Letters | We all have a part to play in tackling Hong Kong’s waste crisis

I am writing in response to the letter from Greenpeace East Asia campaigner Chan Hall-sion, “Hong Kong waste crisis is worsening: the time for ambitious government action is now” (January 4).

Hong Kong has been battling Covid-19 for over a year now and, though the public have been encouraged to stay at home and prepare their own meals, many prefer the convenience of takeaways. Thanks to the social-distancing policy and restrictions on public gatherings, the city that never sleeps is taking the longest nap. Parties are strictly prohibited – yet domestic waste production is on the rise. It is high time for the government to revive the waste charging bill  and further encourage the public to use reusables instead of disposables, especially in a pandemic that is already generating large amounts of medical waste such as disposable masks every day.

It is heartbreaking to see rubbish bins filled with styrofoam lunchboxes, plastic drinking straws, tissue paper and many more single-use items. Hong Kong has long placed convenience over eco-consciousness: this has to change. It is time for us to help conserve the environment by switching to reusable containers, and for restaurants to choose recycled paper or plant-based materials for takeaway boxes, instead of plastic.

The public must be responsible for creating less rubbish, especially in a pandemic that is already generating large amounts of medical waste such as disposable masks every day.