Are you among those of us who think packaging is art? The bright colors, the catchy motifs, the fancy fonts… I, for one, am often attracted to so many options as I walk down the aisles of supermarkets! Upcycling is a great way of turning the purchases into keepsakes…. And as a bonus, I keep the packaging away from the landfill / recycler for a little longer, avoid buying a new item (if the upcycling …[Read more]
Has this happened to you? You want take your unfinished chicken rice at the food court back home, and the waiter has only styrofoam to offer for pack up. You order a smoothie, and are promptly handed a plastic cup with a plastic straw even though you’ll be drinking indoors at the cafe and don’t really need disposables. You are at the checkout in the supermarket, and before you can say a word, the cashier …[Read more]
If you live in Singapore and love vintage furniture, you have probably visited Hock Siong & Co. And if you follow @HockSiong on Facebook, then you definitely know Brillyn Toh. You have seen her brilliant smile and effervescent love for Art Deco as she takes you through the treasures of the shop on “Walkie Hockie”, and witnessed her eclectic sense of design in the upcycled pieces on display. Hock Siong is a second-hand goods shop, …[Read more]
Gifting meaningfully is hard. Living eco-friendly is harder. And doing them both together? That requires more effort and guilt and thought than most of us can spare! After all, gifting things is all about buying – versus sustainable lifestyle, which is about reducing purchases, avoiding consumerism… saying no to freebies/fads/sellers. If you are on the path to eco-friendly living, you have probably reduced your shopping. Perhaps you are swapping clothes instead of indulging in fashion …[Read more]