AsiaOne Unveils EarthOne: A Fresh Dose of Planet‑Friendly Journalism
Love the Earth? Love science? Then dig into EarthOne, AsiaOne’s brand‑new section for all things green. It’s less “green‑washing” and more “green‑thinking.”
The Chill Factor of Net‑Zero
When sustainability is the buzzword of the decade, many brands brag about being eco‑friendly while actually doing nothing more than repurposing their marketing colors. That’s why it’s genuinely exciting to see a company that actually walks its talk.
Meet SaladStop!—Southeast Asia’s First Net‑Zero F&B Store
Nestled in the fresh, green vibes of CapitaSpring, SaladStop! has spent the last two years nailing down a Net‑Zero audit. The result? A restaurant that measures its carbon footprint, keeps it locked at zero, and still serves up salads with flair.
What’s Flying in the Store?
- Furniture built from upcycled logs—because old wood gets a fresh, stylish second life.
- Tiles cut from recycled plastic, proving that trash can look terrific.
- And a full menu that respects the planet, one bite at a time.
So, what does Net‑Zero actually mean? In plain talk, it’s about balancing the greenhouse gases you emit with a bundle of offsets—like planting trees or buying renewable energy certificates—so that all your emissions vanish from the net equation.
SaladStop! isn’t just a trendpie; it’s a proof that businesses can seriously take on environmental responsibility—and we’re cheering them on every step of the way.
What and why?
What Does Net Zero Actually Mean?
According to the United Nations, net zero boils down to chopping greenhouse‑gas output to near zero and letting nature’s own “sponge” – forests, oceans, and the like – soak up whatever sneaks through.
Why the Fuss About Net Zero?
Because climate change is throwing a pretty brutal wrench into the planet’s playbook. The goal is to keep Earth livable for the kids and grandkids to come. Want proof? Just step out of your air‑conditioned office and feel the heat.
SaladStop! Goes Green and Proud
They started their journey toward being certified by partnering with Unravel Carbon, a Singapore company that helps track and trim down carbon footprints.
- Estimated yearly CO₂ emissions from the new store: 117 tonnes
- Average emissions from other SaladStop! outlets: 126 tonnes
- Result: 9 tonnes less CO₂ per year
Compared with quick‑service restaurants that chill out 558 tonnes of CO₂ yearly, this single store already drops a staggering 441 tonnes.
How Does It Happen?
There are a few key moves:
- Zero‑waste take‑away options for eco‑savvy customers.
- Exclusive Deliveroo partnership that restricts deliveries to cyclists and walkers.
- On‑site partnership with Westcom Bio‑Tech to transform leftover food into safe fertiliser, slashing landfill waste.
The Bottom Line
Each bite of salad at SaladStop! isn’t just delicious—it’s a step toward a cooler, greener future for all of us.
What price sustainability?
<img alt="" data-caption="(From left) Brother-sister duo Adrien Desbaillets and Katherine Desbaillets Braha, and Frantz Braha of the SaladStop! Group, which aims to be the first Asian F&B chain to achieve net zero capability across all new and existing outlets under its direct management by 2030.
PHOTO: SaladStop! Group” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”59c1255e-06ca-4504-8d44-c7d8ea5db3c0″ src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/15072022_members_SALADSTOP%21%20GROUP.jpg”/>
SaladStop! Goes Green & Keeps Your Wallet Happy
In a world where a lunch break is usually followed by a carbon footprint, SaladStop! is on a mission to hit net‑zero without charging extra for your favorite greens.
What’s the Plan?
The company has sorted the obvious first—cutting emissions wherever possible. But when the kitchen already runs on crisp, low‑carbon practices, the next step is to “buy” the difference with high‑quality offsets from projects that truly care about the planet.
- Myanmar Stoves Campaign – a Gold Standard initiative that’s turning low‑emission stoves into a daily reality for farmers.
- Timor Leste Community Forest – a partnership with WithOneSeed that keeps native species thriving and sequesters CO₂ for good.
No Extra Cost? Yes, Please!
Why should a sustainability‑savvy lunch cost more? Thanks to a shift in market prices (big brands are already buying greener ingredients), SaladStop! only sees a tiny uptick in costs. That surplus is funneled back into the offset network—so you get the same fresh, ready‑to‑eat bowl for the same price.
It’s a win‑win: you dive into a delicious bowl, and the planet gets a little healthier. And, let’s be honest—who doesn’t want to feel like a secret hero while savoring those crisp lettuce leaves?
Take Small Steps, Make a Big Difference
Choosing where you eat is a powerful, everyday choice. Even a slightly pricier option today can help plant trees tomorrow, power communities, and keep future generations smiling. Eating at SaladStop! is just one of many moves you can make to keep the Earth—and your taste buds—thriving.
Next time you’re scrolling for lunch, think of the bigger picture: one bite, one step, one future.
Also read: Car airbags are notoriously hard to recycle. This designer turned them into stylish clothes.
