In China, orchids are considered one of the ‘four gentlemen’ of the plant world. Find out why at an orchid festival in Hong Kong – as well as how to avoid buying an illegally harvested wild specimen.

As city bans single-use plastic, some residents are offering ‘out-of-production’ items for eye-watering prices online.

The Advisory Council on the Environment has unanimously endorsed the environmental impact assessment report on the San Tin Technopole with eight conditions.

But some find the lack of free bottled water in hotel rooms an inconvenience.

Lawmakers hear 40 petrol stations have agreed to install 100 quick chargers by March next year.

Most restaurants and takeaway shops in tourists areas such as Mong Kok, Prince Edward and Yau Ma Tei still using plastic utensils at lunchtime.

Some patrons opt to get hands dirty eating fried chicken at popular fast food chains to avoid paying for gloves as new single-use plastics ban gets under way.

Many customers buying takeaway breakfast in busy business district decline to pay extra for alternatives to plastic cutlery as ban gets under way.

Readers discuss why Hong Kong’s ban on single-use plastics should be embraced, and the need for the city’s residents to do to their bit to prevent wastage of food.

The ISSB, a sustainability-reporting standard-setting body, will vote this week to add biodiversity-related disclosures to its work plan, paving the way for such standards to become the global baseline.

Latest suggestion by environment minister Tse Chin-wan is in apparent contrast to what he told legislature four months ago.

Tse Chin-wan says the aim of the ban is to gradually build up a plastic-free culture in society.

Smaller caterers opt for alternatives such as rice husk-based containers with first stage of ban on throwaway plastics kicking in on Monday.

Readers discuss a sustainable way to handle the remains of loved ones, and the need for improvements in the taxi industry.

Think tank New Youth Forum says only 13 per cent of 1,032 interviewees support scheme, which was pushed back twice since last December to August 1.

Environment chief Tse Chin-wan says he feels six months sufficient for businesses to clear out inventories of soon-to-be-banned plastic utensils, but open to extension.

Environment minister Tse Chin-wan also says participation rate among tenants at private estates without management boards stands below 20 per cent.

Readers discuss how Hong Kong can capitalise on its ocean attractions, what the city should focus on to attract tourists, and why trolleys should be readily available at Airport Express stations.

Some major hotel operators say impact of adopting eco-friendly alternatives still manageable, despite some options costing 70 per cent more than plastic.

Hong Kong is taking a major step in its war on waste by banning many single-use plastics. Here’s a visual guide on how much we waste, and the new rules aimed at tackling the problem.

Conservation groups say report on environmental impact of San Tin Technopole project contains inaccurate information and may be subject to legal challenges.

Environmental Protection Department says pilot scheme may soon be extended to private estates with fewer than 1,000 households.

Readers discuss attempts to get the government to scrap its scheme for waste reduction, and plans for the Hong Kong Sevens to move to a new stadium.

Scientists buoyed after pledge by mainland Chinese officials that Hongkongers will be able to join future polar research missions.

Ban targets sale and distribution of plastic items, but not possession, so people can still buy online.

First stage of ban takes effect on April 22 and prohibits use of styrofoam products and throwaway plastic utensils, as well as cups and containers for dine-in services.