Eco-friendly takeaway essentials that every Singaporean needs to dabao in style -- reusable lunch bags, cute containers and cups

Source: TODAY

We Singaporeans love to eat out. Unfortunately, the takeaway -- or dabao -- culture is synonymous with single-use plastic and styrofoam boxes that aren't so great for the environment. In 2022 alone, 1 million tonnes of plastic waste was generated in Singapore, according to the National Environment Agency (NEA). The worst part? Only 6% was recycled and the rest was disposed of.

It's clear that single-use plastics - or disposables - are the main problem here but we can do our part to reduce this, starting from assembling your own low-waste "kit" for your takeaway meals.

We'll take you through some the basics you need to get and it might take some time to get used to this eco way of takeout but with the cute selection of stuff we have, we hope it'll make the journey easier. Let's dabao smart (and in style)!

Let's start with the lunch bag. Whether you want something that resembles an actual paper bag or an insulated one to keep your food warm, we found some we'd love to carry around proudly.

Waxed Canvas Lunch Bag

Still nostalgic about brown bag lunches in school? This waxed canvas bag looks almost like the brown paper bag we're all familiar with. Waterproof and sturdy, you can fit a lot into this "paper" bag.

Blue Q Packin' Snacks Lunch Bag

Known for their quirky and colourful designs with humorous captions, this Blue Q lunch bag is also made from 95% recycled materials and is quite structured and sturdy. Now you have a place to stash your snacks.

Japanese Style Bento Lunch Bag

If you love how the Japanese wrap their bento sets, this is a quick cheat way to carry around your food. Choose from different patterns and colours, complete with the big bow at the top.

Skater Burger Insulated Lunch Bag

Takeaway your burger in a burger bag! This illustrated lunch bag is also insulated so your food will retain its temperature for a while.

Skater Kiki's Delivery Service Insulated Lunch Bag

Fans of Ghibli will love this themed lunch bag from the movie which features a young witch who opens a business delivering goods by broomstick. The bag is also insulated so you can keep your food warm, or cold for a longer time.

Blue Q Eat Your Feelings Lunch Bag

Listen to you lunch bag and just eat your feelings. Many reviewers also love the design and say that they use the bag for more than just lunch and takeaways.

Eat Your Feelings Lunch Bag, $22.36, Buy it from Amazon

Whether you like to meal prep from home bento-style or like to pile on your food cai png-style, we have a selection of silicone, glass and plastic lunch boxes that look good and are durable.

Keweis Silicone Food Storage Containers, Set of 3

Silicone lunch boxes are fantastic due to their versatility, durability, and eco-friendliness. The sturdy construction of these containers ensures they can withstand daily use without warping or cracking.

Tupperware Microwavable Lunch Box

Gone are the boring Tupperware containers your grandmother hoards in the cupboard - this vibrant purple bento-style box from Tupperware is nothing like those. It also comes with a vent you can open to release the steam after microwaving your food.

OXO Good Grips Food Storage Container

Dependable and durable,these containers made from shock-resistant pressed borosilicate glass that is oven, freezer and microwave safe. The lids also ensure that they are leakproof.

If you like the outdoorsy aesthetic, this stainless steel lunch box looks like the tiffin containers you'd bring on a camping trip. The lid also fits snugly so it is leakproof.

Feshory Airtight 16-Piece Food Storage Container Set

If you're a pro dabao-er, this extensive set comes with many different containers of all sizes so you can store all kinds of food and dishes whenever you take away food.

Not packing a full meal? We also need a bag for the occasional sandwich and office snacks. From Stasher bags to sandwich sacks, we also have reusable bags to complement your lunch boxes.

Greater Goods Reusable Silicone Containers for Food Storage, Set of 4

Just like the stand up storage bags, these bags also have a wider base and have more structure. These silicone bags are excellent to eat out of too which make them great for noodles, rice and paste.

If you prefer more structure, this set comes with a wider base so you don't have to settle for a flattened doughnut or curry puff when you take away.

Fluf Flip Snack Sack

This soft case snack sack is good for storing various snacks and fried stuff. The insides are lined so you never have to worry about liquids or oil seeping through.

Stasher is the OG when it comes to silicone sandwich bags. This limited edition tie-dye bag is definitely a vibrant and cute change to the regular silicone bags out there.

Reusable Storage Bags, 20 Pack

Save and get a 20-piece set of silicone sandwich bags that you can use to store curry puffs and other snacks.

Now for the mandatory takeaway coffee, we need a cute statement cup or mug that can also be a fashion accessory. We have a selection of cute prints, cartoon characters and more.

Wiggle Wiggle Bamboo Eco Tumbler

Crafted from renewable bamboo fibre, they're lightweight, durable, and biodegradable. On top of that, these Wiggle Wiggle cups come in bright and vibrant patterns - you'll want to be seen with one of these cups in your hand.

Skater Hello Kitty Coffee Tumbler

It may look like just a cute tumbler but reviewers are raving at how long it retains heat. Swap the plastic baggies of kopi and teh for these pretty tumblers instead.

Huskee Renew Cup

They may be lightweight but these Huskeep cups are also break-resistant and microwave-safe. The lid is super secured so you never have to worry about spillage.

Thermos Insulated Mug

A trusted name for insulated cups, these Thermos mugs might look like a regular mug but they can keep your drink hot or cold for up to an hour.