letters

Leftover food a serious problem

Hong Kong has a serious problem with leftover food. More than 3,000 tonnes of food are wasted every day.

We must stop this wastage. People order too much food at restaurants. We should encourage them to change this behaviour.

For example, restaurants can offer discounts to customers who finish all their food.

Wastage is a big problem at buffets.

Some diners are greedy. They put a lot of food on their plates. But most of it ends up in the rubbish bin. People don't care since they pay a fixed amount.

There should be smaller portions at buffets. And the dishes can be refilled more often.

Also, leftovers should not be thrown away. They can be kept in the fridge and used the next day. Maybe some of the food can be given to animals, like stray cats and dogs.

Workers can bring their own lunch instead of going to restaurants.

There are leftovers even in my home. So my family plays stone-paper-scissors. The loser has to eat part of the extra food. This is fun.

Everyone should do their bit to make the world a better place.

Jaime Cheung Tin-yee, St Paul's Secondary School

Photos give clear idea about pollution

I read an article 'Teenage photographer takes a shot at pollution' (South China Morning Post, September 5).

Sam Inglis has taken photos about the pollution problem in Hong Kong. The 16-year-old boy's exhibition, Suffocation, is now being held at the Fringe Club.

I think he has done a good job.

Hong Kong is facing serious pollution problems. But the policies adopted by the government have not been very successful. Sam's pictures capture the real situation in the city. They can attract people's attention to the serious threat posed by pollution.

Sam is one of the few teenagers who are brave enough to express their opinions about social issues. I hope he will inspire other youngsters to care about the environment.

However, the exhibition alone will not help solve Hong Kong's problems. Everybody should make an effort to clean up the city.

Vivian Tang, St Mark's School

The write way

A lot of people use e-mail these days. They use a computer to keep in touch with their friends and relatives.

Some students even submit their homework through e-mail. It saves time and is convenient. However, an e-mail doesn't give you the satisfaction of a hand-written letter.

Guys, spend some time writing to your friends. It is a good way to promote friendship.

Karen Wong

Parents should not hurt their children

Some parents ill-treat their children. So the police have arrested them. Children should never be treated this way.

The offenders are young. They know very little about raising children.

Besides, they lack patience. They may also have been under pressure in their daily lives.

They don't know how to manage stress. They easily become angry when they return home from work and have to look after their children.

These people are cruel. They think they have a right to hit their children.

They don't care about their children's feelings.

Such behaviour will badly affect those children. Their health could suffer.

Parents should seek help from their neighbours or social workers during difficult times.

Parents should not hurt their children any more.

Rebecca Cheung, Our Lady of the Rosary College

Healthy camps

Many universities organise camps to help students know more about campus life.

Some people say these camps are not run properly. The organisers of such activities should remember a few things.

There should be no physical contact between the participants. The camps should have a clear aim.

The students should be able to learn valuable lessons from the activities.

They will always welcome an interesting and meaningful camp.

Kerwin So, SKH Li Fook Hing Secondary School

Vote and have a say in your future

I read an article 'No excuse for not voting with city's future at stake' (SCMP, September 7).

The winners of the recent Legislative Council election have a big responsibility.

They have some important issues to deal with. When would Hongkongers be allowed to vote for their chief executive? Also, there's the 2012 Legco election which could be truly democratic.

I think local youngsters are not interested in politics. Hence, Hong Kong's political scene is calm.

I once interviewed a district councillor about a redevelopment project. It taught me how a good politician can help the community.

We should have a say in our future. So we need to use our vote to choose the best candidate.

Schools can educate students about the city's political scene. This can help raise students' interest in day-to-day issues.

Ivy Tsang, St Mark's School

Taste of real world

Some parents are over-protective. They don't even allow their children to choose the subjects they want.

Children should have a taste of the real world. It's time to let go - wisely.

Penny Wu, STFA Tam Pak Yu College