bodyType

customContents

entityId

entityUuid

articlePageQuery

filter

article

articleBaseAdvertisingInfoArticle

articleListArticle

articleSeoArticle

helpersCheckIsPostiesArticle

hooksArticleAcknowledgementGateOverlayArticle

hooksTrackPageViewArticle

hooksContentInterestArticle

articleLinkingDataContent

articleSchemaContent

liveArticle

advertZone

sentiment

contentLock

topics

types

sections

moreOnThisArticles

urlAlias

commentCount

sponsorType

authorLocations

authors

paywallTypes

corrections

displaySlideShow

multimediaEmbed

printHeadline

seriesContainer

socialHeadline

headline

flag

firstTopic

glossary

flattenTypeIds

publishedDate

additionalInfoBoxes

images

image

relatedLinks

relatedNewsletters

__typename

createdDate

sponsor

factSheets

series

disableOffPlatformContent

published

updatedDate

summary

subHeadline

body

keywords

copyrighted

customTimezone

liveContents

SCMP Reporter

Plastic bag tax a good start

There is a two-month public consultation on the proposed levy on plastic bags.

Under the proposal, consumers will have to pay

50 HK cents for each bag distributed at targeted retail outlets.

The tax can help reduce the use of plastic bags.

Environmentally friendly bags can be made from corn and sunflower oil, according to experts.

They  can decompose within 90 days.

Plastic bag manufacturers oppose the levy, saying that the tax might fuel consumption instead of reducing it.

Supermarkets  give out a lot of plastic bags to their customers every day.

I think a 50-cent tax for each bag is reasonable.

Although most people can afford to pay, it helps to control their use of plastic bags.

All non-biodegradable plastic bags should be taxed.

There was a no-plastic-bag campaign recently.

The government should encourage people to use biodegradable bags.

It is amazing that corn can be used to make bags. We should appreciate human intelligence.

On the other hand, humans have ruined the world.

Global warming is causing widespread destruction, melting ice caps and raising sea levels and temperatures.

We should protect the environment  and save the planet.

Using fewer plastic bags is a good start.

We should do more in the future but for now we should support the levy on plastic

bags.

Yao Cheuk-ying

Yan Oi Tong Tin Ka Ping  Secondary School

Friends are our biggest blessing

I'm writing in response to the letter 'Treasures in my life' (Young Post, May 22).

Luckily, I have many best friends - about 10.

I met two of them in primary school and six in secondary school.

My friends from primary school are two girls who were born on the same day.

They are mature,  and we share our feelings with and offer advice to each other.

I feel relaxed when they are around because they can help me relieve pressure.

I also treasure my friends from secondary school.

They always support me when I feel sad, frustrated or stressed.

Some people are too busy with their work or studies to talk to their friends.

Others want to spend more time with their girlfriend or boyfriend.

For me, it's great fun to be with friends.

Tang Shuk-fong

Education reforms show the way

I am a Form Six student, and I would like to comment on the education system in Hong Kong.

In a recent letter, a student blamed his school for not emphasising creativity.

His classmates never ask questions or respond to their teachers.

He is shy because the students around him are quiet, the writer says.

Active children will always be more inquisitive about the topics they are studying and this could encourage other students to speak up.

The writer can take the initiative and persuade his classmates to be more active in class.

A teacher likes students who ask sensible questions.

Asking questions can also enhance your understanding of what is being taught.

The government's plan to introduce smaller classes will improve the learning atmosphere in Hong Kong schools.

With fewer students in each class, a teacher can spend more time on each individual and help them solve their problems.

Lessons should involve more discussions and activities, such as debates and dramas.

This would raise students' interest in learning and make them more motivated.

Students should not just focus on memorising facts and information.

Outdoor activities, such as field trips, museum visits and exhibitions, can broaden students' horizons.

By participating in competitions, students can display their creativity and apply the knowledge they have learned in school to the real world.

The education reforms

will bring benefits in the long run.

Ada So Kin-see

DMHC Siu Ming Catholic  Secondary School

TV plays a major role in our lives

I'm writing in response to the letter 'Television should promote right values' (Young Post, May 22).

I agree  that TV stations should broadcast  meaningful programmes.

Most people have a television at home.

Television has a strong influence on teenagers and is the best way to promote a message.

Apart from reading books, teenagers can boost their knowledge by watching educational TV programmes.

But there will be problems if they get the wrong message from TV shows and advertisements.

Yuki Lee

Fung Kai Liu Man Shek Tong Secondary School

Give up evil, be good

Everyone loves money, property, social status and so on.

We are all greedy and this breeds evil.

We should not be too materialistic.

I hope all bad people will give up their evil ways and become good citizens.

Tang King-nam

Christian Alliance S. C. Chan  Memorial College

Bid for fame a turn-off for viewers

A new series of Minutes to Fame is being broadcast on TVB Jade.

The programme was launched in 2005 and I really liked it at the time.

The show helped participants display their talents and I enjoyed their performances.

But, after watching a few episodes in the latest series, I found that the performers are trying to catch the adjudicators' attention by wearing sexy clothes.

They also pose provocatively and make eye-catching gestures.

I think they are degrading the image of women.

Besides,  the programme is being broadcast during family hours on Saturdays.

The TV station should include healthier content for viewers.

Joanne Ling

Credit cards a mixed blessing

Almost everyone has a credit card. They are easy to get and convenient in a fast-paced city like Hong Kong.

Their major attraction is that you can buy anything you want and pay later.

Also, card holders are offered gifts and discounts at many stores.

But some people go on a spending spree and run up massive credit-card debts. They  eventually end up in court and have to declare bankruptcy. Some of them even commit suicide.

You should learn to manage your money before you apply for a credit card. Don't overuse your credit card or you could be in serious trouble.

Sarah Lee Tsz-yin

Yan Oi Tong Tin Ka Ping  Secondary School



Have Your Say