Christmas is one of the most anticipated celebrations of the year, but it can also create significant waste. An artificial Christmas Tree, for example, takes 20 years of use to work off its excess carbon footprint when compared to a real tree.

With this in mind, the Sustainable Christmas Market - the first certified carbon neutral Christmas Market in Singapore – was organised to help Singaporeans celebrate Christmas in a more environmentally-conscious and socially-responsible manner. The event also aimed to raised funds to support vulnerable children of Climate Refugees impacted by the Pakistan floods.

Helmed by Eunice Yeo, Founder of Peace of Art, in partnership with City Developments Limited and Singapore Red Cross, the multi-faceted event was held on 27 Nov 2022 at Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel.

With environmentally-minded Christmas workshops for both children and adults, a pre-loved bazaar to satisfy any shopaholic, sustainably-made fashion, toys and lifestyle products, an exciting range of curated F&B and retail offerings, and a Santa ’s Photo Booth, there was something for everyone. The event attracted a few thousand people and almost $150,000 was raised to provide aid for children of Climate Refugees via Singapore Red Cross.

The Guest of Honour for the event was Her Excellency Ms Rukhsana Afzaal, High Commissioner of Pakistan, Singapore, together with other VIPs – Ms Selena Tan (creator and original Dim Sum Dolly), champion of Sustainability Mr Vikas Garg (founder and CEO of abillion), and Mr Sherman Kwek (Group Chief Executive Officer, CDL).

Organiser of Sustainable Christmas Market, Eunice Yeo, shares, “I am extremely pleased that the event achieved strong attendance and the amount raised exceeded our expectations. The funds will enable us to do more to aid the children of Climate Refugees in Pakistan. In addition, I believe that the Sustainable Christmas Market has helped to build awareness for sustainability and the adverse effects that we are facing globally.

We look forward to Sustainable Christmas Market 2023. Corporate donors and other organisations have already indicated that they would like to do more next year for this meaningful event, the Christmas market with deep-rooted purpose in sustainability, while doing good for those in need.”