When the COVID-19 pandemic hit Singapore, strict restrictions were put in place, including a restriction on dining in. As a result, many hawker stall owners faced a severe shortage of disposable takeaway containers due to the surge in demand for food delivery and takeaway orders. This not only increased costs for both stall owners and customers but also led to a significant rise in plastic waste.
We saw this as an opportunity to step up and make a difference. In collaboration with the South West CDC, we distributed 20,000 reusable food containers through selected hawkers to residents in the South West District. This initiative aimed to help hawkers manage the overwhelming demand for takeaway packaging while also encouraging residents to adopt more sustainable habits by bringing their own reusable containers for takeaways.
The hawkers played a crucial role in distributing these containers to their regular patrons, particularly vulnerable residents, helping them save on additional takeaway packaging costs. By providing a reusable alternative, we hoped to reduce unnecessary plastic waste while supporting both hawkers and the community during this challenging period.
Our efforts to support the community and promote sustainability were also featured on Channel News Asia (CNA), highlighting the positive impact of this initiative.
We are proud to have contributed to the South West community during this challenging time and remain committed to driving sustainability efforts. This initiative is a testament to how small actions can make a big difference, proving that together, we can overcome challenges without placing additional strain on the environment. Together, we are #SGUnited.