Much of our stuff today is not only made from non-renewable and unsustainable sources, but quickly consumed and thrown out. From extraction to processing and ending up as waste, the things we buy are harming the planet through much of it’s life cycle. Plastic is at the top of the list but even natural materials such as cotton are farmed and processed in destructive ways. How do we replace these toxic, non-recyclable materials and transition to a circular economy? What solutions do we have today to create zerowaste products and transform waste into resource?

In the first event of "THE SHIFT - Kopi+Conversations on Climate, Chaos and Creatures on Earth!" series, join Sann Carriere (Co-Founder, Materials Innovation Center), Vickie See (Founder, Singapore Circular Materials Center) and Markus Gnirck (Founder, Lecka Vietnam) in a conversation on sustainable solutions in packaging, building materials, textiles and more.

Snakes, otters, wild boars and monkeys, what animals have you met on a walk, or even inside your home? Singapore has developed with patches of forest and greenery amidst shopping centres and residential areas, and urbanization continues. You can see otters at the Botanic gardens and go shopping at Orchard road in 10 minutes. Less frequent travel and more people out in green spaces since the start of COVID-19 has also led to an increase in human-animal encounters here. Some animals are appreciated, while others cause fear; how do we protect ourselves and them during these moments?

Join our 2nd session of "THE SHIFT - Kopi+Conversations on Climate, Chaos and Creatures on Earth!" series with Jocelyn Chng (ACRES), Cyrena Lin (NParks), Dr. Charlene Yeong (Mandai Nature) and Bernard Seah (Otter Working Group, Otter Watch) to learn more about animal behaviour, what to do when you meet wildlife and national efforts to build a harmonious city in nature.

With around 70% of the world population expected to live in cities by 2050, urban food resources, connecting with and nurturing the natural and wild spaces in cities have become more critical than ever. In the recent pandemic, Singaporeans were increasingly spending time outdoors for their mental well being; many also started home gardening to grow their own fruits and vegetables.

This next event in "THE SHIFT - Kopi+Conversations on Climate, Chaos and Creatures on Earth!" series will be held at the Seed Bank at the Singapore Botanic Gardens. First, we’ll have a short tour of the Seed Bank followed by short presentations by our speakers, Dr. Marek Mutwil (Asst Prof, NTU), Michelle Tan (Founder, Urban Jungle Folks) and Bingyu Cai (Kampung Architect, Ground Up Initiative) who will share their knowledge and work on local edible plants / weeds in the wild and in the lab and how they are building community, improving food security and reconnecting Singaporeans with nature.

STAY TUNED!