To Combat Climate Change, Adopt These Lifestyle Habits
Earth Day is an annual event celebrated on 22 April to raise awareness and drive action around environmental protection and sustainability. First held in 1970, it has grown into a global movement that highlights the urgent need to address climate change, pollution, deforestation, and other environmental challenges.
Earth Day is not only a chance to reflect on the progress made in protecting our natural world, but also a powerful reminder that we all share responsibility for the health of our planet. By learning more about climate science, environmental conservation, and sustainable living, we can better understand the challenges we face and take meaningful steps toward a more resilient and thriving Earth.
Passionate about sustainability and environmentalism? Earth Day is the perfect opportunity to take meaningful action for a better future. It’s a chance to reflect on how our everyday choices impact the planet — from the food we eat and how we travel, to how we engage with nature and our communities.
Here are some lifestyle changes we can make in Singapore to reduce our carbon footprint and help combat climate change:
Reduce meat consumption
The production of meat is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. According to a report by the World Resources Institute, food systems have contributed between 25-30% of global GHG emissions in the past decade. A prime culprit: beef production, “specifically from the agricultural production process (including the digestive process, wastes and feed production) and from clearing land for new pastures, which releases carbon previously stored in vegetation and soils”. Switching to a plant-based diet or reducing meat consumption can significantly lower an individual’s carbon footprint.
Read these on Wonderwall.sg:
- Places In Singapore To Get Your Plant-Based Fix
- 5 Things That Happen To Your Body When You Go Plant-Based
Use public transportation
Transportation accounts for a significant portion of Singapore’s greenhouse gas emissions. Taking public transportation, cycling, or walking can reduce an individual’s carbon footprint significantly. Focusing on the electrification of public buses and taxis, Singapore’s Land Transport Authority aims to have a 100% cleaner energy bus fleet by 2040, and replace more than 400 diesel buses with electric ones by 2025.
Read these on Wonderwall.sg:
- Everything You Need To Know About Cycling In Singapore
- A Beginner's Guide To Night Cycling In Singapore: 5 Fantastic Biking Routes After Dark
Reduce plastic usage
Plastic waste contributes to climate change through its production and disposal. According to Singapore’s National Environment Agency (NEA), 982,000 tonnes of plastic waste was generated in 2021, with only 6% of it being recycled. Reducing plastic usage, such as by bringing reusable bags and containers when shopping, can significantly reduce an individual’s carbon footprint.
Read this on Wonderwall.sg:
How To Use Plastics Safely In Food Prep
Use energy-efficient appliances
Switching to energy-efficient appliances such as air conditioners, refrigerators, and light bulbs can reduce energy consumption and lower an individual’s carbon footprint. In 2017, NEA rolled out the Energy Efficiency Fund (E2F), which supports manufacturing companies and encourages them to invest in energy-efficient technologies or equipment.
Still using an energy-sucking, decade-old refrigerator? Now's as good a time as ever to upgrade. As of 15 April 2025, eligible HDB and private resident households are able to claim up to $400 in climate vouchers, making it more affordable to buy energy and water-efficient household products.
Read these on Wonderwall.sg:
- 5 Ways To Save Money On Your Electricity Bill
- How To Make Your Home More Environmentally Friendly
- How I Handle The Singapore Heat In An Eco-Friendly Way
Reduce food waste
Food waste contributes to greenhouse gas emissions as it decomposes in landfills. According to a report by NEA, Singapore generated 817,000 tonnes of food waste in 2021, and only 19% of it was recycled. Reducing food waste by planning meals, buying only what is needed, and composting can significantly reduce an individual’s carbon footprint.
Read this on Wonderwall.sg:
7 Practical Tips To Reduce Food Waste At Home
Conserve water
Singapore is a water-scarce country, and yet, according to Singapore’s Public Utilities Board, water demand in Singapore is at a staggering 430 million gallons a day. That volume can fill not 100, not 500, but 782 Olympic-sized swimming pools – and 45% of that amount is consumed by homes. Furthermore, the water used in Singapore is treated and distributed, a process which requires energy and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Let's save as much water as we can.
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