9 in 10 say lifestyle impact environment, only 2 in 5 cut food waste, survey shows

While more than 7 in 10 say top actions to help the environment include reusing and upcycling, and cutting down one-time use disposables, only half are doing so and only 2 in 5 cut food waste.

More than 9 in 10 in Singapore believe that lifestyle choices have “some” or “a huge” impact on the environment, a joint survey found.

And though the top actions that respondents think have the biggest impact on helping the environment are reusing and upcycling, reducing food waste and cutting down one-time use disposables, only half currently  reuse or upcycle; and 2 in 5 try to cut food waste.

The research study, conducted in September by consumer research company Milieu Insight and Mandai Wildlife Group, surveyed over 1,000 Singapore residents aged 16 to 41.

What is at stake?

Human–wildlife conflict happens when the needs of wildlife encroach on human populations and the needs of humans intrude upon those of wildlife, resulting in damage or costs to both.

These damages and costs have intensified as a result of human population growth and the related expansion of agricultural and industrial activities. Conflicts have also increased because of the growth of some wildlife such as monkeys, snakes and wild boars in the urban environment.

Climate change and altered values and attitudes have also intensified these conflicts through increased competition for water and habitats and in shaping wildlife management approaches.

The key takeaway from the results of the joint survey conducted is the desire to build healthy human-nature relationships to restore the ecology and wild animal welfare.

To do so, the Mandai Wildlife Group is launching a new campaign called Choose Good with Mandai, which “focuses on the intrinsic value of wildlife to raise awareness of the symbiotic relationship among people, nature and the world”.

Harnessing Singaporeans’ love for food and the gaming culture

The campaign highlights the different daily actions Singaporeans take which will go a long way in protecting wildlife and preserving natural resources for future generations. It comprises two  activities – the Choose Good Food Trail, which runs from 21 Oct to 25 Nov,  and the Choose Good Game Challenge, from 18 Nov to 16  Dec.

According to the Group’s Senior Vice President, Brand & Communications Suzanne Ho, the campaign taps on Singaporeans’ shared love for food and the gaming culture of today to draw interest and rally people into action.

“Food and beverages form a large portion of most people’s expenses and daily consumption, so we are zooming in on choices that are simple and can become a way of life. Making good choices for the planet is not ground-breaking but it makes all the difference when people come together to continuously do that every day. We hope to bring as many people as possible on board Choose Good with Mandai and our community of conscious collaborators,” she said.

The Group wants to also make use of the Singaporean love for winning prizes by enticing those who embark on the journey to share their experience on social media with the hashtag #choosegoodwithMandai.

And those who post at least five dishes from the Choose Good Food Trail stand to win prizes worth up to SG$5,600.

For more information on the Choose Good with Mandai campaign, please click here.  

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