I am writing in reply to the letter “One Asian supermarket chain has set a target for cutting single-use plastic: pity it’s not from Hong Kong” ( June 15 ). The Hong Kong government faces four barriers to the implementation of plastic-free policies. First, incompatibility with Hongkongers’ lifestyle. Hongkongers prize convenience and enjoyment and are accustomed to using plastic. For example, they prefer to purchase food in disposable plastic containers because they think this is more hygienic and convenient. There is no incentive for them to change their habits. The government can encourage, but not force people, to change their behaviour. Second, difficulty in finding alternatives. Many of Hongkongers’ daily routines inevitably involve the use of plastics. It is difficult for the government to immediately replace these products with alternatives. Even though some Hongkongers are eager to embrace a plastic-free lifestyle, the inconvenience involved in changing their behaviour might deter them from putting the idea into practice. Third, lack of enthusiasm from the business sector. A large amount of plastic is disposed of every day in Hong Kong, and plastic bottles account for a substantial share of this waste. For drinks manufacturers, disposable products are cheaper and easier to handle in terms of operating costs. Catering outlets also tend to provide customers with single-use utensils due to hygiene concerns. ‘Reverse vending machines’ to collect plastic bottles, put 20 cents on Octopus Lastly, conflict among different stakeholders. Some shops have introduced the concept of going plastic free by proactively deciding not to provide plastic straws. However, some consumers continue to prioritise convenience and to believe businesses should meet their needs. This kind of value conflict would affect the success of the plastic-free campaign and even give rise to a negative public perception of the plastic-free lifestyle. Adrian Lam, Tai Koo
