Entering into the second year of the pandemic, 2021 has come with its own set of challenges. While the year has been about continuous adapting and living with the new norms amid these Covid-19-related conversations, the topic of climate change has come to the fore, buoyed by the freshly unveiled Singapore Green Plan 2030 and recently concluded 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26).
It is heartening to see governments, businesses and individuals alike coming together to make a difference for our planet Earth. Regardless of seemingly small actions like bringing our own reusable containers for takeaway meals or national-level movements of setting Singapore’s green targets, we believe that each effort counts in making a collective difference.
Looking back at 2021, Geneco have also rallied our communities and partners to do good for our environment as we continued to build upon what we’ve achieved in the past year. The year has no doubt been fruitful for us as we kept true to our mission to #PowerTheChange. As the year comes to a close, let’s take a look back at some of the milestones we’ve achieved together with you.
Chinese New Year Red Packet Recycling Bins
We kicked off 2021 with the exciting launch of our inaugural Used Red Packet Recycling Initiative. In partnership with like-minded local brands such as CRU, IUIGA, Tay Paper Recycling, and one of our Changemakers - Refash, we deployed 28 recycling bins across Singapore to encourage the public to drop off their used red packets and make a difference for our rainforests by recycling and reducing our paper waste. These red packets were then sent to Tay Paper Recycling to be pulped and made into other paper products.
We were truly heartened by the overwhelming response from the nation, with more than 410kg of red packets collected in less than a month! As Singaporeans remain eco-conscious even amidst the festivities, we look forward to keeping this tradition alive and continue making a difference for our planet in 2022.
Geneco’s joins NParks’ #OneMillionTrees – Plant-A-Tree Programme
As part of Singapore’s plan to transform our country into a City in Nature, the government has committed to planting a million trees across our island over the next decade. These trees play an important role by serving as natural filters and adding to the lush greenery we enjoy in Singapore. At the same time and most importantly, they contribute to strengthening our country’s resilience towards climate change.
Achieving this ambitious goal of one million trees requires contributions from both the public and private sector. As such Geneco has pledged to plant 250 trees over the next five years and is proud to be doing our part for this nationwide effort.
Our plan was set into motion on Earth Day (22 April) this year at Windsor Nature Park, where we planted our first 50 trees together with our Changemakers – Comcrop, Cultivate Central, The Food Bank Singapore, Green Nudge, Refash and Repair Kopitiam – as well as like-minded corporate partner Standard Chartered Singapore.
On the very same day, we also launched our new comprehensive and integrated solar panel solution – the Power Eco Total Home Solution, for landed residential homes..
These mark another of our many green efforts as we contribute to Singapore’s goal to becoming a greener and more sustainable city.
Powering Change with our #ChangeMakersSG
Throughout the year, we were honoured to also continue strengthening the bonds with our #ChangeMakersSG partners while giving back to the communities and furthering our green message.
In the midst of 2021 when the nation went into Heightened Alert once again for Covid-19, many organisations were impacted and our Changemaker – The Food Bank Singapore – was no exception.
In a bid to increase their delivery efforts and distribute 1,500 food bundles to their beneficiaries, Geneco rallied for support from our social media family, and together, we prevented more than 6,700kg of food from being wasted.
And as the nation moved forward with the ease of safety measures in July, we partnered with And as the nation moved forward with the ease of safety measures in July, we partnered with Refash and join in the global #PlasticFreeJuly movement, to encourage everyone to #PowerTheChange and reduce their single-use plastics.
By contributing 1,300 Geneco tote bags to Refash’s outlets, customers could redeem these tote bags for free instead of opting for plastic bags with any preloved item purchased.
Through such sustained efforts, we hope to inculcate greater awareness towards the harmful effects of plastic waste and inspire individuals to take a step towards a #PlasticFree future!
Go Green Your Way with Power Eco Add-on
In celebration of our nation’s birthday on 9 August, Geneco launched our Power Eco Add-on, Singapore’s first-and-only green add-on for electricity plans.
To show our commitment towards our country’s sustainability efforts and the SG Green Plan 2030, Power Eco Add-on was conceived to encourage and ease Singaporeans in embarking on a journey towards building a greener home.
With its affordable yet flexible offering where customers can choose from different levels of green – 25%, 50%, 75% or 100% – and between Carbon Credits (CC) or Renewable Energy Certificates (REC) for their electricity plan, we hope to empower our customers to #gogreenyourway and make a difference for the environment.
We were truly heartened and encouraged by the response received within a month of the Power Eco Add-on’s launch. As we look towards the new year, we hope to continue being the catalyst towards inspiring individuals to opt for greener alternatives.
The Jolly season to be Green
Topping off these initiatives, we also encouraged Singaporeans to embark on a green journey with monthly giveaways on our social media platforms, with two exclusive giveaways for 2,000 Geneco customers on 11.11 and 12.12 in celebration of the year end #JollyGreen season.
In total, we have distributed over 6,000 eco-friendly lifestyle items that include Microgreen Kits, Sprout Plantable pencils, 100% recyclable foldable umbrellas, collapsible water bottles, reusable straws, grocery net bags and more.
Through these green giveaways, we aim to inspire everyone to make a meaningful change for our environment in the long-term.
2021 has truly been a fulfilling year for Geneco despite the continued uncertainty faced around the world.
These milestones could not have been achieved without your support and we’d like to thank each of our #ChangeMakerSG partners, communities and families for your confidence in us.
As we look ahead into 2022, let’s continue to #PowerTheChange for a greener and more sustainable future.
Before we end off, here’s a quick recap video on our green milestones for 2021:
From our Geneco family to yours, here’s to a greener and better 2022!
- By Geneco
- 29 December 2021
