Singapore’s Earth Hour Champion Reveals 6 Simple Eco Hacks for Kids

Meet EarthOne: Your New Go‑to Spot for Planet‑Friendly News

Ever feel like you’re scrolling endlessly for eco‑news that actually sparks joy? AsiaOne’s fresh launch—EarthOne—has you covered. It’s a brand‑new section that puts the planet front and center, all baked with a dash of science and a sprinkle of everyday love.

Bonnie Chia: Your Friendly WWF Maven

When you think of WWF, Bonnie Chia pops into mind. She’s the brains behind its global brand strategy, and the mastermind who makes Earth Hour a global blockbuster. Every March 26, folks worldwide dim their lights for one hour to show love for Earth. And thanks to Bonnie’s push, a record 1,000 Singaporean spots joined the switch‑off wave last year.

Why Bonnie’s Life Story Matters

Mom‑and‑biz hero: She juggles working at WWF and raising two little champs—Maya (7) and Aiden (4).
Heart‑felt mission: “I don’t want my kids to inherit a sick planet,” she says, because the climate’s not a pretty picture.
Real‑talk level: Even with WWF’s knowledge, she admits staying fully sustainable feels like a dance—especially when you’ve got kids to keep up.

Eco‑Parenting in Action: Six Easy Hacks

Bonnie’s not just preaching; she’s got the playbook. Scroll on for six simple ways you can turn your little ones into green warriors!

Down the lights, Up the joy: Join Earth Hour—turn off your lights for an hour and turn that off‑screen time into a learning moment.
Mindful Meal Prep: Cook smaller portions, cut the waste, and keep the kitchen spotless—your kids will watch the transformation.
Recycling Game: Make sorting trash a fun two‑player contest. “Who can spot three shadows?” is a win‑win for chores.
Handicraft Reuse: Turn old T‑shirts into tote bags. Teach the kids that one-to-many can be a life‑saver.
Zero‑Waste Bathroom: From reusable wipes to a tiny refillable bottle, baby-proof the steps.
Green Time‑Out: Take “nature breaks”—brisk walks in the park, collecting fallen leaves, and watching birds.

Bonnie’s mantra echoes across the small group of parents who want a thriving planet for their kids. With these six practical tips and a touch of fun, you’re sure to become the next eco‑hero in your household.

So whether you’re at EarthOne on AsiaOne or kicking off an Earth Hour countdown at home, let’s make everyday choices that feel as empowering as they do playful. Together, we can give the little ones a world worth cheering for.

1. Wait before you click ‘Buy’ – and look at second-hand options too

Parenting Hacks That Keep Wallets Happy & Kids Smiling

Every decade we’re told that splurging is the secret to happy kids. But, as Bonnie puts it, “I’ve learned that kids are just as thrilled with shiny hand‑me‑downs or gently worn toys as with brand‑new gadgets.” Let’s dive into some savvy ways to keep the fun going without breaking the bank.

1. The “Wait‑and‑See” Cart Trick

What it is: Pop items you’re tempted to buy into an online cart, then give yourself a few days (or even a week) before actually checking out.
Why it works: The delay helps cut down on impulse purchases that you’ll later forget about.
Pro tip: Only check out if you still want the item after the cool‑down period.

2. Second‑hand Super‑stores

Platforms to Explore: Carousell and Olio are the go‑to spots for bargains or free giveaways. Scoped out? A whole load of treasures can be found at a fraction of the price.
Why it matters: The “buy less, save more” mindset isn’t just good for the bank; it’s great for the planet too.

Bonus: Eco‑Friendly Brands Are Now Competitive!

Buy new? Look for sustainable labels—these items are now priced pretty close to conventional products. Keep an eye on:

Unilever x Lazada Deal: A three‑year partnership to highlight “Easy Green” products.
What “Easy Green” Stands For:
- At least 90 % biodegradable.
- Minimum 50 % renewable carbon sources.
- Packaging made from paper or recycled plastic.
Ask About It: When shopping, search for the Easy Green badge or ask your retailer for the specifics.

Final Thought

Thriving as a parent doesn’t require a new toy for every holiday. Embrace the hand‑me‑downs, wait before buying, tap into second‑hand platforms, and pick up those eco‑friendly products when you do need to purchase. It’s a win for both the family budget and the planet!

2. Cook more plant-based meals – and get the kids involved

Why Going Plant-Powered Works Wonders

Bonnie’s got a simple rule: switch to a planet‑friendly diet and you’ll score big in both health and environmental brownie points. Think of it as a delicious, low‑impact lifestyle hack that keeps your body thriving and the planet happy.

Key Playbook for a Greener Plate

Embrace plenty of plant‑based goodies—more veggies, fruits, legumes, and nuts.
Cut back on meat, and remember that one tofu or tempeh swap can be a game‑changer.
Go for whole foods that are close to nature; less processed means less waste.
When you’re shopping, aim for local destinations like the wet market—less plastic, fresher foods, more community vibes.

Home‑Cooked Wins

Cooking at home gives you the chance to play chef with healthy, planet‑friendly ingredients. Replace each grilled steak with a hearty bean, a silky tofu slab, or a lump of tempeh and add a colorful side salad. It not only boosts protein but also reduces the clutter of plastic packaging.

Feel the Sweetness

There’s a bonus: those beautiful, paprika‑spiced, roasted veggies are not just tasty—they’re the best for the Earth, too. And the best part? Less plastic means less litter and more green for everyone.

3. Let kids shop for vegetables, or grow their own

Making Kids Love Veggies—One Shopping Trip at a Time

Bonnie says, “We bring our little ones along on grocery runs. They get to pick the veggies that end up on their plates.” She’s right—when kids have a say in the selection, their excitement for fresh produce spikes.

They also fall head‑first for homegrown treats: mushrooms, green onions, and those adorable mung‑bean sprouts are big hits.

Why the Secret Sauce Works

Kids are more curious about trying new vegetables when they hand‑picked them.
Shopping trips and garden projects give the perfect chance to chat about food origins.
By starting early, children learn that their choices shape the planet.

Got No Patio? No Problem!

Urban farms like Edible Garden City or Hort Park’s gardening workshops offer a hands‑on playground, perfect for students who want to grow their own greens. Whether it’s a community garden or a rooftop plot, the only thing missing is your next veggie adventure.

4. Enrol kids in activities outdoors, so they learn about nature

Meet Bonnie: The Mom Who Turns Every Backyard into a Wilderness Adventure

Bonnie’s mantra is simple but powerful: “Give my children every chance to feel the great outdoors.” She turned her family’s routine into a playful exploration of nature.

Her Action Plan

Forest School Enrollment: She signed the kids up at Wildlings Forest Schools—where the curriculum is literally “learn by living in the woods.”
Earth Hour Participation: Every year, the family lights candles and turns off screens to show how one small act can spark global change.
Regular Park Playtime: After a long day, they hit the park for impromptu games, letting the kids chase each other among hills and swings.

From Mosquito Woes to Sunshine Wins

Before her kids arrived, Bonnie was more of a bug‑barricaded homebody—mosquitoes practically had her listed as the ultimate target. Then came the little ones who lured her into the fresh air.

Watching them run barefoot among trees and catch fireflies, she realized how kids learn life’s lessons the best way: hands‑on in the wild. The cycle of life, the buzz of insects, the rhythm of wind—all became natural classroom material.

Now, Science Meets Play

Today, Bonnie’s mission is clear: “More out-of‑door moments with my kids. Whether it’s a hike, a tree‑climbing session, or a spontaneous picnic, she guarantees the family’s everyday routine is a splash of adventure.

5. Get involved in your community and school eco projects

Earth Hour in the School: One Parent’s Whirlwind Adventure

Balancing work and family life is a marathon, but Bonnie says the finish line is worth the sprint. When her daughter turned seven and started primary school, Bonnie dove headfirst into the Parent Support Group—and it turned into a full‑blown eco‑saga.

What Went Down

Earth Hour Launch: Bonnie hosted the school’s first Earth Hour local programme.
Earth Art Digital Exhibition: With the help of the school committee, fellow parents, and students, bright, colorful artworks came to life on screens.
Eco‑Action Film: A 3‑minute documentary featuring kids of all ages showing off their daily eco‑habits.
Fun Night Highlights:
- Earth doodling session with Singaporean illustrator @doodlesinabox.
- Eco‑Kahoot competition that drew over 70 families.

How Bonnie Feels About It

“It was a night of laughs, learning, and a splash of artistic chaos,” she says. “I will never forget how our students turned their little habits into a big green story.” A bit of humor, a dash of emotion, and a whole lot of community turned a Saturday evening into a memorable highlight for her and the town.

6. Empower kids and youth to create positive change

How to Turn Your Kids Into Eco‑Heroes (With a Twist of Humor)

Being a parent is a bit like being a superhero—besides the cape, you get to inspire your little side‑kicks to do awesome things. Here’s a playful yet inspiring strategy from Bonnie, who turned ordinary chores into a gardening‑for‑the‑planet adventure. Her star method? Make your kids the eco‑captains of the house.

Step One: Giving Them the Recycle Rumble

Task them with the cleanup fight – “Hey Team, we’re launching the “Recycling Revolution”! Let’s grab the bins and sort like pros.”
Celebrate the triumphs – When they spot a plastic bottle that deserves a journey to the recycler, give them a round of applause.
Turn it into a mini‑competition – “Who can find the perfect recyclable this week?” Adds a playful edge.

Result? They’re not just “doing the chores”; they’ve become recycling wizards who even double‑check that their parents are not dropping the wrong stuff into the bin.

Step Two: Let the Teenagers Take the Lead

When the kids are a bit older, it’s time to level up. Bonnie recommends tapping into programmes such as WWF‑Singapore’s #WeGotThis. Imagine a youth‑led adventure that’s packed with:

Masterclasses on everything from “Conscious Living 101” to digital advocacy tricks.
Bootcamps that turn everyday problems into mission‑possible challenges.
Mentorships that pair the next generation of eco‑leaders with seasoned pros.

And the best part? It’s all about fun learning—so your teens feel like they’re part of a cool sci‑fi team fighting for a cleaner planet.

Takeaway: The Family Green‑League

By delegating simple tasks, you’re not just teaching your children how to keep the house neat; you’re turning them into real‑world protectors of the planet. And try this tactic: if your parents start checking the recycling, it’s an instant morale boost that turns every chore into a global mission. So go ahead—get those recycling bins ready, sign up for #WeGotThis, and watch your family become the most ecologically happy squad in the neighbourhood.

Singapore’s Earth Hour Champion Reveals 6 Simple Eco Hacks for Kids