Your Voice: Cons of risky plastic surgery; Hong Kong needs to be smart about single-use plastics ban (short letters)

Cosmetic surgery is a topic that sparks varied opinions. Advertisements often tout its transformative powers, leading more people to consider it.

However, I oppose altering one’s appearance through risky surgery.

Many seek cosmetic surgery due to the dissatisfaction they feel with their looks and the desire for perfection. But we shouldn’t ignore its potential risks.

Just four years ago, a 35-year-old woman from Hong Kong died during a liposuction procedure at a Seoul clinic. Complications are common.

A study by the Medical Accident Group revealed that 65 per cent of respondents regretted their surgeries. So, before opting for cosmetic surgery, ask yourself if it is worth risking your health for a nose or lip job.

The saying “beauty is only skin deep” holds true. Today, there is a narrow ideal of beauty. In several countries around the world, the pursuit of this standard is intense.

Influenced by the internet, many imitate make-up styles or undergo surgery to fit in. Consequently, people have started looking alike.

Yet, our uniqueness is what truly captivates others. Chasing a uniform standard erases our individuality. External beauty shouldn’t eclipse our inner virtues.

The pressure of adhering to beauty standards

Jan Wong, ELCHK Lutheran Academy

Hong Kong recently implemented a ban on single-use plastic products like cutlery, straws, and styrofoam tableware. This initiative aims to reduce plastic waste in landfills and combat pollution, especially in our oceans. However, there have been notable criticisms regarding its implementation.

Alternative options like wooden cutlery and paper lids for takeaway drinks have been provided. Still, they are less durable and waterproof than plastic, leading to increased usage and reliance on tree resources.Additionally, while the ban targets plastic cutlery, other single-use products remain available, and some companies still sell disposable items.

To enhance the policy’s effectiveness, the government could consider implementing surcharges or outright bans on all single-use products. This would discourage their usage and minimise waste, aligning with our goals for environmental conservation and plastic waste reduction. Ultimately, practical execution is crucial for achieving meaningful results from this policy.

How customers, eateries are reacting to Hong Kong’s single-use plastics ban

Katie Wong Wan-tim, Pope Paul VI College

There is an increasing burden on secondary school students in our community. Students are assigned overwhelming amounts of homework, projects, and extracurricular activities. This leaves them with little time for rest and personal growth.

The pressure to excel academically, participate in numerous clubs and sports, and a busy schedule of after-school commitments has taken a significant toll on the mental and physical well-being of many young people. Students are reporting increased levels of stress, anxiety, and even burnout as they struggle to balance the demands of their schoolwork and other obligations.

This heavy workload not only affects students’ academic performance, but also their overall development and enjoyment of the educational experience. Many are deprived of the opportunity to explore their interests, pursue hobbies, and engage in the social and recreational activities that are essential for a well-rounded childhood and adolescence.

It is time for our community to re-evaluate the expectations we place on secondary school students and find a more balanced approach that prioritises their health, well-being, and overall development.

Lin Yin-ho, Tsuen Wan Government Secondary School

I firmly believe employing robots is an effective solution to address ocean pollution.

Robots offer greater efficiency compared to human labour. While humans excel in tasks requiring critical thinking, repetitive tasks can be tiresome and less effective. By utilising robots, we ensure consistent and tireless efforts in cleaning up water pollution. Additionally, engineers can programme algorithms into these robots to calculate the most efficient cleaning routes, significantly speeding up the process.

Employing robots is inherently safer than traditional methods involving human workers. Despite advancements in maritime safety technology, the European Maritime Safety Agency’s 2023 Annual Overview of Marine Casualties and Incidents reported 2,510 incidents. Transitioning to robot labour not only safeguards human lives but also reduces the risk of maritime accidents and abandoned vessels contributing to ocean pollution.

Robots also allow for proactive intervention in addressing the root causes of ocean pollution.