Choose to be green

A growing problem

The daily use of energy in Hong Kong has a negative impact on our city's environment. It is a simple calculation. The energy we use comes from the coal the power plants burn, which produces the smog we all breathe each day. While we obviously cannot simply stop using electricity, we can reduce our consumption at home.

Reduce energy consumption

Clean out the filters periodically in your air-conditioning system for improved efficiency, and turn off air-cons when nobody is at home. Close most doors to keep the heat in during winter. Turn off lamps and electronic appliances when they are not in use.Choose gas rather than electric stoves and water heaters. Take showers instead of baths. Use compact fluorescent light bulbs because they last 10 times longer than normal bulbs and consume between one-fourth and one-sixth less electricity.

Decrease water pollution

Untreated sewage, dangerous chemicals and other bits-and-pieces (sanitary towels, condoms and newspapers) hit our waters in truckloads everyday. It is not a pretty sight and the answer begins at home. Consider what you are throwing down the toilet or sink because non-biodegradable items can be harmful to marine life. Remember that only toilet paper can be broken down effectively when it is flushed down the toilet. And don't throw rubbish into the water when you are at a beach or by the river.

Waste reduction

The city's three main landfills - one is near Sai Kung, and the other two are in the west and north New Territories - only started operation between 1993 and 1995, but they already occupy 270 hectares of land. They are expected to be full by 2015, seven years ahead of schedule. Minimising waste at home is therefore vital.

Recycling programs

Most district councils in Hong Kong have already implemented residential and public recycling programs, as well as provided separation bins to encourage the public to reduce waste. Up to 80 percent of the waste we produce can be recycled, thus greatly reducing the need for landfills. It is important to separate your trash regularly. Contact your district council's office if you have questions about recycling in your area. Living greener doesn't mean adopting a new lifestyle; it is more about adjusting your old one.

Cut out plastic bags

Plastic bags are the number one contributor to Hong Kong landfills. Most of them are used only once, and millions are thrown away everyday. So use environmentally friendly, reusable bags instead of plastic bags when shopping. As an incentive some supermarkets are beginning to charge consumers for plastic bags, a scheme that is already working in Europe.

Pass on second hand clothing

According to Lily Li, of Friends of the Earth, Hong Kong's residents are unwilling to face their environmental responsibilities because our lifestyle is built on "exploitative consumption". Fashion-crazed individuals may dispose of their clothes, shoes and other accessories a few times a year. But rather than throwing your unwanted items into the garbage, offer them to friends, sell them on e-Bay or donate to charities.

Change your shopping habits

Make a difference by buying family-sized and bulk-sized products and choose products with little packaging or packaging made of recycled material. Buy drinks in returnable bottles, and buy your vegetables and fruits from fresh markets to avoid non-biodegradable Styrofoam trays from supermarkets. Last but not least, return shopping bags to the stores and clothes hangers to the dry cleaners.

Encourage government action

The government is considering implementing a "polluter-pays" policy, whereby people pay for the collection and treatment of waste according to how much they generate. This has worked exceedingly well in Taiwan, where recycled waste has increased by 36 percent.

Look for green info

For more useful information on how to create a greener home in Hong Kong, check out the following websites:
Friends of the Earth: www.foe.org.hk
The Environmental Protection Department: www.epd.gov.hk
Hong Kong Government Information: www.info.gov.hk
The Green Council Organisation: www.greencouncil.org
The World Wildlife Foundation: www.wwf.org.hk
The Green Manufacturing Alliance: www.gma.org.hk