WOO QIYUN, 26, SUSTAINABILITY CONTENT CREATOR & CONSULTANT
IT’S OK TO BE AN “IMPERFECT” ENVIRONMENTALIST
“Being known as a climate activist means that people have a perception of what I’m like and what I stand for,” says 26-year-old Woo Qiyun. “When I go out to eat with a new group of friends, they want to know if I’m a vegan – I’m not, but I’m trying to be. People also ask me why I still use plastics sometimes, or why I still support certain brands.”
Qiyun, who holds a day job as a sustainability consultant at a decarbonisation company, takes a pragmatic approach towards these detractors. Through her Instagram account (@theweirdandwild), she shows the reality of being an environmentalist. “I started sharing experiences, such as having to take a plastic bag from the grocery store because I forgot to bring a reusable bag, or about how I struggle to find vegetarian food I enjoy because my body doesn’t process soy very well,” says Qiyun. “Through these posts, I hope to show that there is more than one way to be a climate activist, and you don’t have to be a purist to fight for environmental protection.”
Beyond offering an unfiltered view of life as a climate activist, The Weird and Wild – which was set up in 2018 – also serves as a repository for content related to sustainability and environmentalism. Qiyun says that her intention is to build climate literacy in Singapore, and to contextualise global events for a local audience. For example, one of her most popular posts is about a topic close to many Singaporeans’ hearts: bubble tea.
This story is from the April 2023 edition of Her World Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April 2023 edition of Her World Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
How Can I Imbue An Element Of Fun To My Watch Wardrobe?
Karishma Tulsidas answers.
Who Says Women Aren't Funny?
You might have chuckled at their satirical take on Singaporean idiosyncrasies, or perhaps even shared their tongue-in-cheek parodies on Tiktok. Meet Chiou Huey, Farah Lola and Nicole Liel - three Singapore comedians who are shaking up the local entertainment scene.
The Beauty Of Speaking Up
Why are we so afraid of sharing feedback at beauty establishments after an unsatisfactory experience? Instead of complaining on social media or leaving a bad Google review, one could consider a different and more constructive) approach.
Should You Travel With Your Work Bestie?
While not all trips result in ruined friendships, the potential fallout is even trickier to manage when your colleague's involved. Content strategist Cherry Tan learnt her lesson the hard way.
Invest, Don't Trade
Managing funds for Asia's wealthiest families changed Stephanie Leung's relationship with money. The chief investment officer for Stashaway tells us how she takes a personal approach to her investment strategy.
How Do I Show Someone I Care About Them At Work?
Jason Wee answers.
Hey Bosses,Get Ready For Gen Z
They're not lazy, entitled or difficult; their lives just don’t revolve around work how a new generation is reshaping the workplace and why employers should care.
Are You Feeling Anxious About Money?
You're not alone. With higher costs of living, increased GST and inflation, plus the real risk of being laid off, it’s no wonder that many individuals are worried about making ends meet. We speak to experts about how to recognise and manage the effects of financial anxiety.
"I SHARED MY BREAK-UP ON INSTAGRAM...AND MY EX TRIED TO SUE ME FOR IT"
How does one move on from a partner's infidelity? For Maya, domestic life could not have been more perfect, until the housewife discovered her husband's affair with their daughter's preschool teacher.
Not just a vessel
Behind social media's obsession with the Stanley water bottle.
