COMMUNITY
The last straw LIM engages the government and other stakeholders regarding key issues of local concern (e.g. waste management, transport, parking, illegal dumping and landfill etc.) and makes high-quality submissions. Through media and events, LIM seeks to bring greater awareness and visibility to issues affecting Lantau and its surroundings. info@livingislands.org.hk, www.livingislands.org.hk. Plastic Free Seas, Lantau Plastic Free Seas (PFS), led by DB residents Tracey Read and Dana Winograd, is dedicated to reducing the amount of plastic pollution in Hong Kong. Through education in schools and organising regular beach clean-ups and events, PFS aims to deliver important information as efficiently as possible to spread awareness and understanding. PFS also runs school programmes on the Sea Classroom, an ex-fishing trawler that is used to give students a first-hand look at marine pollution and microscopic organisms. tracey@plasticfreeseas.org, www.plasticfreeseas.org. Save Lantau Alliance, Lantau Initially formed to monitor the government’s plans to develop Lantau, Save Lantau Alliance (SLA) focuses on encouraging public discussion on the matter through forums and questionnaires. SLA aims to help save the island’s beautiful natural environment that is now under threat. It also shares information on conservation, history and planning at local schools and through guided tours and presentations at public events. savelantau@gmail.com, www.savelantau.org. Tai O Community Cattle Group, Tai O Tai O Community Cattle Group (TOCCG) was formed to improve the safety of Lantau’s cattle, helping residents and cows to live in harmony. Led by Tai O resident Kathy Daxon, it provides fluorescent road safety collars for cows on South Lantau. TOCCG regularly monitors herd statistics and roaming patterns, and reports injuries/ sickness. Educating visitors to Lantau is a top priority. 5181 4406, taioccg@gmail.com, Facebook: Where Is Melvin.
By Claire Severn We all know that plastic poses a serious threat to our planet, but do we really stop to think about how much we dispose of on a day-to-day basis and where it ends up? Head to any beach in Hong Kong and you will see the impact we’re having, with single-use plastic items being washed up each day. “The time for talk is long past, we need action and we need it now!” says DB resident Gary Stokes, Asia director for the direct action organisation Sea Shepherd Global and the driving force behind Last-Straw.org. Launched on June 8, World Oceans Day, this new initiative aims to address the issue of single-use plastic head on and provide practical, eco-friendly alternatives.
last-straw.org
The first item in the spotlight is the humble drinking straw. While many would like to see an end to straws altogether, the Last Straw movement recognises that isn’t always practical and has therefore come up with a durable, paper version, which can last up to one hour in a drink yet is completely biodegradable. Over the next six months the aim is to introduce the funky new straws to restaurants, bars, hotels, private clubs, coffee shops and schools across Hong Kong. In keeping with the eco theme, straws will all be green to start with, however custom colours and designs will be available in the future. Watch this video www.youtube.com/ watch?v=HCU6V6f4CZM to find out more about the shocking reality of plastic straw pollution in Hong Kong. For more information, visit www.last-straw.org. The Best of Lantau 121