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SCMP Reporter

A recent poll conducted in 39 countries placed Hong Kong at the bottom of the list in terms of support for environmental issues. This put the territory below most Western countries and even China and India.

   While this is very discouraging, the poll did reveal some encouraging signs.

  Younger people (aged 18 to 29) and those with college education were found to be supportive of environmental protection and government spending to reduce pollution.

  Young people are the hope for a green future and their interest should be encouraged.

   Many students in Hong Kong are already active in organising green activities.

   One organisation, the Green Students' Council (GSC), is recruiting secondary and tertiary students who want to work towards a greener, brighter future. It aims at raising awareness among students and developing and maintaining links with those in mainland China.

  The GSC was set up in 1992 by a group of students who had taken part in a student environmental exchange programme run by Friends of the Earth.

  The exchange programme, Project Green Hope, allowed students from Hong Kong and mainland China to learn about the environment in each other's cities and work together to improve it.

  The GSC has a core committee and four sub-groups involved in education, raising awareness, publishing and recreation.

   The education sub-group organises a monthly study group and is planning a green camp for Form Four to Seven students.

  The concern sub-group is raising awareness about two issues - the use of foam boxes in food courts, and development around Mai Po Marshes Nature Reserve.

   This group tries to voice its concerns to the public. The publications sub-group produces a quarterly newsletter and is designing a bulletin about the experiences of Project Green Hope over the past four years.

   Finally, the recreational sub-group is organising eco-trips and leisure activities for its members. Recently they visited Nam Sang Wai and published an information sheet on the development controversy there which was distributed to tertiary students in Hong Kong.

  The GSC welcomes more students to join and share concerns and learn about Hong Kong and worldwide environmental issues.

   Those interested in getting to know more about the organisation should write to the GSC, c/o Friends of the Earth, 2/F, 53-55 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai, fax 2529 2777, or call Henry Ho on 2528 5588.

   Leave your contact numbers or school address and the GSC will send you information and the current issue of the GSC newsletter.

  Friends of the Earth is a local non-profit making environmental organisation. For more information, call 2528 5588.



Environmental awareness low in Hong Kong