Bamboo straws that can be used as clappers: NDP funpacks to contain more reusable items

SINGAPORE — This year’s funpack for the National Day Parade (NDP) will contain items that the parade’s organisers hope can be used long after the celebrations are over.

With Singapore having declared 2019 as the Year Towards Zero Waste, the parade’s organisers have taken the cue from that and designed the funpack with sustainability in mind.

So out goes NDP regulars such as maracas and scarves, items they deem to have a low probability of being reused.

This year’s funpack will contain one 750ml water bottle, reusable bamboo straws that can be used as clappers, a miniature handheld Singapore flag (without a stand), snacks, tissue paper and a sun visor, among others.

Mr Ignatius Tham, who holds the rank of Military Expert 6 (ME6) and is chairman of the parade’s logistics and finance committee, hopes that the versatility of the funpack will spur people to reuse it.

“Specific for this year, we took alignment to the year towards zero waste. We wanted to do something that can promote reuse, so that people can continue to use the bag long after the NDP celebrations,” ME6 Tham said.

The funpack comes with adjustable straps and can be used as a messenger bag, a tote bag or a backpack.

Parade organisers also hope that after the parade, the funpack can be reused as a bag to hold emergency supplies.

Each funpack has a label with a list of “recommended essential items” to pack in times of emergencies.

There are two QR codes on the bag. One will launch the website of the Singapore Civil Defence Force, which provides information on how to prepare an emergency bag.

The other QR code will lead users to the Singapore Red Cross Society, which will have details about a free cardiopulmonary resuscitation and automated external defibrillator course.

The funpack will be distributed at the Padang, the venue for this year’s NDP.