The Conscious Scoop: UN’s Warning on Climate Change & Big Brands are Hurting our Beaches

Big news has just been released about the horrible state of our planet, and we need solutions now more than ever. From office food swaps to eco-bricking, the conscious movement is growing. But more still needs to be done.

Halloween is round the corner, but nothing is spookier than news of the deteriorating state of our Earth. Check out these hot-off-the-press sustainability headlines from all over the globe in this week’s Conscious Scoop.

 

1. Climate change is already happening; what comes next could be even worse. 

Our doomsday is nearer than expected. We’re not talking “2012” kinda doomsday but it’s close. Global temperatures have already warmed by 1 degree Celsius and will go even higher if we don’t do anything about it ASAP. A dramatic report says the world is now completely off track, heading towards 3C. What will be wiped out? From chocolate to the artic to entire nations.. this is no joke.

Can we save the world from ‘climate catastrophe’?

 

2. Tackling food wastage with office food swaps.

Forget Christmas gift exchanges, jump on the hottest new trend – social food swaps. Office lunches are going to get cheaper and greener than ever! Electronics brand Electrolux has introduced a new programme called “HappyPlate” to encourage their community to swap food items and ingredients with their families, friends and colleagues- all in a bid to reduce food waste. We too have a guide to help you go greener in the office- check it out here!

Goodbye, CBD lunch crowd (and prices!).

 

3. You can build a greener future with eco-bricks- literally!

Having said to be able to build houses, this new innovation may just solve some of our current biggest plastic problems. It’s as simple as taking your waste, stuffing it into a plastic bottle and then using this bottle for other meaningful things. (Psst, you’ll also see some of these eco-bricks at our upcoming Conscious Festival!)

Building homes while reducing marine litter? Count us in. 

 

4. Big brands that you support may just be polluting our beaches.

Some of the world’s biggest brands are also the biggest polluters. Drinks giant Coca-Cola has been found to be one of the biggest contributors to plastic debris found all over the world. Every dollar spent is a vote for the future we want to see. Your voice (and your buck) matters.

Put your money where your heart is. 

 

5. Singaporeans’ problem with plastics, and other problems. 

In the latest Parliamentary hearing, Singaporean MP Louis Ng has called for greater movement in the local environmental scene from the government. A call for a plastic bag charge has sparked local discourse over our culture of convenience, throwaway culture and also the necessity of plastic bags to line bins. The average Singaporean throws away 13 bags a day; can we really stop this?

The clash between culture and plastics – it’s complicated.