People wearing face masks shop for decorations ahead of Christmas in Hong Kong on December 19. An estimated 6 million face masks have been discarded every day in the city during the pandemic. Photo: AP People wearing face masks shop for decorations ahead of Christmas in Hong Kong on December 19. An estimated 6 million face masks have been discarded every day in the city during the pandemic. Photo: AP
People wearing face masks shop for decorations ahead of Christmas in Hong Kong on December 19. An estimated 6 million face masks have been discarded every day in the city during the pandemic. Photo: AP
Edwin Lau
Opinion

Opinion

Edwin Lau

Don’t let coronavirus waste overwhelm Hong Kong’s landfills in 2021

  • In 2019, Hong Kong fell short on several key waste reduction targets. The continuing use of disposable face masks, popularity of online shopping and food delivery will only exacerbate the problem

Edwin Lau
Edwin Lau

Updated: 4:11pm, 3 Jan, 2021

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People wearing face masks shop for decorations ahead of Christmas in Hong Kong on December 19. An estimated 6 million face masks have been discarded every day in the city during the pandemic. Photo: AP People wearing face masks shop for decorations ahead of Christmas in Hong Kong on December 19. An estimated 6 million face masks have been discarded every day in the city during the pandemic. Photo: AP
People wearing face masks shop for decorations ahead of Christmas in Hong Kong on December 19. An estimated 6 million face masks have been discarded every day in the city during the pandemic. Photo: AP
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Edwin Lau

Edwin Lau

Edwin Lau Che-feng is founder and executive director of The Green Earth. Mr Lau has been actively engaged in environmental protection work since the late 1980s and he founded The Green Earth in early 2016. He places great concern on pressing environmental issues related to waste management, air pollution, climate change and energy conservation. He initiated the first waste paper recycling programme in schools, and introduced the first set of three-colour waste recycling bins in a public housing estate in Hong Kong. In 2009, Mr Lau was awarded the Medal of Honour by the Hong Kong SAR government in recognition of his long-term contribution to the cause of environmental protection and education.