#HerWorldHerStory: Charlotte Mei on inspiring lifestyle change

"As a child, I’d see my dad bring his own bags to the supermarket, return excess napkins to service staff, and save letters printed on one side so we could reuse them for note-taking purposes. Now, I try to live sustainably, and besides practising these habits, I compost food waste, grow my own vegetables, and rehome items I no longer have a need for.

When shopping for groceries, I go for package-free options as much as possible, and when shopping for clothes, I try to pick those made with natural materials, as this means less micro plastics will get washed into our waterways. I also make it a point to support brands that are actively working towards lowering their carbon footprint.

A common misconception about sustainable living is that it is expensive, but it usually involves a one-time expenditure, as the idea is to purchase an item that one truly needs and that would last a long time. When it comes to fashion, sustainable options do tend to cost more, but that is because it is an ethically produced item, and will cover fair wages and supplier costs. That said, I feel that actionable steps are different for everyone, and usually suggest starting with low-hanging fruit like getting your daily takeaway drink filled into a reusable tumbler.

The more support we have for the lifestyle, the more it signals to the government and marketplace that there is a demand for a particular type of product or service. The efforts that the government and big corporations make are only as good as consumer behaviour allows, so our individual action matters. Human behaviour works in a way where we adjust our beliefs and actions according to what our peers around us are doing – you never know who you may be influencing!

My advice for anyone looking to be a sustainability advocate is to read widely and critically on the topic. Also, find a group of like-minded people who share ideas and keep you challenged."

Photography: Veronica TayArt Direction: Ray Ticsay & Adeline EngStyling: Lena Kamarudin & Windy AuliaHair: Sean Ang, Angel Gwee, Shaikh Madiha Sadique AhmedMakeup: Lolent Lee using Shiseido & Angel Gwee