Seven eco-friendly, zero-waste ways to treat mould now it’s getting wet and warm
As Hong Kong’s warm, humid weather rolls in here are some options for eco-conscious residents to get to grips with the city’s common enemy
Spring in Hong Kong means warm and humid conditions, which brings with it the blight of mould and mildew. They are not only unsightly, but can cause respiratory problems, allergic reactions, nervous-system disorders and even depression.
The annual battle to eradicate them often results in discarded footwear, upholstery, and even mattresses as fungal spores propagate, leaving few surfaces untouched by telltale green fuzz or black polka dots.
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Running a dehumidifier 24/7, hosing your flat down with fungus-fighting chemicals and stuffing enclosed spaces – such as wardrobes and drawers – with disposable moisture boxes can help get to grips with the problem, but these strategies are not so eco-friendly in the long term.
Plastic-packaged poisons and disposable boxes of silica, heating bars for the wardrobe and dehumidifiers running round the clock might keep the mould at bay, but they will run up your electricity bill, grow your carbon footprint and create unnecessary plastic waste.
For prominent zero-waste advocate Paola Cortese, whose Zero Waste Life programme teaches clients how to live more sustainably through reducing their personal waste footprint, environmentally friendly solutions must also be practical.
