educate & empower

Fig. 1: UnPackt (src)

Fig. 2: UnPackt’s instagram post

Fig.3 : Self-service dispensers in UnPackt (src)

Looking around, we see that many people are taking steps to reduce their carbon footprint such as using metal straws for their drinks, bringing their own bag instead of using a plastic bag, and even talking about the menstrual cup to replace tampons or sanitary pads for menstruation. It is admirable that almost everyone around me is playing a part in caring for the environment and many even understanding that waste items not only harms the earth but understands the labour required into producing a non-eco friendly product. On top of that, by opting for reusable items, we are able to save some money for ourselves.

In Singapore, UnPackt is a packaging-free grocery store advocating for zero-waste shopping. How shopping with UnPackt works is that shoppers will have to bring their own “packaging” of empty containers. Before they start shopping, their containers will be weighed. Then, during payment, their containers will be weighed again. The weight of their containers will then be deducted from the final weight so shoppers will only be paying for the product purchased. With the absence of individual packaging, the owners of UnPackt believe that they can reduce retail prices by about 5% and would help people take the first step in changing their consumption habits.

The founder of UnPackt, Florence Tay, believes that this will help in shoppers to plan and buy what they only need. With the ability to control the amount of how much food item one truly needs, it will also reduce food wastage.

With UnPackt, it makes going green more accessible and promotes sustainable living. If shoppers forget to bring their own containers, there are donated containers that they can use for free. Shoppers are encouraged to re-use the containers in the future or return the said containers for others to use. Additionally, they provide healthier options such as rice with lower glycaemic index, organic pasta, and even superfood powders.

Besides being a store that promotes zero-waste, UnPackt works with non-governmental organisations (NGO) such as MINDS. They aim to hire full-timers, targeting demographics like single mums and senior citizens. As of now, they are already in search of suitable candidates. The empty room at the back of UnPackt’s grocery store will then be converted into a children’s playroom for single-mum employees to bring their kids to as they work.

Ms Tay herself is a single mum. In her experience, she found it hard to juggle work and family. She added that single mums with low education levels especially tend to struggle with finding a job, and enrolling their kids in childcare centres as they work is not financially sustainable despite existing state subsidies.

The co-founder of UnPackt, Jeff Lam, is a live-alone bachelor and states that grocery shopping for one is a challenge. You might end up with too much or too little food due to the standardised packaging in regular grocery stores. With UnPackt, this situation can be avoided and singles like him are able to only purchase what they need.

Recently, more people are becoming conscious of their carbon footprint and are making efforts to reduce their carbon emissions. A lot of people talk about the importance of going green and providing solutions on how one can do so, making it affordable for others as well. By being more environmentally-friendly not only are we saving the earth, but we are also reducing the costs of production; labour and resource-wise. UnPackt is a great example of being (or at least trying to achieve) zero-waste and providing opportunities for those who are not well-off. Otherwise, there is always veganism to turn to.