Khoo Kai Jun, Marcus (FASS), Lim Wen Hao, Lionel (SOC), Timothy Timuari Li Zhi (FASS), Wang Chun Min (BIZ)
Academic Advisor: Ms. Sadaf Ansari
Single-use plastics, justified by the industry due to perceived effectiveness in extending the shelf-life of food (Schweitzer, 2018), cause global environmental problems due to wasteful and small-format packaging, and low recycling rates (IEEP, 2019), and in Singapore too (Hwee Min, 2019). To address this concern, we operated a Zero-Waste Store in NUS. Our project serves as a feasibility study and pilot test for a store to be implemented in collaboration with NUS SAVE. Prior to execution, a sensing survey (n=150) was conducted to gauge receptiveness and identify popular packaged food items. Sourced from zero-waste suppliers, our store operated for a week at a campus location with high foot traffic, implemented zero-waste packaging, and charged wholesale pricing. In a post-purchase survey (n=110), 97% customers indicated willingness to buy from zero-waste stores on campus, and 91% mentioned that the store increased their awareness of food packaging waste. These findings, and high volume of sales, indicate high receptiveness towards the implementation of zero-waste stores in NUS.