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SCMP Reporter

Use less water before we run dry
Hongkongers are wasteful. They don't know how lucky they are. They think there's an abundant supply of everything.  
The amount of water used in Hong Kong is much higher than  that on the mainland. You can see how serious the problem is. 
Natural resources are becoming scarce.  If we don't take any action now, we might   face water shortage soon.
I think the government should set up restrictions on how much water factories and households use.  It should encourage the public to save water by providing initiatives. It could offer discounts on water bills for households that use less water and  awards for eco-friendly factories.  
Education also plays an important role. 
Children need to be taught to save water. Teachers should teach them to turn off the tap while brushing their teeth, and take showers instead of baths. 
Children are our future, so it's vital to help them develop eco-friendly habits. Tell them about the grim situation in other parts of the world. Teach them to treasure our natural resources.
The public should also learn to treasure water. The government could produce advertisements to urge people to save water.
If each household in Hong Kong used less water, a large amount of water would be saved. Remember, every drop counts.
There are many ways to improve the situation. We should do our best to protect the earth's resources and our environment. 
But Ngo-yin, Ju Ching Chu Secondary School (Tuen Mun)
Attacks highlight social problems
The spate of attacks on kindergarten and primary children on the mainland is shocking.  
Why did the culprits do what they did?  Was it because they were unhappy or they felt  the world is unfair? 
But they might not have known what they were doing. They might be suffering from psychological problems. 
Stress and social inequality could have led to a breakdown. They might have felt that society always turns a blind eye to their problems so  they wanted to vent their anger by hurting others.
This is a serious problem. The authorities should not ignore it.  
Try to care about the people around us. When they are depressed, talk to them. Give your support to people with mental illness.  
Kamberly Liu, Leung Shek Chee College
Cool ways to beat the summer heat
When there are problems with our air-conditioners, we become frustrated. It seems that we cannot live without air conditioning.  
There are plenty of things we can do to beat the heat. 
Nothing can be more reinvigorating than a good swim. You can cool down in the swimming pool and have some splashing fun with your family and friends.  
You can even go to Ocean Park for a day of fun in the water. There are different activities on offer - fun for the whole family. 
You can also read under a tree. You will feel peaceful and relaxed. It's much better than being glued to the couch watching TV. It will also boost your creativity.  
We can take part in many  activities  without  air conditioning.  Protect the environment and consume less energy. Air conditioners emit greenhouse gases. Try a fan instead.  
Li Sing-lun, Tak Sun Secondary School
The public needs  to be heard
Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen said before his debate with legislator  Audrey Eu Yuet-mee that the public should be involved in policy-making.
But neither you nor me  were allowed to be in the same room as Tsang and Eu. How could we have been involved?  
There is no denying that the government always has good intentions when formulating policies.  
Everything a government does is for the good of the people.  But the people must have a say. Their voices need to be heard.
Students have the right to voice their views at school. They can raise questions and express their feelings and opinions. So why can't the Hong Kong public have the same right?
Jacqueline Lai, Hang Seng School of Commerce



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