With the COVID-19 pandemic forcing us all to stay indoors more, there has been a significant rise in hawker takeaways and food delivery services. It is even estimated that Singaporeans generated 1.33 million kg extra plastic waste during circuit breaker! These practices have been so deeply ingrained into dabao culture that most fail to recognize its negative impacts on the environment.

The production, export and incineration of plastics and single-use waste generates a gargantuan amount of harmful gas emissions, contributing significantly to climate change. Do you know that Singapore has a flourishing coral reef that is threatened by the improper disposal of our waste?

With the current urgency of the environmental crises looming before us, how can we simply ignore all these rallying cries and fail to use our global presence to set a standard for other countries to follow? Current initiatives have barely slowed the use of plastics. We need change and we need it now! Whilst it will not completely eliminate the use of plastics, a ban on non-compostable single-use disposables from hawkers and delivery services will set a lofty precedent that will truly set the ball rolling amidst these piecemeal efforts.

This ban will push BYOC initiatives into the spotlight and force food delivery services to adopt more sustainable food practices such as reusable tingkats and using compostable packaging. This is a real chance for us to push leaders to hear and recognize our concerns. So please Singapore, rally your voice!