Solving Hong Kong's "Throwaway Culture"

    Hong Kong, a bustling metropolis in China, has a culture marred by rapid consumption, where convenience often overshadows environmental conscientiousness. The pervasive use of single-use plastics have contributed significantly to Hong Kong's environmental footprint. Hong Kong is swimming with trash; 13 dumpsites are brimming and the three remaining landfills are expected to be filled up by 2030. In order to solve this issue, the city's throwaway culture must be altered, replacing disposable products with reusable ones.      

  When next Earth Day arrives on April 22, 2024, caterers and consumers in Hong Kong will see a ban on disposable plastic cutlery. This will affect more than 28,000 eateries. 

This ban has two stages. The first, starting on Earth Day, will ban types of polystyrene and plastic tableware. This includes plastic forks, knives, spoons, and plates for dine-in customers and takeaway meals. During phase one, plastic containers like cups and bowls will be banned for sit-down meals, but allowed for takeaway. This is until phase two begins (likely in 2025), where these will be banned (depending on the availability and affordability of reusable alternatives). 

The ban will begin just weeks after the start date to charge for municipal solid waste bags, raising concerns over potential problems from the two policies beginning in quick succession. Lawmakers have brought up concerns that restaurants will build up stocks of single-use plastics before the ban, and advise that restaurants should source alternatives as soon as possible. Employers are also being encouraged to acquire reusable utensils for their staff. 

While this bill seems to be a step in the right direction, there are concerns that the campaign could be undermined if the plastic waste is simply replaced with that of other materials. 

Vocabulary:

香港 - Xiānggǎng, Hong Kong

地球日 - Dìqiú rì, Earth Day

塑料禁令 - Sùliào jìnlìng, plastic ban

可以重复使用 - Kěyǐ chóngfù shǐyòng, reusable

Links to further reading:

https://www.scmp.com/yp/discover/news/environment/article/3238453/hong-kong-ban-throwaway-plastic-tableware-april-2024-some-say-it-too-close-plastic-waste-bag-levy

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/sustainability/hong-kong-plastic-disposable-trash-ban-throwaway-culture-3948176