retailers to take on this initiative.

“We’ve had a ‘Bring Your Own Bag Day’ for some time now, and we’re thinking of potentially doing it every day,” he says, adding that there are considerations for retailers to offer discount incentives to customers who bring their own shopping bags.

“From the consumer point of view, they become more discerning shoppers as the interest in greener products grows.”

This article was first published in The Straits Times.