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Five ways to celebrate Earth Day

With the recent spell of uncharacteristically cool weather in Singapore hinting at how climate patterns are changing, we look at meaningful ways you can make a difference to the environment.

TEXT: MORGAN AWYONG

PHOTOS: UNSPLASH

Earth Day (April 22) is upon us once more, and while international summits and commercial campaigns capture the headlines, it’s equally important to know that the small, daily steps we take towards greener lifestyles can make a significant collective difference.

Here are five simple ways you can do your part for the environment – not just on Earth Day, but every day.

BAG NEW COASTERS, PLANT POTS, EVEN SKIPPING ROPES FOR FREE

Plastic use has come under increasing scrutiny in the wake of growing concerns over sustainability. Singapore uses a minimum of 1.76 billion plastic items each year. Almost half of these (820 million), are from supermarkets. With an average lifespan of 20 years, this immense volume of waste — that typically ends up in landfills, which can emit greenhouse gases and toxins — needs to be tackled. This is why the National Environment Agency (NEA) has joined 77 countries around the world in regulating plastic bag use by introducing a charge of between S$0.05 to S$0.10 per plastic bag to reduce unnecessary consumption.

Lightweight and durable, plastic bags were originally created by Swedish engineer Sten Gustaf Thulin, ironically, to save the environment. Although plastic bags are often single-use now, it was initially believed that these highly durable bags would be re-used repeatedly and eventually replace paper bags.

To honour his intentions, we can re-use plastic bags or upcycle them into other objects. They can be made into coasters and plant pots to spruce up the home. Upcycling techniques have come a long way and there are plenty of online resources with instructions to help you make beautiful functional items like dog leashes, lampshades and even skipping ropes.

EAT FRESH AND SUPPORT LOCAL PRODUCE

As over 90 per cent of our food is imported, Singapore has been vulnerable to supply disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, environmental disasters and even conflicts in source countries. As our agencies look into bolstering Singapore’s food security, you can help by eating local.

Choosing ingredients produced at local farms helps promote the local economy and provides capital to scale up these businesses. Over time, this can help to diversify our food sources, reduce food waste and the use of fuel to import goods.

Discover this first-hand at Bollywood Farms, where you can pick fresh ingredients to use in a cooking class. Projects by Edible Garden City meanwhile showcase the possibilities of urban farming. Produce from its farm at Funan can even be enjoyed at Japanese restaurant Noka. You can even try growing delicious mushrooms with vendors like Bewilder, which sells mushroom growing kits and premium fresh mushrooms.

A REWARDING CLEAN-UP AT YOUR NEAREST PARK OR BEACH

If you enjoy visiting parks or beaches to relax, why not sign up for a voluntary clean-up effort to help keep them pristine? You can register for official ones such as those organised by the Public Hygiene Council, or just enlist the family to do your own cleanup. All you’ll need are a pair of tongs, gloves and a trash bag. Filling up just one bag goes a long way and there are many additional benefits. Walking around benefits your fitness and can become a bonding experience for the family.

Better yet, why not reward yourself by cleaning a park that’s near a HomeTeamNS clubhouse? After clearing up Bedok Reservoir Park, you could head to the HomeTeamNS Bedok Reservoir to admire your handiwork from its infinity pool, or enjoy a satisfying cup of Starbucks Coffee and savour some Asian Fusion meals at HomeTeamNS-JOM Balestier after tidying up Toa Payoh Town Park. If your group was at Lower Seletar Reservoir Park, celebrate afterwards with a BBQ session at the ManCaves at the HomeTeamNS Khatib!

B.Y.O.

Bringing our own reusable containers can have a significant effect in reducing the volume of single-use plastics that end up in landfills. For instance, a clean-up campaign from August to October 2014 saw volunteers comb Singapore’s beaches and mangroves, collecting a total of 14,580kg of marine litter. Most of this comprised single-use disposables such as beverage bottles and takeout containers. While one of the best ways to cut down on this is to bring your own lunchbox and beverage containers, even small considerations can make a big difference.

For instance, do you really need an extra carrier for your bubble tea or a sleeve for warm drinks when they’re not that hot? By starting small, you’ll soon realise how easy it is to make those adjustments, before moving up to bringing your own stylish lunchboxes and bottles. Encourage the family to take up the habit and have fun creating cute bentos to surprise your loved ones.

AN ATMOSPHERIC SWITCH

Much like Earth Hour in March, major organisations and retailers like to organise a lights-off event for Earth Day on 22 April. You can join in the movement by planning an entire activity around it – like a romantic evening for your significant other or an atmospheric candle-lit night for the family preceded by a candle-making session.

Replacing your bulbs with energy-saving or LED options will help reduce energy consumption. LED bulbs with smart hue-changing options can liven up the home, because saving our planet is a beautiful thing.

Small steps for mankind, a big hug to our earth. Join in the efforts and enjoy the green lifestyle this Earth Day on April 22.

Like our stories? Subscribe to our Frontline Digital newsletters now! Simply download the HomeTeamNS Mobile App and update your communication preference to “Receive Digital Frontline Magazine”, through the App Settings.

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Singapore Buzz

INFOGRAPHICS: What you may not know about Eid al-Fitr in Singapore

In our country, Muslims mark the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan with richly symbolic practices. 

BY LYN CHAN

After Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of devotion and self-restraint expressed through fasting and prayer, comes Eid al-Fitr (or Hari Raya Aidilfitri). In Singapore, Eid al-Fitr, which falls on April 22, is commonly known as Hari Raya Puasa. The holiday revolves around visiting relatives and feasting, where familial and communal bonds are strengthened over sumptuous fare.

As you revel in the celebrations, here are some interesting snapshots of Hari Raya Puasa – and its surrounding traditions – in Singapore:

Like our stories? Subscribe to our Frontline Digital newsletters now! Simply download the HomeTeamNS Mobile App and update your communication preference to ‘Receive Digital Frontline Magazine’, through the app settings.

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Singapore Buzz Family Time

8 eco-friendly Earth Day activities in Singapore for the family

Building green habits and lifestyles can be fun and fulfilling, especially when embraced with loved ones. Here’s how you can mark Earth Day on April 22.

BY THERESE TAY

Earth Day (April 22) — and in fact, the Earth Month of April — offer us a great opportunity to consciously practise being environmentally sustainable in our everyday lives. Here are some ways that we can discover more about Mother Earth with family and friends, while learning how to help keep the planet clean, green and healthy for future generations.

GO HIKING IN NATURE RESERVES

Rifle Range Nature Park
Rifle Range Nature Park (Credit National Parks Board Singapore)

Not only is “forest bathing” (immersing yourself in nature) something that’s trendy again, its benefits are well documented. Besides helping you get physically and mentally fit, hiking in a park or nature reserve can be a fun lesson – to learn about the plants and animals, as well as geographical aspects of our country. There are multiple signboards at our parks and nature reserves that facilitate this. Besides the new Rifle Range Nature Park that boasts more than 7km of trails and boardwalks, other popular options include MacRitchie Reservoir Park and Bukit Timah Nature Reserve.

There are also specially-curated HomeTeamNS-inspired walking trails that pass through nature parks and offer interesting heritage features. For instance, the Northern Route incorporates HomeTeamNS Khatib, which is located within the green belt of Yishun Park and Lower Seletar Reservoir Park.

ORGANISE A BEACH CLEAN-UP WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS

East Coast Park Singapore
East Coast Park Singapore (Credit National Parks Board)

A beach clean-up brings you face-to-face with the realities of plastic pollution, as you help restore the natural environment and protect marine life. It’s also an easy and low-cost activity that individuals of almost every age group can participate in. Organise one with your family and friends – you can register with the Public Hygiene Council and follow their helpful guidelines.

PLANT A TREE TOGETHER

Plant a tree with National Parks Board
Plant a tree with National Parks Board (Credit National Parks Board Singapore)

There is a whole host of benefits of having trees. For one, they help to fight climate change by reducing ambient temperatures and regulating greenhouse gases. They also improve urban biodiversity by providing suitable nesting and resting grounds for animals. With a $300 donation, you can register to plant a tree at a location of your choice, thereby contributing to the national movement to plant one million trees across Singapore over ten years till 2030.

JOIN A COMMUNITY REPAIR MEET-UP

Repair Kopitiam Singapore
Repair Kopitiam Singapore (Credit Repair Kopitiam)

Is your oven tripping, or chair missing a leg? Did you lose a shirt button, or has your fan stopped working? Instead of immediately purchasing a new item, let’s change our throwaway culture by repairing faulty things that need only minor fixes. Simple repairs not only help save money in the long run but also keep waste out of incinerators and landfills. Head to community meetup Repair Kopitiam to learn new skills, meet new people, and later, volunteer as a ‘repair coach’ if you’re interested.

SPRING CLEAN AND DONATE ITEMS

Funds from Books Beyond Borders’ book sales go towards building education capacity in Nepal.
Funds from Books Beyond Borders’ book sales go towards building education capacity in Nepal. (Credit: Books Beyond Borders)

Regularly taking stock of your belongings by spring cleaning the home can be cathartic – if legions of Marie Kondo fans are to be believed. It eliminates unnecessary waste and hoarding, and makes you consider what you actually need in life. Here’s where you can donate pre-loved items that are still in good shape for others to enjoy:

  • Books Beyond Borders, a social enterprise that helps to improve education in Nepal. It raises funds by selling donated, second-hand books.
  • Red Shield Industries, The Salvation Army’s social enterprise arm that runs programmes for those in need. It reuses, recycles and restores, and through its Family Thrift Stores, sells donations in kind to raise funds for the needy. It accepts clothing, furniture, household goods, electronic devices, toys and books.
  • The Food Bank collects and distributes food items to various food relief efforts, including daily meal programmes and food ration schemes. Its collection boxes, located in a slew of locations island-wide, accept unopened, non-expired dry or packaged food items.

LEARN ABOUT COMPOSTING

Composting
Composting (Credit: National Parks Board Singapore)

Composting turns organic waste into compost, a nutrient-rich additive that can be used to fertilise plants. By composting, you learn about the circularity of life while gaining a useful substance. There’s lots of useful information on composting on the Internet, but for a quicker, and more hands-on experience, look into workshops such as City Sprouts’ Home Composting for Beginners. This one-hour experience will help you identify food products that can be composted and how to do it via the aerobic method. The latter decomposes organic matter using micro-organisms that require oxygen.

HAVE AN ECO-FRIENDLY STAYCATION

Singaporeans love their staycations and what better way to celebrate Earth Month than by spending a leisurely weekend at an eco-friendly property. An option is the recently-launched HomeTeamNS Bedok Reservoir East Villa – there are 10 spacious three-storey villas featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, with six of them overlooking the tranquil reservoir. The nearby clubhouse’s sustainable features include naturally-ventilated common areas, solar photovoltaic (PV) panels that offset the building’s energy consumption, and a rainwater harvesting and drip irrigation system.

Urbanites can book a stay at the Parkroyal Collection, Pickering, which has been awarded the “World’s Leading Green City Hotel” title at the prestigious World Travel Awards. It has a “hotel-in-a-garden” concept that incorporates energy-saving features and technologies. The hotel’s restaurants also serve meat-free dishes.

DISCOVER HOW WATER IS RECYCLED

NEWater Singapore
NEWater Singapore (Credit: PUB Singapore)

NEWater is ultra-clean, high-grade reclaimed water that is entirely safe to drink. NEWater technology also helps move Singapore towards water sustainability – during dry periods, NEWater is added to our reservoirs to blend with raw water, which is then treated at the waterworks before being supplied to consumers as tap water. Learn all about NEWater by booking a NEWater Visitor Centre Tour.

ECO-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES AT HOMETEAMNS

HomeTeamNS-JOM Balestier
28-29 April
There will be a colouring corner for children at the lobby, where everyone in the family can also pen their green pledges. Share how you intend to help keep Mother Earth healthy and green, and inspire others. Visit the HomeTeamNS-JOM Balestier Facebook page for the latest updates.

HomeTeamNS Bedok Reservoir
22-30 April
Join us for our free movie screenings on 22 April at Level 3, Thinking Space 1, where we will be showing two heart-warming movies, Wall-E (1.15pm) and Happy Feet (5pm). Visit our website to book your tickets. Meanwhile, there’s also a word search puzzle to solve at Level 2, Atrium from 22 April to 30 April. Be the first 100 participants to complete the word search and walk away with an exclusive bookmark.

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Shape Up Club Buzz

How HomeTeamNS GenNext members can kickstart an adventurous, active lifestyle

HomeTeamNS believes that age shouldn’t be a barrier to better fitness, here’s why.

TEXT: MELODY TAN

PHOTOS: HOMETEAMNS

If you think attempting an obstacle course is a young person’s game, Adventure Executive Nazron Hadi would beg to differ.

“There shouldn’t be any limitations as to what activities or facilities older HomeTeamNS members can try. Instead of being limited by age, they should pay attention to the intensity of the activity. It’s important for members of all ages to stay active,” he said.

This approach is good news for HomeTeamNS GenNext Members (Ordinary Members aged 51 and above). The organisation’s trainers and executives are keen to encourage members of all ages to lead active lifestyles.

FITNESS, TAILOR-MADE FOR MEMBERS OF ALL AGES

Nazron (middle) believes that HomeTeamNS looks into different ways to tailor to the needs of GenNext Members, encouraging them to participate in interactive facilities like Action Motion.

Nazron recalls the oldest participant he’s seen at HomeTeamNS Khatib’s Adventure HQ: A 65-year old lady who completed all the obstacles there. The difficulty level was tailored to her age, so she didn’t have to place too much impact on her knees, for instance.

He describes the varying difficulty levels as a challenge by choice: Members are given a task to complete or obstacle to negotiate, but they always have an easy or more challenging option to suit their fitness level.

This, according to Nazron, is one of many ways HomeTeamNS is encouraging its GenNext members to stay active.

“We want to help them maintain their fitness levels and mobility. We want GenNext members to realise that HomeTeamNS wants older members to be involved, and has inclusive activities like yoga or basketball, which are for everyone. How you prefer to do yoga may differ, but the avenues and classes exist – the choice is yours!”

He added that HomeTeamNS is continually looking into how programmes can be tailored to suit the needs of GenNext members, so that more will be drawn to participate in activities such as interactive games or Action Motion’s obstacle courses.

“There are still a lot of fun activities you can do,” he pointed out. “We want to create a community of people who are involved in gamification activities, and we want them to encourage their friends to organize their own activities.”

ACTIVITIES FOR ALL AGES

GenNext members can benefit from many of HomeTeamNS’s most popular facilities.

TactSim, Singapore’s very first indoor player versus player (PvP) airsoft arena, is one where all ages can flourish. TactSim caters to all levels of airsoft enthusiasts, from amateurs to expert marksmen. The emphasis on teamwork, endurance and movement keeps players on their toes, while the multiple game modes ranging from casual scenarios to competitive shooting allow every player to find their own footing and enjoy the game. The soft plastic pellets leave no mark, making it a safe choice.

There’s also Adventure HQ, the largest multi-installation indoor adventure centre in Singapore. While features like the indoor challenge ropes course and roll glider may look intimidating at first glance, Adventure HQ caters to GenNext members with curated challenges that have moderated difficulty levels, designed to stretch one’s abilities without being too strenuous.

Apart from that, Fitness Workz Garage at HomeTeamNS Bedok Reservoir is a CrossFit haven that offers specialised programming, such as low impact exercises for the elder members – a great way to get your engines started.

Ultimately, your age shouldn’t stop you from having fun and trying out new things, as one of our adventurous writers recently discovered. Said Nazron: “GenNext members don’t have to feel like ‘I’m not good at climbing, so this is not for me.’ It’s meant to be an inclusive space, whatever your fitness level.”

FAMILY BONDING

Apart from staying healthy, these activities offer an additional benefit – a chance for family bonding. In a world where everyone is glued to their screens, coming together to play can make a real difference in one’s relationships.

Said Nazron: “This leads back home and can help family life. For instance, I go to Action Motion with my young son. Although the levels of difficulty are different, it’s a shared experience.”

“We get a good mix of GenNext members at Adventure HQ. They usually come with their families. Younger members reel them in, and these activities help families bond.”  

Like our stories? Subscribe to our Frontline Digital newsletters now! Simply download the HomeTeamNS Mobile App and update your communication preference to “Receive Digital Frontline Magazine” through the app settings.

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Family Time Club Buzz

How to celebrate Hari Raya with HomeTeamNS

Shop, dine and play at our clubhouses, as well as enjoy exclusive merchant discounts.

With Singapore’s COVID-19 restrictions finally lifted, there’s no excuse to stay cooped up at home this Hari Raya. Celebrate the joyous occasion with family and friends at the various HomeTeamNS clubhouses, which are hosting activities such as a festival complete with Malay cultural performances, as well as bazaars where you can shop and play. And fret not if you’re feeling skint this season – we’ve rounded up fantastic merchant deals covering your transport, wellness and dining needs.

RAYA AT HOMETEAMNS CLUBHOUSES

HomeTeamNS Bedok Reservoir

Get into the spirit of the season at the Hari Raya Festival (13 May, 11am-8pm), which will buzz with Malay cultural performances and a bazaar (12 & 13 May 2023, Friday, 3pm – 8pm & Saturday, 11am – 8pm) at the Level 2 Atrium. Enterprising individuals may reserve a bazaar booth to sell apparel, accessories, and food and beverages, with rental fees starting from S$133.

There are also plenty of warm memories to be shared with your loved ones in the lead-up to the celebration, at Sri Bistari’s weekend Ramadan buffet (Every Fri, Sat & Sun, 7pm – 9pm). It’s priced at S$14.40 per child and S$28 per adult. Break your fast on a spread of local and other Asian dishes including Salted Egg Flower Crab and Satay, and enjoy promotional rates such as a free buffet with every three paying adults. Be sure to reserve your seats ahead of time. Reservation will require a deposit of $50.

HomeTeamNS Bukit Batok

If you’re looking to spruce up your home and wardrobe, head down to HomeTeamNS Bukit Batok’s Beli-Belah Raya weekend bazaar happening at Lobby A on 15 and 16 April, from 12pm to 9pm. Peruse 16 booths proffering baked treats, home decorations and clothing, along with henna tattooing services. Shop with ease while your little ones get crafty at the kids’ corner featuring three activity stations. There are also prizes to be won, and the first 80 HomeTeamNS members can redeem a complimentary pack of dates. 

HomeTeamNS Khatib

Look out for our clubhouse ambassadors who will be distributing limited-edition green packets to the first 65 members who spend a minimum of $20 at HomeTeamNS Khatib between 19 to 30 April. If you’re lucky, you may be among two members who will receive a $20 HomeTeamNS voucher that can be redeemed at all clubhouses.

ISLANDWIDE MERCHANT PROMOS

Dress up in style

Photo: Chrono Collection

Who doesn’t like shiny new things? Enjoy a $30 discount on all timepieces at Chrono Collection’s e-commerce website. Chrono Collection’s array of brilliant watches with handcrafted bezels are perfect for those who want to ‘bling’ up their Hari Raya. Promotion is valid till 31 December 2023.

If you’re in need of a new pair of comfortable shoes for your visits to relatives, you’re in luck. HomeTeamNS members can enjoy a $10 discount on online purchases at shoe retailer Sunnystep. Their footwear features velvet cushioning at the heels to prevent blisters and arch support. Simply log in to the HomeTeamNS Mobile App to receive both promo codes.

Look and feel great

Photo: Hysses

If you want to look spiffy, head to men’s grooming studio We Are Sultans, which is offering a 10 per cent discount on all services. Promotion is valid till 15 December 2023. Then head to aromatherapy house Hysses, which is offering HomeTeamNS members a 5 per cent storewide discount to get your essential oils for a more relaxed ambiance at home, till 14 September 2023. Simply log in to the HomeTeamNS Mobile App to get your digital membership card, and flash upon checkout.

Get around with ease

Photo: Shutterstock

Save big on transport when you visit your relatives, with a 60 per cent discount on your first drive with car-sharing service Getgo. The offer is valid till 31 August 2023. Over at Tribecar, you can enjoy a free trial account for the first 30 days, with 50 per cent off their first drive (capped at $20), till 30 September 2023. There’s also a 10 per cent discount on the base rate when you book a car at any Hertz locations in the USA, Canada, Europe, Australia, New Zealand or Asia till 31 December 2023. Simply log in to the HomeTeamNS Mobile App to receive the promo codes for the aforementioned deals.

Finally, enjoy up to a 24 per cent discount on all fuel purchases at Sinopec. Flash your HomeTeamNS membership card from the HomeTeamNS Mobile App and driver’s license to enjoy upfront fuel discounts.

Nosh

Photo: Domino's Singapore

Fuel up between home visits at halal pizza chain Domino’s, which till 31 December 2023, is offering HomeTeamNS members exclusive deals such as a personal set priced at $8.50 and a $59 party set. Promotion is only available for over-the-counter and Domino’s Click to Collect orders. Meanwhile halal sushi restaurant Hei Sushi lets you enjoy a 10 per cent discount on your total bill or a ‘Tea Time’ buffet at $19.80+ (U.P. $28.80). Simply present your digital HomeTeamNS membership card at checkout.   


Like our stories? Subscribe to our Frontline Digital newsletters now! Simply download the HomeTeamNS Mobile App, and update your communication preference to ‘Receive Digital Frontline Magazine’, through the App Settings.

Download our HomeTeamNS Mobile App to stay updated on our latest membership promotions.

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