Sustainability has become a ubiquitous buzzword in today’s business environment, with companies and brands of all sizes eager to showcase their eco-consciousness through environmental claims and strategies. However, as more businesses jump on the sustainability bandwagon, the term risks losing its impact, watered down by overused claims and vague commitments.
The reality is that simply branding a product or strategy as “sustainable” doesn’t necessarily make it so. Take the rise of reusable bags as an example. In recent years, some retailers in Singapore have replaced single-use bags with reusable ones – a seemingly greener alternative. Yet, despite the good intentions behind this initiative, many consumers now find themselves with a surplus of unused reusable bags at home.
The true impact of reusable bags
What we may not realise is that the environmental benefits of reusable bags diminish significantly if they are not utilised sufficiently to offset the resources[1] used in their production. According to a study by the Nanyang Technological University (NTU), a consumer would have to use a reusable plastic bag (made from polypropylene non-woven plastic) at least four times before they start to offset their environment damage, as compared to one single-use plastic bag (made from high-density polyethylene plastic).
However, with many consumers accumulating reusable bags faster than they can use them, these alternatives often sit forgotten in cupboards, never fulfilling their true intended purpose. This comes as households also continue to purchase plastic bags for their trash, exacerbating the single-use plastic problem that reusable bags were meant to solve.
The impact of biodegradable bags may be overstated in Singapore
This brings us to another important point – the role of biodegradable products. Some brands in Singapore have made the switch to biodegradable alternatives as they are better for the environment. The term biodegradable refers to the ability of a substance to break down naturally by the action of microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, into simpler, non-toxic components. This process usually occurs over time when the material is exposed to environmental conditions like moisture and oxygen. Biodegradable bags are hence considered more sustainable as they decompose naturally without contributing to long-term pollution.
However, the benefits of biodegradable materials are less straightforward in Singapore, where waste is managed primarily through incineration. To reduce volume and generate energy, waste in Singapore is typically incinerated at high temperatures before being sent to the Semakau landfill. In this system, the material composition of waste – whether biodegradable or not – has limited impact on the overall environmental outcome.
The way forward
As consumers, we can make a conscious effort to evaluate the true environmental impact of our choices. Beyond the familiar 3Rs – reduce, reuse, and recycle – it’s also important to embrace three additional Rs: refuse, rethink, and repair.
Sustainability begins with everyday actions, like regularly using a reusable bag to help cut down on waste. However, the next time when you are offered a reusable bag at a store, it’s worth thinking if this bag will actually be used or just added to your pile of unused bags at home. You may want to say no instead.
