Local eco-warriors push for more sustainable lifestyles
Sustainability the key message from Hong Kong's eco-warriors on World Environment Day, writes Elaine Yau
From student pledges to recycle waste paper and plastic purges to "selfie" campaigns promoting eco-friendly practices, yesterday's World Environment Day highlighted the range of actions taken globally to draw attention to the impact of climate change. Hence the slogan "Raise your voice, not the sea level", and the focus on the need to adopt more sustainable lifestyles.
Cleaner, greener living requires commitment, of course, and this city has its share of environmental champions such as Hong Kong Cleanup founders Lisa Christensen and Nissa Marion and long-time sustainability promoter Simon Chau Siu-cheong.
Others are also making a difference, although their work may not always feature in the news. We meet three of Hong Kong's green advocates.
The city generates about 70,000 tonnes of waste glass each year, much of which ends up in our overflowing landfills. Thanks to the efforts of April Lai Mui-ching and the Dumper Truck Drivers Association, however, less is being dumped.
We don’t have TV at home; we don’t own a car, and rely on public transport
Their venture got its start when truck drivers became increasingly dismayed by the mounds of usable material being discarded on their frequent trips to landfills, and often wondered why there was so much waste.
"The government didn't have a glass recycling scheme, so they thought why not launch one themselves?" says Lai, a labour activist who helped found Green Glass Green, a recycling campaign started by the association.