Singapore’s status as a green city extends beyond its tree-lined streets, gorgeous gardens and verdant parks. Our city is home to a whole range of brands that champion Mother Nature, from sustainable fashion retailers to nature walk operators with a deep understanding of endangered ecosystems. Here are some homegrown eco-friendly brands doing their part for the environment.
Wardrobe and Apparel
1) The Fashion Pulpit
Fashion-forward travelers looking to learn how to shop sustainably can head to The Fashion Pulpit, Singapore’s first clothes swapping boutique.
Founded by eco-conscious fashion designer Raye Padit, this establishment encourages visitors to balance the consumption equation by swapping in their clothes for new finds, instead of throwing them out.
The store operates on a point system for swaps, so remember to bring threads that you’d be proud to give away to friends and loved ones. You’re bound to find a charming new necklace, dress or romper in return.
Besides being a store, The Fashion Pulpit is an events space for educational events, upcycling workshops and eco-themed movie screenings.
Liang Court. 177 River Valley Road #02-08, Singapore 179030. +65 9825 5754. Daily 11am-8pm.
2) Refash
Bargain hunters and eco-warriors alike will find a lot to love about Refash. This eco-friendly store stocks carefully curated, pre-owned items from luxury brands, with some pieces going at almost 70% off their original retail price.
As advocates for the zero-waste movement, Refash also encourages visitors to sell clothes they’re no longer using. If you’re looking to support them, take the opportunity to turn in some of your pre-loved threads before going on your shopping spree.
Orchard Gateway. 227 Orchard Road #02-09, Singapore 238858. Daily 11.30am-9pm. For a full list of their stores, click here.
Food and Lifestyle Essentials
3) Scoop Wholefoods
Food waste is a major problem when it comes to conventional grocery shopping. Thankfully, Scoop Wholefoods—the largest eco-friendly supermarket in Asia—has a brilliant solution.
Bring your own containers to this establishment where you’ll be able to scoop what you need, and pay for your purchase by weight to minimise wastage. The store stocks a whole range of products bursting with natural goodness, from oils and vinegars to roasted nuts and kombucha.
If you’re looking to add a personalised touch to your grocery shopping, customise your buys where you can grind and make your own peanuts, soap bars and lip balms.
Tanglin Mall. 163 Tanglin Road #02-17/18, Singapore 247933. +65 6235 2739. Daily 10am-7pm.
4) The Green Collective
A homegrown eco-powerhouse formed by over 30 earth-friendly Singaporean brands, this swanky store in Funan is every sustainable shopper’s dream come true.
The stores’ founders—Agatha Lee, Mayur Singh, Adel Ng and Danielle Champagne—represent a range of backgrounds and expertise, from textile art to regional crafts and fashion design. The store’s offerings are equally diverse, with a selection of food, fashion and fair-trade items.
The Green Collective is committed to a philosophy of creating zero waste and plastic, and the products here—ranging from metal straws to handwoven bags—are all sold without packaging.
Plan your itinerary ahead if you are interested in attending workshops that’ll teach you how to compost, upcycle or even crotchet your own kitchen scrubs.
Funan. 107 North Bridge Road #02-18, Singapore 179105. Daily 10am-10pm.
Eco and Nature-Tours
5) Edu Outdoor Activities
To gain deeper insights into the beauty and fragility of Earth’s eco-systems, consider signing up for a guided nature tour. Edu Outdoor Activities boasts numerous local experts and guides who’ll take you on a foray into Singapore’s lush green spaces.
Explore the rainforest of Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, mangroves of Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve and diverse-ecosystems of Pulau Ubin on your guided tours.
For online bookings, call +65 6487 2950.
6) Nature Adventures SG
Embark on an outdoor adventure with Nature Adventures SG. Founded by lifelong nature lover Ivan Kwan, the organisation provides education and outreach programmes for visitors interested in exploring Singapore’s green spaces and wild places.
While on a guided walk with Nature Adventures SG, you may spot white-bellied sea eagles in Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, and collared kingfishers in Pulau Ubin. You may also find yourself walking among ancient, towering trees of Bukit Timah Nature Reserve as well.
For online bookings, find out more here or email hello@natureadventures.sg.