Opinion | How Hong Kong’s plastic waste fight can set the course for Asia’s future

Hong Kong will adopt a HK$1 (13 US cents) levy on plastic bags from December 31, doubling the current fee. The levy will encourage consumers to bring their own reusable bags when shopping and reduce the amount of plastic waste entering the environment.

The levy also marks the start of a raft of measures the government will roll out to better tackle the scourge of plastic packaging and single-use plastic items on the environment. This mirrors trends throughout the world.

Items such as plastic straws, plates, cutlery and stirrers will be banned from restaurants. These items make up the estimated 8 million tonnes of plastic waste that scientists estimate enter the ocean every year. There are much more sustainable alternatives, such as bamboo, wood and other biodegradable materials. Reusable items such as steel straws are increasingly used in cafes.

The problem of marine plastic pollution is so bad that the United Nations has started treaty negotiations to address it. For example, scientists from Australia have estimated that nine out of 10 seabirds have pieces of plastic in their stomach, which can kill them.

The UN process will ideally seek to adopt the most progressive plastic pollution reduction policies already legislated. Hong Kong’s progressive agenda will support the UN in achieving ambitious global goals.