Green groups have a message for Hong Kong residents as they seek a healthier lifestyle in the wake of Sars - spending time outdoors doesn't mean you have to destroy the environment in the process.
The Environmental Campaign Committee (ECC), the Environmental Protection Department and eight green groups are joining forces to promote respect for the environment in celebrating tomorrow's World Environment Day.
The groups will tomorrow announce the details of a walkathon to be held over the 18 districts of Hong Kong on June 22.
ECC secretary-general Mabel Mak Lok-sheung said that after the Sars outbreak many people started heading outdoors to country parks in search of a 'healthy lifestyle'. The downside was that many nature areas were heavily littered as a result.
In April, 1.4 million people flocked to country parks but they left behind 460 tonnes of rubbish. The figures represented an 80 per cent increase on both counts.
Ms Mak said: 'We decided to hold an event in the same month as the World Environment Day to emphasise respect for nature. We are not the clean team but we want to educate people with a softer approach.
'People should not pick flowers or take plants and rocks home with them. They shouldn't try to catch the butterflies or destroy their cocoons. We don't want to see a bunch of face masks and toilet paper lying on our nature trails after weekend trips. We must protect our environment.'