SUSTAINABLE FUNPACKS FOR NDP 2019
// Report by Teo Jing Ting
// Photos by Kenneth Lin
A 750ml sports water bottle with a hands-free spout, reusable bamboo drinking straws that double up as clappers – these are some of the items in this year's National Day Parade (NDP) Funpack.
Designed to encourage environmentally sustainable practices, these practical and reusable items are part of the NDP Executive Committee's move to support the National Environment Agency's ‘Say YES to Waste Less' campaign and Singapore's Year Towards Zero Waste.
In another eco-friendly initiative this year, unused ponchos and LED wristbands in the Funpacks will also be collected after each NDP rehearsal and given out at the next.
Chairman Logistics and Finance Military Expert (ME) 6 Ignatius Tham, 43, said the move to include more reusable items is in line with the nation's goal to move towards zero waste, and items like bamboo straws have only appeared on the market in recent years.
"We are quick to adapt and we want to bring (zero waste) to NDP to encourage reusability. We hope that by giving a good (and) quality product to NDP spectators, they can continue to reuse the Funpack."
Available in two colours of red and white, each Funpack has adjustable straps which allows it to function as either a backpack or sling bag. It has a reflective strip for enhanced visibility at night, two internal pockets and a water-resistant inner-lining. It also doubles up as a "Stay Prepared" Emergency Ready Bag.
Designed in partnership with the Temasek Foundation, the Ready Bag aims to raise awareness among Singaporeans about the importance of having a bag of essential items, to be brought along in the event of an emergency home evacuation, said Director, Programmes at Temasek Foundation Fatima Mustafa, 51.
Explaining the collaboration, Ms Fatima said: "One can never be too safe. It's the responsibility of every citizen to be prepared for any kind of emergencies."
Singaporeans can refer to the label within the Funpack for the recommended packing list, which includes a torchlight and batteries, personal medication and photocopies of important documents such as identification cards.
The two QR codes on the label will also lead users to the Singapore Civil Defence Force website for more information on how to prepare a Ready Bag, and the Singapore Red Cross Society webpage to sign-up for a free cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) course.
ME6 Tham said: "This year's Funpack has a versatile design that can fulfil a multitude of purposes. We hope that the public and NDP attendees can continue to reuse the bag for their day-to-day activities, long after the NDP celebrations."
