idsMED Singapore Takes Strides Towards a Greener Future

idsMED Singapore believes that small acts of change in the workplace can lead to significant positive impacts.Recognising the significant environmental impact that businesses can have, idsMED Singapore is committed to reducing its ecological footprint. From this year, the company has taken proactive steps to operate more responsibly and encourage individual employees to do the same.

Understanding that meaningful change begins with awareness, the HR team kicked off its sustainability initiative by educating employees about the importance of eco-friendly practices. This effort included informative email broadcasts with educational posters and a special “Sustainability” lunch talk. Other initiatives were rolled out to encourage more involvement from the employees in the cause. These initiatives were designed to engage staff, raise awareness, and lay the groundwork for a more sustainable workplace culture.

Greener Choices: From Packaging to Snacking

A key early initiative was a shift in the company’s bi-weekly “Fruits Day” to move away from non-recyclable packaging. Traditionally, fruits were distributed in Styrofoam nets, cardboard boxes, or plastic containers, many of which were not recyclable. In response, the HR team decided to try out a more sustainable alternative: dried fruit snacks, nuts, and other healthy options packaged in recyclable, eco-friendly materials – procured from the brands Boxgreen and Garden Picks. This change not only reduces waste but also offers employees a healthier, more convenient snack option.

Educational Engagement: Promoting Sustainable Habits

To further promote sustainability in the workplace, the Marketing Communications Team developed a series of digital posters showcasing practical tips for reducing environmental impact both at work and in daily life. These tips emphasised the “3Rs” – Reuse, Reduce, Recycle – along with simple yet effective habits like duplex printing, turning off lights in unused areas, and minimizing water wastage. These posters were displayed on office TV screens as well as distributed via email, ensuring maximum visibility and encouraging employees to embrace these habits in their personal and professional lives.

Building Knowledge: Sustainability Talk with Joline Tang

On 25 October 2024, a special “Lunch & Learn” session on the Zero Waste Hierarchy was held at the idsMED Learning Academy. The session attracted 21 employees keen to deepen their understanding of sustainability. The talk led by Joline Tang, founder of The Sustainability Project addressed common misconceptions around sustainability and provided practical, actionable insights on how individuals can make more sustainable choices. Accompanied by a good meal, the session was both interactive and insightful, with employees leaving with renewed perspectives on how to incorporate sustainability into their daily routines.

Team Spirit for Sustainability: Beach Clean-Up Event

To get employees more directly involved in environmental conservation, the HR team organised a beach clean-up on 11 November 2024. The event saw 18 employees gather at East Coast Park Area C for a morning of eco-friendly action. Organised into three teams, participants ventured out with their metal tongs, buckets and trash bags, and competed to collect the most litter, while also filming creative videos to document their efforts. The participants subsequently enjoyed a catered bento lunch and took the opportunity to catch up with colleagues.

All participants received snacks from Garden Picks as tokens of appreciation for their cleaning efforts. The winning team was rewarded with the full assortment of seven packs that included dried mango, salted caramel peanut, dried cranberries, and honey mustard soya crisps. This fun and impactful event provided employees with a nice break from the workplace and a tangible way to contribute to environmental preservation while fostering teamwork and community spirit.

A New Step Toward Recycling: Office Recycling Bins

In another important step towards a more sustainable office environment, idsMED Singapore has introduced designated recycling bins in the office. This initiative will make it easier for employees to recycle paper, plastics, and other materials right in the office, helping to reduce waste and fostering a culture of recycling. The bins are clearly labelled to guide proper waste segregation and raise awareness about the importance of recycling in reducing landfill contributions. With this new addition, employees can actively participate in sustainability efforts within the office, contributing to the company’s broader environmental goals.

Looking Ahead: Continuing the Journey

idsMED Singapore’s ongoing commitment to sustainability reflects its belief that every small change contributes to a larger, collective effort to protect the planet. As the company continues to implement eco-friendly alternatives across various aspects of the workplace, it hopes to inspire employees and other businesses to adopt sustainable practices.

With ongoing education, active engagement, and hands-on initiatives like the beach clean-up and the introduction of office recycling bins, idsMED is paving the way for a greener, more responsible future—both within the company and beyond.