letters
Take pleasure in the simple things
I think it is not so difficult to enjoy life if you take pleasure in simple things. For example, we do not need to have expensive clothes when we go out. I wear a simple white T-shirt with a sleeveless black jacket because I think this simple combination works well.
I also do not need to eat at expensive restaurants. I like spicy food and desserts. Spicy dishes make me feel alive, and desserts make me feel happy. I try to make my living space a place I enjoy spending time in. This way I'm happy to stay home.
When I commute, I try to make the most of it. I watch the changing view and listen to music. There is no need for getting around to be a chore.
Enjoying life isn't difficult if you can take pleasure in its simple details. Appreciate the things around you, and you'll be happy.
Chan Hin-yam
Hong Kong should strive or democracy
Hongkongers have been fighting for 'real democracy' for decades. Many of us hope to have the right to vote for our chief executive, choosing one we have confidence in.
If we had universal suffrage and the people thought that a chief executive we had voted into power had not done well, we would have the right to vote him or her out.
For this reason, I feel disappointed that political reform in Hong Kong seems to have been put on the back-burner. I get the feeling our government does not want us to have a more democratic way of life. We don't have to only listen to Beijing.
I really hope 'real democracy' will come to Hong Kong sooner rather than later.
Margaret Chung Yin-yung, CUHK FAA Thomas Cheung Secondary School
Support reusable shopping bags
The plastic bag levy scheme has been controversial. After three months, many Hongkongers still seem reluctant to develop the habit of bringing their own bags. But I am strongly supportive of the campaign and I think other Hongkongers should be too. We need to take action to save the earth before it's too late.
Some people may argue that it is a nuisance to have to bring your own bag. Perhaps it is, but if we have a responsible attitude the 'nuisance' would be a small price to pay for making Hong Kong a greener place to live.
The environment in Hong Kong and worldwide is deteriorating by the day. We cannot just sit back and let this happen.
Change can be made in small ways. One of those small ways is using reusable shopping bags. Stop complaining, and bring your own bag.
Chan Mei-ha, Yuen Long Lutheran Secondary School
Reclamation is not the answer
Hong Kong is a small place and is always looking for new land. In recent years, the government reclaimed land from Victoria Harbour for new roads and buildings to meet demand for land. But our population is growing much faster than we are creating land. Reclamation is not the answer and the government needs to rethink its land use strategy.
As Victoria Harbour becomes narrower, the area available for water traffic is decreasing, and it will become more dangerous. Reclamation will also affect Hong Kong's cultural and natural heritage. As we reclaim the harbour, we lose piers that have been used for a long time, and important parts of our past will fade away.
Reclamation also causes water pollution and upsets the marine ecosystem. Air and noise pollution affects Hongkongers' health. Reclamation also leads to the closure of promenades - another great loss for the city.
I think the government should stop reclaiming land. The advantages are only short-term.
Victoria Harbour is what has led Hong Kong to be known as the 'Pearl of the Orient'. We should treat it with respect, not destroy it.
Chan Po-ling, SKH Li Fook Hing Secondary School
