The ultimate guide to going plastic-free in July in Hong Kong
Two million people around the world will try to reduce their plastic waste in July and You can do your bit to help. Join community activities, workshops and screenings of documentaries in your country to stop plastic going to landfills
The developed world is reliant on single-use items, like straws, carrier bags and coffee cups, which are used for only a few moments before being discarded and ending up in landfills or, in instances of poor waste management, the stomachs of sea creatures.
This year, more than two million people from 159 countries will strive to reduce their plastic waste output for a month, sharing their progress using #ChoosetoRefuse and #PlasticFreeJuly.
There isn’t a specific Hong Kong arm of the campaign, but that shouldn’t deter those who want to try reducing their plastic for a month. Here are eight steps to success in your Plastic Free July that will make a tangible difference to the city.
1. Invest in the essentials
Start your Plastic Free July with all the tools to avoid waste. Carry a set of cutlery, a washable napkin and a bamboo, glass or metal straw in a small zip-up pouch, along with a spare shopping bag, a drinks bottle and a sealable box.
2. Plan ahead
Think about what you’ll need for activities, whether it’s grocery shopping, eating lunch in the office, going to the gym, having a picnic, or visiting a restaurant. Preparing meals to bring into work is ideal, but if you don’t have time, check if your favourite lunch spot will do away with plastic utensils or packaging.
Not always an easy feat in Hong Kong, but savvy shoppers can find a variety of groceries with little to no plastic packaging. The city has an abundance of wet markets and several farmer’s markets, which are no-brainers for fresh, unpackaged fruit, vegetables and meat.
4. Dump the packaging
Not everyone in Hong Kong has the luxury of living near a wet market or bulk buy shop, but this shouldn’t mean that plastic-wrapped goods found in supermarkets are acceptable.
If you buy anything at supermarkets that comes wrapped in plastic, remove the packaging and leave it at the checkout, taking your items home in reusable bags.
The impact from this action is magnified if you share photos of the accumulated plastic waste on social media to encourage others to do the same.
5. Join a community
Visited a restaurant that’s still using plastic straws? Disappointed that your favourite coffee shop is serving drinks in disposable cups for sit-in customers? Many establishments have already moved to reduce their single-use plastic output, but others won’t act without pressure from consumers. Raise the issue there and then, or get in touch with business via Facebook, phone or email to lay out the argument against plastic.
Aim to send one message to a business and another to a government department this month.
7. Get crafty
A key part of the zero-waste movement is learning how to make your own cleaning and cosmetic products using less plastic (or none at all) compared to the commercial, shop-bought equivalent.
8. Educate yourself
It’s much easier to value the small acts you take to reduce waste when you understand the impact of an individual consumer. Make July the month you get clued up on all things plastic.
9. Be Ambitious
It’s too easy to write off Hong Kong as a lost cause when it comes to plastic waste. But the movement is growing in the city and the tide will only turn on plastic waste if enough people take action and demand change. Setting realistic goals and staying positive through setbacks will help us see the challenge through. Vote with your money, use your voice, and #ChoosetoRefuse this July – and beyond.