Get to know (and love!) these super eco-stores and sites in Singapore
To quote American author Joshua Becker, who writes about minimalism and intentional living, “The most sustainable product is the one you didn’t buy.”
This is certainly true, but your everyday consumption choices are important, too – be it saving over 100 litres of water per roll by switching to bamboo toilet paper, or buying locally sourced food to help reduce food waste and your carbon footprint caused from shipment. Which is why sustainable shopping is the way to go. Plus, as susGain founder Carolin Barr points out, “Supporting brands that give back to social causes makes us feel good and improves our sense of purpose and well-being.”
Here, we’ve rounded up top shops that prize sustainability to help your family on its journey to green living.
Summary:
Grocers
1. Scoop Wholefoods
With six locations around the island, Scoop sells only natural and organic products, and uses plastic-free and biodegradable packaging. But its name says it all: It sells foods in bulk to minimise food waste, allowing customers to scoop up just what they need.
Scoop Wholefoods
Address: See website
Tel: See website
Opening hours: See website
2. The Source Bulk Foods
On this store’s shelves are unpackaged bulk whole foods, healthy snacks and organic goodies. Use its bags and containers or bring your own. Find household items here, too, such as organic cotton beeswax wraps and plant-based dishwashing and laundry liquids.
The Source Bulk Foods
Address: 501 Bukit Timah Rd., #01-05A Cluny Court, 259760 / 1 Kim Seng Promenade #B1-142/143 Great World City, 237994
Tel: 8949 7471 / 8894 5461
Opening hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Daily, Cluny Court) / 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Daily, Great World City)
3. UnPackt
Founded in 2018, UnPackt is Singapore’s first homegrown zero-waste grocer. It sells package-free bulk goods including local spices, dried fruits and organic seeds – so come prepared with containers.
UnPackt
Address: 6 Jalan Kuras, 577724
Tel: 8399 3552
Opening hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Tue. to Sun.)
4. Everyday Vegan Grocer
Everyday Vegan offers natural and non-toxic food and lifestyle products, which are also planet-conscious and animal-friendly. Shop for fresh produce, plant-based meats and dairy, as well as bamboo toilet paper and even vegan perfume.
Everyday Vegan Grocer
Address: 200 Turf Club Rd., #01-15A, 287994
Tel: 6677 8946
Opening hours: 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (Mon. to Fri. + Sun.), 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. (Sat.)
5. Eco.Le
Eco.Le carries bulk foods. And you can bring your own containers, use the store’s second-hand containers or pay a refundable deposit for silicone bags. It also sells items and provides services that aid with zero waste, from reusable straws to candle refills.
Eco. Le
Address: 170 Upper Bukit Timah Rd., #03-56 Shopping Centre, 588179
Tel: 8766 5074
Opening hours: 12 to 6 p.m. (Mon., Wed., Thu. + Sun.), 12 to 8 p.m. (Fri. + Sat.)
6. Two Sisters Pantry
Two Sisters Pantry may be a small store, but it is chock-full of high-quality organic food and household products imported mainly from Australia and New Zealand. It has a bulk goods section, too.
Two Sisters Pantry
Address: 50 E Coast Rd., #01-43 Roxy Square, 428769
Tel: 9655 8875
Opening hours: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Daily)
7. Nourish
This online vegan marketplace offers a plethora of plant-based foods, like organic superfoods and gluten-free snacks. Not only do these “clean” products tend to be healthier, they are also ethically and sustainably sourced.
Nourish
Address: 183 Jln Pelikat, The Promenade @ Pelikat, #01-38, 537643
Tel: 8112 8132
Opening hours: 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Tue. + Thu.), 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Wed. + Fri.), 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (Sat.)
Kids’ Clothing Stores
8. Sea Apple
This homegrown brand carries an extensive collection of clothes made of quality organic fabrics, focusing on comfort for kids up to 6 years old. Its designs are original and take inspiration from the simplicity of children’s ideas.
Sea Apple
Address: United Square, Thomson Rd., #01-68 101, 307591
Tel: 9878 3643
Opening hours: 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Daily)
9. Le Petit Society
Le Petit Society uses choice fabrics to create clothing for young ones up to 12 years old, with an eye on offering safe and comfortable products. It also has an organic range of kids’ sleepwear and baby muslin swaddles.
Le Petit Society
Address: Paragon Shopping Centre, 290 Orchard Rd.,#05-35, 238859 / 6A Shenton Way, Downtown Gallery, #01-06 OUE Downtown 2, 068815
Tel: 6957 5008 / 6224 6288
Opening hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Daily, Paragon) / 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Mon. to Fri., Downtown Gallery)
10. Esse for Pēpi
Conscious fashion womenswear brand Esse has a sustainable kids wear collection for tykes 3 months to 5 years old. Like the minimal and laidback designs for adults, the children’s range is versatile and gender-neutral.
Esse for Pēpi
Address: By appointment only
Email: hello@essethelabel.com
11. Kalila Organics
Certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), this French and Singapore clothing label creates stylish organic children’s wear. Expect to find swaddles, pyjama sets, dresses and more.
Kalila Organics
Address: Online + available at various stockists. See website
Email: wholesale@kalilaorganics.com
12. Little Suite
Specialising in organic cotton baby and toddler wear free of harmful chemicals, this GOTS-certified brand also offers eco-friendly gear such as toys, baby loungers and teething necklaces.
Little Suite
Address: Takashimaya Shopping Centre, Level 4 Baby Department, 391 Orchard Rd., 238872
Tel: 6738 1111 (Takashimaya Shopping Centre)
Opening hours: 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. (Daily)
13. RAPH&REMY
RAPH&REMY sells personalisable baby apparel and gift sets made with bamboo – a sustainable, renewable source. Other benefits of bamboo: It is soft and absorbent, making it kinder on bodies, especially for babies growing up in a tropical climate.
Available online at RAPH&REMY.
14. Fumbles & Jumbles
Kids outgrow their clothes so fast. Rather than having to invest in new pieces every few months, check out the Fumbles & Jumbles site for good quality preloved children’s garments. Hello, zero waste!
Available online at Fumbles & Jumbles.
15. Grokinder
Renting baby apparel wastes less and reduces your family’s carbon footprint. At Grokinder, you can borrow bags of sustainable clothing like pants, sleepsuits and onesies for newborns and toddlers up to 2 years old. When it’s time for a new size, simply swap for a new bag.
Available online at Grokinder.
Toy Stores
16. Ailefo
Boost creative sensory play for your little one with this Danish company’s organic, allergy-friendly modelling clay, which contains no perfume or parabens. The clay comes in recycled packaging, too – intended for reuse.
Available online at Ailefo.
17. Lilac Tods
This online store stocks sustainable toys and baby goods from international brands like Grapat and Grimm’s. All are made from non-toxic materials.
Available online at Lilac Tods.
18. Green Toys
Whether it is a toy truck or a house playset, Green Toys’ playthings are made completely from recycled materials like milk jugs, and packaged in recyclable cardboard.
Available online at Green Toys.
19. PlanToys
PlanToys uses only earth-friendly materials – such as chemical-free rubberwood, organic colour pigments and water-based dyes – to create its range of toys, including dollhouses, musical instruments and even a portable tabletop soccer board.
Available online at PlanToys.
20. Petit Collage
This brand creates its products with the health of the planet and your children in mind. Its toys are free from harmful chemicals and made from recycled materials, organic cotton and FSC-certified wood (i.e., sustainably harvested wood).
Available online at Petit Collage.
21. ÖkoNORM
From finger paints and watercolours to wax crayons, you can get almost all the art essentials you need at ÖkoNORM. Its craft supplies are biodegradable, compostable, non-toxic and made exclusively from renewable raw materials.
Available online at ÖkoNORM.
22. A Hopping Bunny
Bringing sustainable toys to your doorstep, this family-run online business stocks adorable wooden cupcake sorters and playdough stamps to felt fruits and vegetables. Even better? For every $10 spent, 1 percent of the sales goes to a mission that the company cares for deeply.
Available online at A Hopping Bunny.
23. Toy Around
Toy Around’s curated selection of age-appropriate playthings are all sourced with the help of psychologists, discerning parents and kids themselves. It allows you to swap, buy and sell preloved toys through its app.
Available online at Toy Around.
24. Books Beyond Borders
Sure, books aren’t technically toys – but nothing beats a good bedtime story with your babes! At Books Beyond Borders, find a range of pre-owned children’s books by authors like Roald Dahl, May Gibbs and Dr Seuss. Bonus: Your purchases help fund education for children in underprivileged countries.
Available online at Books Beyond Borders.
