A shopper for clothes on online platforms Carousell and Instagram, Ms Rachel Han, 19, realised the packaging added up quickly, generating waste despite her attempt to be environmentally conscious by buying second-hand items.
Meanwhile, Ms Rachel Lee, 19, who sells used clothes on Instagram, wanted to send out orders in recycled packaging, but came up empty-handed.
So, it was the perfect fit when they met on an environment-focused Telegram chat, when Ms Han asked how to recycle polymailers and Ms Lee responded.
In May, they came together to launch Package Pals, an initiative that collects single-use packaging and distributes them to retailers for reuse.
Working with a pool of about 10 volunteers, the Package Pals team holds monthly meet-ups to collect polymailers. Donors can also mail in used packaging or drop them off at Wellness Within and The Sustainability Project, stores in Tai Seng and Bukit Timah that sell sustainable products.
The team then sorts, curates and distributes between six and 14 polymailers to about 18 businesses every month. These includes thrift sellers and businesses such as The Sustainability Project.
Despite the cost savings and environmental benefits, not all businesses have come on board. Ms Lee recalls one retailer turning down their used polymailers, saying it did not want to be seen as a rubbish dump.
Public education is one way they are trying to combat this. The team posts Instagram stories about the kind of packaging it does not accept and has compiled a resource-matching spreadsheet, directing donors to businesses looking for items such as crushed paper, cardboard boxes or fabric.
Through the process, their perspectives have been changed too.
For instance, while putting together an infographic about whether paper or plastic is better for the environment, the team learnt that while the former is often perceived as environmentally friendly because it is biodegradable, it takes more energy and water to produce and emits more pollution in the process.
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Source: The Straits Times, 23 August 2020