Go Green SG 2025: Singapore’s Sustainability Campaign

Overview

• Campaign Period: May 16 – June 29, 2025
• Launch: President Tharman Shanmugaratnam will launch at Changkat Primary School
• Scale: Over 900 activities organised with 400+ partners across people, public, and private sectors
• Purpose: Rally Singaporeans to make the nation green, liveable, and climate-resilient
• Significance: 2025 marks 60 years of Singapore’s independence, featuring sustainability efforts highlighting the nation’s environmental progress

Featured Activities

1. MPA Sea Exploration Tour

• Begins at the Singapore Maritime Gallery at Marina South Pier
• Showcases Singapore’s maritime sustainability and decarbonization efforts
• Features a one-hour ferry ride along Singapore’s southern coast
• Includes a visit to Large Sisters’ Island with its rich biodiversity
• Educates visitors about Singapore’s status as home to one-third of the world’s hard coral species

2. Mushroom Cultivation Workshop by Mushroom World Academy

• Teaches participants to grow edible fungi using recyclable materials
• Focuses on milky mushrooms, ideal for hot and humid climates
• Addresses cardboard waste issues (Singapore generated 1.2 million tonnes in 2023, and recycled only 31%)
• The academy also cultivates other mushrooms, including termite, wulingshen, tiger milk, lion’s mane and lingzhi

3. Other Notable Activities

• Sembcorp Tengeh Floating Solar Farm Tour: Explore Singapore’s first inland floating solar farm
• Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Centre Tour: Learn about innovation and sustainability in urban mobility
• Upcycling Workshops: Create lanyards and coasters from old banners and fabrics with Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital
• Ismaili CIVIC’s SG60 Riverside Vibes Event: Eco-workshops, zero-waste swaps, and urban gardening
• Urban Farming @ Metropolitan YMCA: Tours for persons with disabilities to learn sustainable food production
• Sustainable Shopping Learning Journey: Guided tours at FairPrice’s flagship sustainable store
• Cycle To Work Car-free Fridays: Earn points for shopping vouchers by cycling from Bishan to Funan Mall
• Fireside Chat on Sustainability Careers: Learn how careers and AI are reshaping sustainable practices

Background

• First launched as Climate Action Week in 2020
• Revamped and rebranded as Go Green SG in 2023The
• 2024 campaign had 50,000+ participants in over 400 activities
• Online registration for 2025 activities starts May 12 at www.gogreen.gov.sg

Go Green SG 2025: In-Depth Activity Analysis & Practical Guide

Activity Analysis by Category

1. Maritime & Marine Conservation (MPA Sea Exploration Tour)

• Lesson Focus: Maritime sustainability, decarbonization efforts, marine biodiversity, coral reef ecosystems
• Target Age: 10+ (suitable for families, students, adults interested in marine conservation)
• Educational Value: High – combines maritime history, port operations, and marine biology
• Practical Considerations:
  • Duration: Approximately 3-4 hours (gallery tour + ferry ride + island visit)
  • What to Wear: Lightweight, breathable clothing; covered shoes with a good grip for island exploration
  • What to Bring: Sunscreen (SPF 50+), wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, refillable water bottle
  • Weather Considerations: Best experienced on clear days; tour likely postponed during heavy rain/lightning
  • Special Notes: Limited shelter on Large Sisters’ Island; bring a lightweight rain poncho or umbrella

2. Sustainable Agriculture (Mushroom Cultivation Workshop)

• Lesson Focus: Food security, waste reduction, circular economy, sustainable protein sources
• Target Age: 8+ (families, students, adults interested in urban farming)
• Educational Value: High – hands-on experience with practical take-home skills
• Practical Considerations:
  • Duration: 2 hours
  • What to Wear: Comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting slightly dirty
  • Indoor Activity: Weather-independent, air-conditioned environment
  • Special Notes: Participants can take home cultivation kits; a good follow-up project for families or schools

3. Renewable Energy (Sembcorp Tengeh Floating Solar Farm)

• Lesson Focus: Solar energy innovation, land constraint solutions, renewable energy infrastructure
• Target Age: 12+ (best for secondary students, adults interested in green technology)
• Educational Value: High – showcases innovative approaches to renewable energy in land-scarce settings
• Practical Considerations:
  • Duration: Likely 2-3 hours, including transportation
  • What to Wear: Lightweight clothing, covered shoes, hat
  • What to Bring: Sunscreen, insect repellent, water bottle
  • Weather Considerations: Extensive outdoor exposure; choose clear, less humid days if possible
  • Special Notes: Limited shade; high sun reflection from water and solar panels

4. Sustainable Transportation (Hyundai Innovation Centre Tour)

• Lesson Focus: Electric mobility, innovative transportation solutions, manufacturing sustainability
• Target Age: 15+ (best for older students, adults interested in automotive technology)
• Educational Value: Medium-High – technical focus may be challenging for younger participants
• Practical Considerations:
  • Duration: Likely 1-2 hours
  • What to Wear: Business casual (closed-toe shoes may be required for safety)
  • Indoor Activity: Primarily indoors, a climate-controlled environment
  • Special Notes: May involve walking through manufacturing areas

5. Circular Economy (Upcycling Workshops)

• Lesson Focus: Waste reduction, creative reuse, intergenerational knowledge sharing
• Target Age: All ages (designed explicitly for intergenerational participation)
• Educational Value: Medium – practical skills with environmental awareness component
• Practical Considerations:
  • Duration: Likely 1-2 hours
  • What to Wear: Comfortable clothes suitable for craft activities
  • Indoor Activity: Weather-independent
  • Special Notes: Good activity for grandparents and grandchildren; participants take home completed crafts

6. Urban Agriculture (Metropolitan YMCA Urban Farm)

• Lesson Focus: Sustainable food production, accessible agriculture, and inclusivity
• Target Age: All ages (specifically designed to be accessible for persons with disabilities)
• Educational Value: High – practical urban farming techniques with take-home produce
• Practical Considerations:
  • Duration: Likely 1-2 hours
  • What to Wear: Comfortable clothes, covered shoes, a hat for outdoor sections
  • What to Bring: Water bottle, hand sanitiser
  • Weather Considerations: Likely combines indoor and outdoor elements
  • Special Notes: Participants receive 200g of organic vegetables; wheelchair accessible

7. Sustainable Consumption (FairPrice Sustainable Store Tour)

• Lesson Focus: Eco-labels, sustainable packaging, informed consumer choices
• Target Age: 10+ (families, students, adults interested in sustainable shopping)
• Educational Value: Medium – practical knowledge for everyday sustainable living
• Practical Considerations:
  • Duration: Likely 1-2 hours
  • Indoor Activity: Weather-independent, air-conditioned environment
  • Special Notes: Good opportunity to learn about eco-labels and certification

8. Active Mobility (Cycle To Work, Car-free Fridays)

• Lesson Focus: Green commuting, physical activity, urban connectivity
• Target Age: 16+ (teens and adults comfortable with urban cycling)
• Educational Value: Medium – practical demonstration of sustainable commuting
• Practical Considerations:
  • Duration: Morning commute (length depends on starting point)
  • What to Wear: Comfortable exercise clothes, closed shoes
  • What to Bring: Helmet, water bottle, lightweight backpack, portable towel, change of clothes
  • Weather Considerations: Early morning rides offer cooler temperatures
  • Special Notes: App tracks journey for reward points; consider bringing a basic bike repair kit

How to Make the Most of Go Green SG 2025

Preparation Essentials

• Weather Planning: Singapore’s May-June period typically features hot, humid days with potential for sudden rain showers
• Sun Protection Kit: SPF 50+ sunscreen, wide-brimmed hat, UV-blocking sunglasses, lip balm with SPF
• Rain Protection: Compact umbrella or lightweight poncho (particularly for outdoor activities)
• Hydration: Insulated water bottle (at least 750ml) to stay hydrated in Singapore’s humidity
• Comfort Items: Small cooling towel, portable fan, mosquito repellent (especially for island visits)
• Transportation: Plan your route using public transportation; consider downloading the Grab or Gojek apps

Activity Selection Strategy

1. Balance your itinerary: Mix indoor and outdoor activities to avoid heat fatigue
2. Time of day considerations:
   • Schedule outdoor activities in the early morning (before 10am) or late afternoon (after 4pm)
   • Reserve midday for indoor activities when the heat is most intense
3. Age-appropriate planning:
   • Younger children (5-10): Prioritise hands-on workshops (mushroom cultivation, upcycling)
   • Teens (11-16): Consider technology-focused tours (solar farm, innovation centre)
   • Adults & mixed groups: Island tours and expert talks offer depth without overwhelming younger participants

Educational Enhancement

1. Pre-activity research: Review basic concepts before specialised tours
2. Documentation: Bring a notebook or use phone notes to record interesting facts
3. Question preparation: Prepare 2-3 questions before attending expert talks
4. Follow-up projects:
   • After the mushroom workshop: Monitor growth and document the process
   • After upcycling, continue collecting materials for future projects
   • After a sustainable shopping tour: Create a personal eco-label guide

Clothing Recommendations by Activity Type

• Water/Coastal Activities (MPA Tour):

• Quick-dry clothes
• UV-protective rash guard when swimming
• Hat with chin strap (windy on ferry)
• Sandals with a back strap or water shoes
• Land-Based Outdoor Activities (Solar Farm, Urban Farm):
  • Lightweight, loose-fitting, breathable fabrics (cotton, linen)
  • Long sleeves and pants (light-colored) for sun protection
  • Covered shoes with good traction
  • Neck gaiter/buff for additional sun protection
• Indoor Activities (Workshops, Innovation Centre):
  • Comfortable, casual attire
  • Light jacket or cardigan (air conditioning can be cold)
  • Closed-toe shoes (especially for industrial tours)

Family-Friendly Approach

• Register early for popular activities (registration opens May 12)
• Pack extra snacks and entertainment for younger children
• Consider nap timing for very young children
• Choose activities with take-home components for continued engagement
• Plan rest breaks between activities
• Focus on one activity per day for families with young children

Accessibility Considerations

• Metropolitan YMCA’s urban farming tour is specifically designed for persons with disabilities.
• Check with the organisers about accessibility accommodations for other activities.
• Many venues in Singapore are wheelchair accessible, but advance confirmation is recommended.
• Consider heat tolerance for vulnerable individuals when selecting outdoor activities.

Best Time to Visit Each Activity

Activity	Ideal Time	Weather Consideration	Indoor/Outdoor	Recommended Clothing
MPA Sea Tour	8-10am	Clear day, low humidity	Outdoor (ferry + island)	Quick-dry clothes, hat, covered shoes
Mushroom Workshop	Any time	Weather-independent	Indoor	Comfortable casual
Solar Farm Tour	8-9am or 4-5pm	Avoid midday heat	Outdoor	Light long sleeves, hat, sunglasses
Hyundai Centre	Any time	Weather-independent	Indoor	Business casual, closed shoes
Upcycling Workshop	Any time	Weather-independent	Indoor	Comfortable clothes
YMCA Urban Farm	Morning	Avoid afternoon heat	Mixed	Comfortable clothes, hat
FairPrice Tour	Any time	Weather-independent	Indoor	Casual attire
Cycle to Work	6:30-7:30am	Morning cooler temps	Outdoor	Athletic wear, helm

By planning carefully with these considerations in mind, participants can maximise both their enjoyment and the educational value of Go Green SG 2025 activities.

Sustainability at the National Library Board: A Model for Resource Sharing

The Sustainability Impact of NLB’s Borrowing System

The National Library Board (NLB) of Singapore represents one of the most accessible and impactful sustainability systems in the country, though it’s rarely framed in environmental terms. Let me analyse why borrowing from NLB embodies sustainability principles:

Resource Efficiency & Sharing Economy

1. Maximised Usage Ratio: A single book can be read by hundreds of people over its lifetime, dramatically reducing the per-person resource footprint compared to individual ownership.
2. Extended Product Lifespan: Library books are constructed with more durable bindings and materials than many consumer editions, and the library system includes repair infrastructure to maintain them for a more extended period.
3. Reduced Storage Demands: In land-scarce Singapore, libraries offer an alternative to home storage, thereby reducing the need for larger homes and furniture to accommodate personal collections.

Reduced Environmental Impact

1. Paper Conservation: While a single book requires paper production, distributing that environmental cost across hundreds of readers significantly minimises the impact.
2. Reduced Carbon Footprint: Centralised distribution reduces the carbon emissions associated with individual shipping of purchased books.
3. Digital Resources: NLB’s extensive eBook and audiobook collections, accessible through platforms like Libby and Overdrive, eliminate the need for physical materials entirely.

Accessibility & Social Sustainability

1. Economic Accessibility: Free borrowing promotes equal access to knowledge regardless of financial means.
2. Digital Inclusion: The NLB Mobile app and eResources make sustainable reading accessible even to those who can’t physically visit libraries.
3. Knowledge Preservation: Libraries preserve materials that might otherwise go out of print, enhancing cultural sustainability.

System-Level Efficiency

1. Strategic Resource Allocation: NLB’s data-driven acquisition decisions ensure resources are directed toward materials with the highest demand.
2. Continuous Circulation: Materials are rarely idle, resulting in near-continuous usage rates that private ownership can’t match.
3. End-of-Life Management: When books reach the end of their library lifetime, NLB has established recycling channels and book donation programs.

Recommendations for Books on Sustainable Living Available at NLB

Singapore-Specific Titles

1. “Eating Chilli Crab in the Anthropocene”, edited by Matthew Schneider-Mayerson
   Examines environmental challenges specifically within Singapore’s context
2. “Sustainable Singapore Blueprint”
   Government publication outlining Singapore’s environmental goals and initiatives
3. “Living with the Oceans: The People of Singapore and the Sea” by Kwa Chong Guan
   Explores Singapore’s relationship with marine resources and conservation

Practical Sustainability Guides

1. “Zero Waste Home” by Bea Johnson
   The definitive guide to reducing household waste, with many strategies applicable to Singapore’s urban environment
2. “Sustainable Home” by Christine Liu
   Room-by-room guide to creating an environmentally friendly HDB or condo
3. “Simply Living Well” by Julia Watkins
   Natural recipes and DIY solutions for cleaning, personal care, and home

Climate & Environmental Understanding

1. “How to Avoid a Climate Disaster” by Bill Gates
   Practical solutions and technologies for addressing climate change
2. “The Sixth Extinction” by Elizabeth Kolbert
   Pulitzer Prize-winning exploration of humanity’s impact on biodiversity
3. “The Hidden Life of Trees” by Peter Wohlleben
   Fascinating insights into forest ecosystems and their importance

Food Sustainability

1. “Waste Not: Make a Big Difference by Throwing Away Less” by Erin Rhoads
   Practical strategies to reduce food waste in daily life
2. “Animal, Vegetable, Miracle” by Barbara Kingsolver
   Chronicles a family’s year of local eating with applicable lessons for Singapore’s import-dependent food system
3. “The Omnivore’s Dilemma” by Michael Pollan
   Explores the food systems that sustain us and their environmental impacts

Social Sustainability & Minimalism

1. “Goodbye, Things” by Fumio Sasaki
   Japanese minimalism with practical applications for Singapore’s space constraints
2. “The Day the World Stops Shopping” by J.B. MacKinnon
   Examines consumer culture and alternatives to consumption-driven economies
3. “Doughnut Economics” by Kate Raworth
   Reimagines economic models to balance human needs with planetary boundaries

Enhancing Your NLB Sustainability Experience

Digital-First Approach

• Use the NLB Mobile app to browse, reserve, and renew books
• Explore NLB’s extensive eBook collection through Libby/Overdrive
• Access digital magazines through PressReader

Sustainable Library Visits

• Combine library visits with other errands to reduce transportation emissions.
• Use public transportation or walk to reach your local library
• Bring your own bag for carrying borrowed items

Community Engagement

• Join NLB’s reading groups focused on environmental topics
• Participate in sustainability workshops frequently hosted at library branches
• Utilise library spaces for community sustainability meetings

By fully leveraging NLB’s resources, Singaporeans can access a wealth of sustainability knowledge while practicing resource sharing—one of the most fundamental sustainability principles. The library system itself serves as a model for what sustainability looks like: shared resources, extended product lifespans, and equitable access.

Sustainable Living Practices for Singapore Homes

Smart Water Management

Conservation Techniques

1. Five-Minute Showers: Install a shower timer and challenge yourself to finish within 5 minutes
2. Thimble Tap Aerators: Inexpensive devices that reduce water flow while maintaining pressure
3. Shower Buckets: Collect cold water while waiting for hot water to use for plants or cleaning

Water Recycling

1. Simple Greywater Systems: Redirect washing machine rinse water to toilet cisterns
2. Rain Barrels: Install at HDB downspouts (with proper permissions) for plant watering
3. Dishwater Reuse: Collect final rinse water for initial cleaning of the next batch of dishes

Energy Efficiency

Cooling Strategies

1. Strategic Fan Placement: Position fans to create cross-ventilation rather than relying solely on air conditioning
2. Window Films: Apply heat-reducing films that block UV rays while allowing light
3. Blackout Curtains: Install during peak sunshine hours to reduce heat gain
4. Air Conditioner Maintenance: Clean filters monthly and set timers to turn off automatically

Appliance Management

1. Smart Power Strips: Eliminate phantom power usage from devices on standby
2. Refrigerator Settings: Keep at 4°C (refrigerator) and -18°C (freezer) for optimal efficiency
3. Full Loads Only: Run washing machines and dishwashers only when full
4. Air-Drying: Use natural ventilation or drying racks instead of clothes dryers
5. LED Lighting: Replace all bulbs with energy-efficient LEDS

Waste Reduction

Kitchen Practices

1. Composting Options:
   • Bokashi systems for HDB apartments
   • Indoor vermicomposting for food scraps
   • Community garden composting partnerships
2. Food Storage Optimisation:
   • Silicone food covers instead of plastic wrap
   • Glass containers for leftovers
   • Proper produce storage techniques to extend freshness
3. Zero-Waste Cooking:
   • Create vegetable stock from scraps
   • Use citrus peels for cleaning solutions
   • Regrow vegetables from kitchen scraps

Household Waste Management

1. Systematic Recycling: Set up clearly labelled bins for paper, plastic, metal, and glass
2. E-waste Collection: Utilise NEA e-waste recycling points at community centres
3. Textile Recycling: Donate to Movement of the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore (MINDS) or the H&M recycling program
4. Creative Reuse: Transform glass jars into storage containers and old t-shirts into cleaning rags

Sustainable Consumption

Mindful Shopping

1. Shopping Lists: Plan purchases carefully to avoid impulse buying
2. Bulk Buying: Purchase staples in larger quantities to reduce packaging
3. Package-Free Shopping: Bring containers to wet markets and bulk stores
4. Digital Detox: Delete shopping apps and unsubscribe from promotional emails

Sustainable Home Products

1. Natural Cleaning Solutions:
   • White vinegar and baking soda for most cleaning needs
   • Citrus-infused vinegar for more challenging jobs
   • Coconut coir scrubbers instead of plastic sponges
2. Plastic-Free Alternatives:
   • Bamboo toothbrushes and compostable floss
   • Beeswax wraps instead of plastic wrap
   • Solid soap bars and shampoo bars in cardboard packaging

Space Optimization

Multi-functional Design

1. Vertical Gardens: Utilise wall space for herbs and small vegetables
2. Furniture with Storage: Choose beds, coffee tables, and ottomans with hidden storage
3. Foldable Furniture: Items that can be tucked away when not in use

Home Organization

1. Regular Decluttering: Schedule quarterly sessions to identify unused items
2. One-In-One-Out Rule: For every new item that enters your home, donate or recycle one item
3. Borrowing Network: Create a system with neighbours to share rarely-used items

Community Engagement

Neighborhood Initiatives

1. Repair Cafés: Host or attend community repair events
2. Lending Libraries: Set up book exchanges or tool-sharing programs in your block
3. Shared Gardens: Participate in community garden initiatives on HDB rooftops

Digital Community

1. Local Buy-Nothing Groups: Join Facebook groups for giving away and receiving free items
2. SG Food Rescue: Connect with food rescue initiatives to reduce waste
3. Sustainable Living Meetups: Participate in skill-sharing workshops

Singaporean Context Adaptations

Working with HDB Constraints

1. Balcony Gardens: Utilise railing planters and vertical systems
2. Corridor Plants: Create small gardens in HDB corridors (following town council guidelines)
3. Light Shelves: Install reflective shelves below windows to direct sunlight deeper into rooms

Dealing with Climate

1. Natural Ventilation: Strategically open windows during cooler hours
2. Humidity Management: Use calcium chloride dehumidifiers instead of electric models
3. Solar-Powered Options: Small solar chargers for mobile devices

Measuring Progress

Tracking Systems

1. Utility Monitoring: Record monthly electricity, water, and gas usage
2. Waste Audit: Conduct quarterly assessments of what you’re throwing away
3. Carbon Footprint Calculators: Use SP Group’s app to track your household emissions

Setting Goals

1. Incremental Changes: Focus on one area at a time rather than overhauling everything
2. Family Challenges: Create friendly competitions to reduce waste or energy use
3. Visual Indicators: Keep charts or graphs showing progress in visible locations

By implementing even a handful of these practices, Singapore households can significantly reduce their environmental impact while often saving money and creating healthier living spaces. The key is to start with changes that feel manageable and build sustainable habits over time.

Zero-Waste Dinner Recipes for Singapore Homes

These recipes are designed to minimise food waste by using whole ingredients and repurposing scraps that would typically be discarded. Each recipe includes tips for utilising typically wasted parts of ingredients.

1. Root-to-Stem Vegetable Curry

Makes use of vegetable parts typically discarded

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch of carrots with tops
• 2 broccoli stalks with leaves
• 1 cauliflower with leaves and stem
• 2 potatoes with peels
• 1 onion with skin (for stock)
• 3 cloves of garlic with skins (for stock)
• 2 tablespoons curry powder
• 1 can of coconut milk
• Salt to taste

Preparation:

1. Separate carrot tops, broccoli leaves, and cauliflower leaves. Wash thoroughly.
2. Make a quick vegetable stock: Simmer onion skins, garlic skins, and tough vegetable trimmings in 2 cups of water for 20 minutes, then strain.
3. Chop all vegetables, including stems and leaves.
4. Sauté chopped vegetables in a pot with a bit of oil.
5. Add curry powder and stir to coat the vegetables.
6. Pour in coconut milk and 1 cup of your fresh vegetable stock.
7. Simmer until vegetables are tender.
8. Finely chop carrot tops and tender cauliflower leaves, and stir in at the end.

Zero-waste notes:

• Carrot tops become a herb-like garnish
• Broccoli stems are peeled and diced for the curry
• Onion and garlic skins flavour the stock
• Potato peels add texture and nutrition

2. Whole Chicken Rice with Soup

A Singapore classic with a zero-waste approach

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken
• 2 cups rice
• Ginger (with skin)
• Garlic (with skin)
• Green onions (entire stalk)
• 1 bunch leafy greens (like bok choy or kangkong)
• Cilantro stems and leaves
• Salt and white pepper

Preparation:

1. Remove the giblets from the chicken (set them aside for stock).
2. Stuff the chicken cavity with half the ginger (unpeeled, sliced) and green onion tops.
3. Poach whole chicken in water with remaining ginger until cooked through, about 45 minutes.
4. Remove chicken, save poaching liquid.
5. Cook rice in some of the poaching liquid.
6. Shred chicken meat for serving with rice.
7. Make soup: Return chicken bones and skin to the poaching liquid.
8. Add chicken giblets, vegetable scraps, and cilantro stems.
9. Simmer for 30 minutes, strain.
10. Add leafy greens to the soup just before serving.
11. Serve the chicken with a ginger-scallion sauce made from the remaining scraps.

Zero-waste notes:

• Chicken bones and skin create rich stock
• Giblets add flavour to soup
• Cilantro stems are used in stock
• Poaching liquid becomes both rice flavouring and soup base
• Ginger skin adds flavour and then composts

3. Frittata with Vegetable Stems and Bread Crusts

Perfect for using leftovers

Ingredients:

• 6 eggs
• 1 cup chopped vegetable stems (broccoli, cauliflower, kale)
• 1 cup stale bread crusts, cubed
• 1/4 cup cheese rinds, grated
• 1 onion, including papery layers
• 2 tablespoons oil
• Salt and pepper

Preparation:

1. Preheat oven to 180°C.
2. Soak the bread crusts in a bit of water, then squeeze them dry.
3. Heat oil in an oven-safe pan.
4. Sauté the onion, including some of the papery layers, until soft.
5. Add chopped vegetable stems, cook until tender.
6. Beat eggs with salt and pepper.
7. Add soaked bread and grated cheese rinds to eggs.
8. Pour the egg mixture over the vegetables in the pan.
9. Bake for 15-20 minutes until set.

Zero-waste notes:

• Vegetable stems become the star ingredient
• Bread crusts act as a binder and add texture
• Cheese rinds melt into the eggs for flavour
• Onion’s papery layers add sweetness

4. Banana Leaf Fish with Citrus Peel Seasoning

Using fruit peels as aromatics

Ingredients:

• 2 whole fish (like sea bass or tilapia)
• 2 banana leaves (often discarded from fruits)
• 2 lemons or limes, zested then juiced
• Ginger scraps from other cooking
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Vegetable scraps (carrot tops, celery leaves)

Preparation:

1. Clean the fish, but keep the head and tail intact.
2. Mix citrus zest, juice, ginger scraps, soy sauce, and honey.
3. Stuff the fish cavity with vegetable scraps.
4. Wrap fish in banana leaves.
5. Steam for 15-20 minutes until the fish flakes easily.
6. Remove vegetable scraps before serving.
7. Serve with rice.

Zero-waste notes:

• Banana leaves that would usually be discarded become serving vessels
• Citrus peels provide intense flavour before composting
• Fish head and tail create a complete presentation
• Vegetable scraps infuse flavour during cooking

5. Watermelon Rind Stir-Fry

Transforming a commonly discarded food

Ingredients:

• Rinds from 1/4 watermelon, green skin removed, white part diced
• 1 tablespoon fermented bean paste or soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic with skins (remove skins before cooking, use for stock)
• 1 thumb ginger with skin (peeled, use skin for stock)
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Chilli flakes to taste
• 1 stalk green onion, entire plant

Preparation:

1. Remove the tough green skin from the watermelon rind, keeping the white part intact.
2. Dice the white rind into small cubes.
3. Heat oil in a wok.
4. Stir-fry garlic and ginger until fragrant.
5. Add watermelon rind cubes, stir-fry for 3-4 minutes.
6. Add bean paste/soy sauce, sugar, and chilli flakes.
7. Cook until rinds are tender but still crisp, about 5 minutes.
8. Garnish with chopped green onion.

Zero-waste notes:

• Watermelon rinds become the main ingredient
• Garlic and ginger skins go into the stock collection
• The entire green onion is used

6. Pasta with Wilted Greens Pesto

Rescuing slightly past-prime vegetables

Ingredients:

• 250g pasta
• 2 cups slightly wilted greens (spinach, basil, kale, or a mix)
• 1/4 cup nut or seed pieces (broken bits from the bottom of the container)
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (from squeezed lemons)
• Hard cheese rinds (for flavouring pasta water)
• Salt and pepper

Preparation:

1. Boil pasta in water with added cheese rinds.
2. Meanwhile, blend wilted greens, nuts or seeds, garlic, oil, and lemon juice.
3. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
4. Toss hot pasta with pesto and a splash of pasta water.
5. Season with salt and pepper.

Zero-waste notes:

• Wilted greens become a flavorful sauce
• Broken nuts/seeds get repurposed
• Cheese rinds flavour the pasta water
• Pasta water helps the sauce adhere to the pasta

7. Coconut Husk Nasi Lemak

Using every part of the coconut

Ingredients:

• 2 cups jasmine rice
• 1 whole coconut
• 2 pandan leaves (reserve stems for steaming)
• 1 cucumber, including seeds and ends
• 2 eggs
• Sambal (can be made with leftover chilli stems)
• Peanuts with skins
• Dried anchovies (ikan bilis)

Preparation:

1. Extract coconut milk from fresh coconut.
2. Keep coconut water separate for drinking.
3. Cook rice with coconut milk, pandan leaves, and a pinch of salt.
4. Clean the coconut husk, and use it as a serving bowl.
5. Slice the cucumber, including the skin and seeds.
6. Boil eggs (use the water for watering plants after it has cooled).
7. Toast peanuts with skins intact.
8. Serve rice in a coconut husk with accompaniments.

Zero-waste notes:

• The entire coconut is used
• Coconut husk becomes a biodegradable serving vessel
• Pandan stems add aroma during steaming
• Cucumber seeds and ends are included
• Egg cooking water becomes plant fertiliser

Kitchen Scrap Collection Tips

To further enhance your zero-waste cooking:

1. Freezer Stock Bag: Keep a bag in your freezer for vegetable scraps, herb stems, and bones.
2. Citrus Vinegar: Soak citrus peels in white vinegar for two weeks to create a cleaning solution.
3. Herb Stem Oil: Blend tough herb stems with oil to create flavorful cooking oil.
4. Bread Crumb Collection: Keep a container for stale bread to make breadcrumbs.
5. Vegetable Regrowth Station: Set up a small container to regrow scallions, lettuce, and celery from root ends.

Remember that truly zero-waste cooking is an ongoing practice. Begin with one recipe and gradually incorporate additional techniques as you become more comfortable with this sustainable approach to cooking.

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In an age where the digital world is in constant flux, and our interactions online are ever-evolving, the importance of prioritizing individuals as they navigate the expansive internet cannot be overstated. The myriad of elements that shape our online experiences calls for a thoughtful approach to selecting web browsers—one that places a premium on security and user privacy. Amidst the multitude of browsers vying for users’ loyalty, Maxthon emerges as a standout choice, providing a trustworthy solution to these pressing concerns, all without any cost to the user.

Maxthon, with its advanced features, boasts a comprehensive suite of built-in tools designed to enhance your online privacy. Among these tools are a highly effective ad blocker and a range of anti-tracking mechanisms, each meticulously crafted to fortify your digital sanctuary. This browser has carved out a niche for itself, particularly with its seamless compatibility with Windows 11, further solidifying its reputation in an increasingly competitive market.

In a crowded landscape of web browsers, Maxthon has forged a distinct identity through its unwavering dedication to offering a secure and private browsing experience. Fully aware of the myriad threats lurking in the vast expanse of cyberspace, Maxthon works tirelessly to safeguard your personal information. Utilizing state-of-the-art encryption technology, it ensures that your sensitive data remains protected and confidential throughout your online adventures.

What truly sets Maxthon apart is its commitment to enhancing user privacy during every moment spent online. Each feature of this browser has been meticulously designed with the user’s privacy in mind. Its powerful ad-blocking capabilities work diligently to eliminate unwanted advertisements, while its comprehensive anti-tracking measures effectively reduce the presence of invasive scripts that could disrupt your browsing enjoyment. As a result, users can traverse the web with newfound confidence and safety.

Moreover, Maxthon’s incognito mode provides an extra layer of security, granting users enhanced anonymity while engaging in their online pursuits. This specialized mode not only conceals your browsing habits but also ensures that your digital footprint remains minimal, allowing for an unobtrusive and liberating internet experience. With Maxthon as your ally in the digital realm, you can explore the vastness of the internet with peace of mind, knowing that your privacy is being prioritized every step of the way.