Youth Hong Kong | 13.2 Our Environment Our Future

Youth HONG KONG

Our Environment Our Future

YOUTH HONG KONG published quarterly by The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups

EDITORIAL BOARD

Andy Ho (Chair)

Elaine Morgan (Contributing Editor)

Ada Chau (Managing Editor)

Wilson Chan

Angela Ngai

Lakshmi Jacotă

Hsu Siu-man

Christa Cheung

William Chung

Miranda Ho

Hon Adviser

Veronica Pearson

CIRCULATION (unaudited)

10,000 in Hong Kong, throughout the region and overseas

4-5 OVERVIEW

9-14 YOUTH

15 ON THE AGENDA

26-33 HKFYG SERVICES

37-39 FEATURES

6-8 INTERVIEW

40-51 HKFYG

VIEWS EXPRESSED are the authors’ and interviewees’, may come from official sources, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial board or publisher

REPRODUCTION OF CONTENTS without written permission from the publisher is prohibited

OVERVIEW & INTERVIEWS

Elaine Morgan, Ada Chau & CPS team

TRANSLATION

Ada Chau, Angela Ngai, Lee Sum-yi

PHOTOGRAPHS

By editorial team, acknowledged as captioned, stock images or in public domain

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18-25 PERSPECTIVES

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SPEAK

No one needs to be told any more that our environment is under threat. And one of the most inspiring reactions is that of young people. Across the world, in so many different ways and forms, young people are really leading the way to combat this threat, which will obviously impact their futures more directly.

In Hong Kong, and around the world, young people are getting to their feet and calling for much more action, to build awareness of the threats, think up initiatives to show more care for our natural surroundings, and most importantly, to call for action.

This issue of Youth Hong Kong looks at the threats of the environment from their perspective. While steps are being taken, there is still a long way to go. Please share what your young people are doing.

Let’s do all we can to salute, encourage and nurture the next generation of environmental change makers!

Andy Ho Wing-cheong Executive Director, HKFYG June 2021

Listen to us

l Huge global environmental challenges are reflected in the serious concern of the city’s younger generation.

l Problems include climate change, pollution, waste and sustainable power generation.

l Effective environmental education is the first step towards tackling them combined with youthful energy and passion.

Climate change is undeniable and people who are young today will face some of its worst effects. Last year's fall in greenhouse gas emissions worldwide, caused by the pandemic, are likely to be short-lived. Just this year, May saw the highest temperatures on record for Hong Kong. Understandably, they are key actors in raising awareness. They address issues such air pollution, fossil fuels, extreme weather, garbage strewn beaches and overflowing landfills, rising mean sea levels and the risks posed by coastal flooding. Their efforts are seen in the work of numerous environment-related NGOs and the Local Conference of Youth (LCOY)* which shares the outcome of annual climate negotiations about renewable sources and carbon neutrality.

On platforms such as LCOY, youth try to align their efforts with those of the government. As Hong Kong’s Secretary for the Environment, Mr Wong Kamsing, says, “Decarbonization is closely linked to all the [government’s] efforts …, such as our energy source and power saving, transportation and transition to electric vehicles and waste reduction. These three areas contribute more than 90% of Hong Kong’s carbon emissions.”1

Power generation contributes up to 70% of the city’s annual carbon emissions. A large portion of this pollution comes from coal-fired power stations and vehicular traffic, including shipping. Renewable energy sources at present meet only 0.2% of the city’s total electricity supply. There is just one wind generator on Lamma Island and a pilot project stage using floating solar panels in reservoirs generates only enough electricity to power 36 average households for a Nonetheless, an ambitious carbon footprint reduction target of 65% to 70% by 2030, using 2005 as the base, has been set by the government.4

l 全球正面臨巨大的環境挑戰，引起本港年青一代 的關注。

l 關注議題包括氣候變化、污染、廢物處理和可持 續能源。

l 有效的環保教育配合青年的積極參與，對解決相 關問題起關鍵作用。

Transportation Public transport is a Hong Kong success story but there is no overall target for reducing the number vehicles on the roads, nor for encouraging cycling as transport. Yet, at 275 vehicles per kilometer of road, Hong Kong has among the highest density of traffic in the world5 and ozone levels have nearly doubled in the past 21 years.6 Ozone is formed when nitrogen oxide, emitted by vehicles, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), emitted from such sources as paints, solvents and cosmetics, react with sunlight and oxygen. This causes harmful smog that can lead to high levels of respiratory disease. Petrol-powered private cars are to be phased out by 2035 and the push to promote expensive electric vehicles is part of Hong Kong’s ambitious goal of carbon neutrality by 2050.7 However, according to the 2020 air quality monitoring results, commercial vehicles including trucks and franchised buses account for more than 90% of highly polluting nitrogen oxide and as of March 2021, electric vehicles made up only about 2.1% of the total.8

Light pollution is another serious problem but again there is no plan for legislation to counter it. The University of Hong Kong’s Department of Physics took measurements from a number of locations in Hong Kong and found that the highest level of light pollution was in Tsim Sha Tsui, at 1,000 times brighter an average than the benchmark of a “normal” night sky: the worst reading in the world.9 Mong Kok, Tsim Sha Tsui and Causeway Bay suffer worst.

Biodiversity threats Many controversial development plans in Hong Kong raise environmental protection issues. The biggest is Lantau Tomorrow Vision, a huge infrastructure project that will create 17 square kilometres of artificial land off Lantau Island. The aim is to house up to 1.1m people.10 Critics say the project is unnecessary, expensive and threatens biodiversity, including pink dolphins and over 35 coral species.11 It will also require near-shore reclamation and a cross-sea transport network linking the islands to Lantau, Tuen Mun and Hong Kong Island.

Waste and recycling Data shows that each person in Hong Kong generated 1.49kg of trash a day and over 70% of all municipal solid waste was sent to landfills in 2019.12 The latest waste blueprint announced in February 2021 set the goal of reducing trash by 4045% per capita and achieving a recycling rate of 55%.13 A long-delayed plan to charge residents for the collection of trash may come to fruition this year.

Read more

1. sg.news.yahoo.com/hong-kong-shoots-2050-climate-114340755.html

2. hk2050isnow.org/energy/

3. hk2050isnow.org/2020/08/04/role-of-renewables-in-hong-kongs-clean-energy-future/#_edn1

4. hk/en/residents/environment/global/climate.htm#:~:text=Carbon%20Emissions%20and%20 Hong%20Kong,on%20a%20per%20capita%20basis.

5. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_pollution_in_Hong_Kong

6. scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3046912/hong-kongs-ozone-pollutionlevels-nearly-doubled

7. scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3125865/hong-kong-power-ahead-electric-vehicleplans-environment

8. epd.gov.hk/epd/english/environmentinhk/air/prob_solutions/promotion_ev.html

9. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Light_pollution_in_Hong_Kong

10. economist.com/china/2020/12/05/hong-kongs-big-housing-plan-faces-little-resistance

11. supporthk.org/?petition=oppose-lantau-tomorrow-vision-save-hks-environment&lang=en

12. epd.gov.hk/epd/english/environmentinhk/waste/data/stat_treat.html

13. scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3111355/hong-kong-will-be-carbon-neutral2050-carrie-lam

14. bbc.com/future/article/20200629-the-toxic-past-of-hong-kongs-iconic-victoria-harbour

What more can be done? The news is not all bad. Environmental education is taking effect, even if it is fragmented. Waste, including household garbage, and excessive use of electricity are decried and the polluting effect of private cars is widely criticized. People are flying less as well – at least for now – and most people are aware of simple steps such as eating lessmeat and recycling more.

Achievements include a major clean-up of sewage and industrial wastewater generated since the 1980s. Then, 50% went straight into the sea, close to shore, with no treatment of any kind. Today, a network of underground sewage pipes channels 93% of the territory’s effluent to Stonecutter’s Island for treatment.14

With a zero-waste, climate-friendly culture as the goal, young people are acting as models. Through education, social media, science and technology, they are stepping up and speaking out. They know that action is needed even if it is not always clear what action to take. If given a voice with policy-makers, they will drive change.

At the Federation, we stand firm with young people taking action to protect our city’s environment. We do so in schools, in outdoor camps, through leadership courses and train-the-trainer projects. By opening up more opportunities for committed youth to raise awareness, and by supporting their participation in efforts to address climate change, we hope to encourage them to show the way forward, both for the older generation and for the generations that follow. They have an enormous task and their energy and enthusiasm are inspiring.

Changing culture

Mr Wong Kam-sing, Secretary for the Environment, talked about climate change and the government’s target for carbon neutrality.

He says that those concerned about pollution should respond in daily life by modifying their own behaviour, including reducing waste. He also says that those passionate about the environment should stay well-informed and seek careers that can help push forward transformation to a lower-carbon world.

l 為應對氣候變化，環境局局長黃錦星表示政府正爭取實現「碳中和」。

l 他認為關注污染問題的青年應身體力行，實踐節能減廢的生活模式。

l 有志之士不但要緊貼環保資訊，更可考慮投身相關產業，進一步推動本港 及世界朝綠色低碳願景邁進。

What do you think is the biggest threat today to Hong Kong’s environmental sustainability?

It is climate change. It not only affects us all today but will seriously affect future generations. The waste problem is another big problem for Hong Kong, the high per capita level of waste generation and the common use of disposable plastics especially.

Do young people have a special contribution to make when caring for the environment?

Yes, they have passion and creativity, but they also need to be better prepared. Creativity can help solve environmental problems. It will bring solutions. Then there is the need to take action.

Some young people I have met in recent years are wellprepared. They are aware of what we need to do next, but some of them don’t even understand the facts and the latest environmental policies.

What action can youth take?

First, they should go for a low carbon lifestyle. We have a Low Carbon Living Calculator1 to help people assess the carbon emissions associated with their daily lives. Second, they can make good career choices, e.g. joining the environment and technology sectors to push forward the low-carbon transformation. With a combination of creativity

and careers, youth can help to change our culture and build a sense of consumer responsibility in the community.

Can you already see efforts being made by Hong Kong youth to make their city’s environment more sustainable?

Yes, there are various groups formed by young people such as Earthero Project, Ecobus, HIKE EXIT and V'air Hong Kong. I met some of them who promote low-carbon local tours, coastal and countryside cleanup, and environmental advocacy and education. For instance, I did country park and beach cleanups with them and we chatted during the process and while hiking.

Also, there are startups whose businesses focus on environmental solutions. One example, which concerns energy saving is BlueSky Energy Technology.2 BlueSky is keen to incentivize people to improve building energy performance through the Internet of Things (IoT) and data.

How do you keep in touch with young people?

We care about voices from different people and young people’s voices are surely treasured. We share with them what we are doing and listen to what they say.

Communication among different stakeholders is important. I am keen to communicate directly, especially with relevant

young leaders, and join activities held by them in order to foster communication. Please also note the Government’s Member Self-recommendation Scheme for Youth3 which provides opportunities for young people to participate in policy discussions and understand government operation. People aged between 18 and 35 may self-nominate to become members of specified government advisory committees through the Scheme. Some committees covering sustainable development, energy saving, country parks and countryside conservation, “food wise”, waste reduction etcetera, have recruited young people to participate in various aspects.

Can cross-sectoral collaborations encourage youth to make even further efforts?

With reference to the Paris Agreement, there are three Ps we should try to remember: the public sector, which mainly refers to the government, the private sector, including companies and non-Governmental organizations (NGOs), and the people. To combat climate change, collaborative action should be taken by three Ps. Schools are also very important.

For example, we have launched the “Solar Harvest - Solar Energy Support Scheme for Schools and Welfare NonGovernmental Organisations” with the aim of installing solar photovoltaic (PV) systems at eligible schools and welfare NGOs. The Government has offered a one-stop service including conducting site visits and technical assessments at their premises, design of the solar PV systems, procuring and installing the equipment, and system testing. We have also helped the schools and welfare NGOs apply to join the Feed-in Tariff (FiT) Scheme. All expenses in relation to the solar PV system installation and application to join the FiT Scheme are fully covered by Solar Harvest. We have received over 500 applications, from kindergartens, primary schools, secondary schools and NGOs, and applications are still open.

The project aimed at igniting passion about the environment among students. It not only provides hardware and funding but also offers a practical way for schools to reduce their carbon footprint. We hope that schools can make good use of the solar PV systems installed to enrich the teaching of STEM (science, technology, engineering

and mathematics) and environmental education, with a view to fueling the interest of students and young people in exploring science and promoting low-carbon living.

On waste reduction, EPD in collaboration with NGOs has been extending the community recycling network in 18 districts, with a view to strengthening the collection services of recyclables, further encouraging waste reduction and recycling by the general public, and nurturing green living habits in the community. More than 130 public collection points, consisting of nine Recycling Stations, 22 Recycling Stores and more than 100 Recycling Spots, form a new community recycling network GREEN@COMMUNITY and bring a new experience in clean recycling to the public.

The GREEN@COMMUNITY project works well in local communities. In Sheung Wan, for example, where old buildings may have very limited recycling and waste separation facilities, the Recycling Store GREEN@SHEUNG WAN provides a one-stop recycling solution to the nearby occupants. Also, this new network4 works with a large number of buildings and housing estates for off-site recyclable collection and at the same time helps with employment, especially during the pandemic period, when the project employed people of different ages, including young people.

The ENB character "Big Waster" is a great eyecatcher. How does he raise awareness of Hong Kong’s problems?

This is the very first government mascot in the world that was given an official blue tick on Facebook! In the old days, our mascot was Lap Sap Chung, the “litter bug”. Today, being a wastrel is a big issue and we can promote the concept effectively through the internet and on social media.

In your vision of a future more livable, less polluted Hong Kong, what changes would you most like to see?

Like other international cities, we have our strengths and limitations. For our targets, I would say there are three “0s” that could make Hong Kong more sustainable and livable. The first zero is about “carbon neutrality” and we act in concert with Hong Kong’s target to achieve this before 2050.5

The second “0” is about electric vehicles and attaining zero vehicular emissions before 2050.6 Last year, there was one EV in every eight new private cars in Hong Kong. It is one of the highest rates among Asian cities. In the “Hong Kong Roadmap on Popularisation of Electric Vehicles”7 launched in March this year, we have initiated a wide range of measures targeting private and commercial vehicles. This acts in concert with our other targets to strive for carbon neutrality in the same time frame and forges ahead with the vision of “Zero Carbon Emissions · Clean Air · Smart City.” Last year, the Government rolled out a $2 billion "EVcharging at Home Subsidy Scheme” to subsidize the installation of EV charging-enabling infrastructure in car parks of existing private residential buildings.

The third “0” is for “Zero Landfills”.8 Land is really scarce in Hong Kong so we need to focus on waste reduction. We announced the “Waste Blueprint for Hong Kong 2035”9 in February this year, setting out the vision of “Waste Reduction · Resources Circulation · Zero Landfill”. The blueprint outlines the strategies, goals and measures to tackle the

challenge of waste management up to 2035. Under this vision, the Government will work with industry and the community to move towards two main goals. The mediumterm goal is to gradually reduce the per capita Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) disposal rate by 40 to 45 per cent and raise the recovery rate to about 55 per cent by implementing MSW charging, while the long-term goal is to move away from reliance on landfills for direct waste disposal by developing adequate waste-to-energy facilities.

What message of encouragement would you like to send to young people who are concerned about pollution but do not know how to help reduce it?

First, I would say start with daily life and begin with yourself. For example, when you go hiking, always bring your own bottle and leave no trace behind.

Second, passionate young people should remember to be well-prepared, wellinformed, up to date and ready for change. Please come and like us on Facebook page and find us on Instagram. It’s one of the best ways to find out the most up-to-date news about what we are doing.

Note: The per capita disposal rates are calulated based on the population (mid-year) updated by the Census and Statistics Department in February 2020.

Read more https://www.enb.gov.hk/en/top.html

1. carboncalculator.gov.hk/en

2. blueskyenergy.co/

3. hab.gov.hk/en/policy_responsibilities/District_Community_and_Public_Relations/selfrecommendation.htm

4. wastereduction.gov.hk/en/community/crn_intro.htm

5. fso.gov.hk/eng/blog/blog20210207.htm

MSW Disposal Rate

Domestic Waste Disposal Rate Year

6. news.gov.hk/eng/2021/03/20210317/20210317_142452_434.html

7. enb.gov.hk/sites/default/files/pdf/EV_roadmap_eng.pdf

8. info.gov.hk/gia/general/202102/08/P2021020800570.htm?fontSize=1)

9. enb.gov.hk/sites/default/files/pdf/waste_blueprint_2035_eng.pdf

* Note MSW includes waste from households, institutions and commercial premises but excludes types such as waste from construction. Per capita MSW per person per day in Hong Kong was 1.47 kg in 2019.

Never too young to learn

l Eight students in Primary 5 at the HKFYG Lee Shau Kee Primary School in Tin Shui Wai sum up their knowledge about pollution, waste and caring for the environment.

l Their teacher realizes how important it is to prepare students for the changes ahead.

l She says that what they do, and what they fail to do now, will come back in future to remind them of the importance of their actions.

l 八位來自天水圍青協李兆基小學的五年級學生關心環保議題，分享了他們對污染和廢物處理的看法。

l 應對未來的環境變遷，學校老師認為他們要把握現在，裝備自己。

l 她說，這一代今天種下的因，將影響未來的果。

Garbage “Collect rubbish that we see in country parks and on beaches and always use the recycling bins.”

What are the most important things you and your family can do to help?

Recycling “Start practicing the 4Rs: Recycle, Reduce, Reuse and Refuse. We also do upcycling at home and reuse food containers.”

Save energy. “We turn off switches whenever we can.”

What are Hong Kong’s biggest environmental problems?

Pollution “Land, water and air are the main three problems in Hong Kong, as well as light pollution.”

What effects of pollution do you see every day?

Smog “We can’t see the sky clearly.”

Health “We can’t breathe easily at the bus stop and people sometimes get sick from contaminated food.”

How can everyone care for the environment?

Traffic “Take public transport instead of private cars. That will help reduce the number of vehicles and reduce toxic gases.”

Food and containers “Take our own bottles, bags and food containers and buy less pre-packaged food.”

Waste “Create less waste food by not ordering too much in restaurants and we can donate clothes that we don’t need.”

How do you look after the environment at school?

Trees and plants “Our school has built a garden and we take turns with planting. A gardener shows us how to take care of the plants and we want to save Hong Kong’s trees.”

Use less water “On Friday afternoons we do projects on saving water and design posters to persuade others to do the same!”

Educated and empowered for climate action

l Natalie Chung and Edward Choi have a message for the people of Hong Kong, especially policy-makers.

l V’air Hong Kong, their environmental education organization, connects like-minded youth and has a well-organized advocacy programme with international connections.

l While awareness of climate change is growing, they say there is still room for all of us to contribute towards net zero transition.

As environmental problems become more and more serious, a generation of dedicated young people is growing up around the world. Their awareness spreads and becomes rooted through environmental education, but what is happening in our home city?

There is a problem of fragmentation within the Hong Kong curriculum, according to both Edward and Natalie of V’air. “Environmental education should be an important part of citizenship education in such a well-developed city as Hong Kong,” Edward stresses. “It needs to keep pace with the era and keep up with social change.”

“Even though elements of environmental education are included, they fail to emphasize the importance of behaviour change,” Natalie points out. She says that the most effective way to reconnect children with nature is the simplest. “Some Hong Kong children today are scared of

l 鍾芯豫( Natalie) 和蔡伯賢( Edward) 希望公眾 和政府官員一同關注氣候變化。

l 他們所創立的環保教育組織「V'air低碳本地 遊」，由一群有共同理念的香港青年組成，亦 積極開拓環球網絡。

l 他們認為公民環保意識雖漸見提高，達致全 民低碳生活的行為模式尚有進步空間。

grass.” They barely come into contact with natural surroundings that can be found in abundance in Hong Kong’s country parks. “As a result, they suffer from nature deficiency.”

A true believer in the power of environmental education from the youngest possible age, Natalie remembers V’air workshops with eager young children learning about biodiversity and urban ecology.

The key to solving environmental issues lies in youth power.

“They had hands-on experiential learning with the trees and leaves in their neighbourhood.” As she says, “Trees play an essential role in the livability of our city and help to moderate micro-climates.” Children are fascinated by them and eager to explore through all their senses.

Current environmental and energy issues and the emergence of renewable energy are introduced in schools, says Edward, “… but due to limited class time and the focus on examinations, the discussion can barely begin before the class ends. Putting environmental protection into practice in daily life, understanding the problems of inefficiency with renewable energy, these topics are rarely touched on. The fly in the ointment is fragmentation of environmental education and insufficient time outside the classroom.”

“Across bureaus, the government should take courage, face the difficulties, plan the content and scope of environmental education, and integrate it with experiential activities,” he continues. Through outdoor education,

students can establish a relationship with nature, forming the basis for environmental awareness and a sense of conservation for the next generation.

Young Swedish environmentalists have been in the news around the world but now it is the turn of our local advocates. They start young, as Natalie did. Her inspiration comes from her primary school project competition with the Hong Kong Observatory. In an interview lined up with a polar explorer, she learned about rising sea levels caused by climate change. She realized the danger this poses for Hong Kong and has worked hard to bring this to the attention of others, from her peers to the relevant government departments responsible for a climate action plan that will protect Hong Kong’s coastlines.

“The key to solving environmental issues lies in youth power.,” Edward points out, “I think that the government should be determined to design a comprehensive environmental education programme that integrates classrooms, indoors and outdoors, campuses and

communities.”

The next important step, says Natalie, is to connect environmentally-aware young people not only with the local government bureaus and departments, but also with one another and with their active young counterparts overseas. To achieve this, she turned to LCOY, the Local Conference of Youth for Climate Change.

Taking up the UNFCCC* call for the “Race to Zero” and “Green Recovery”, CarbonCare InnoLab (CCIL), together with Hong Kong Youth for Climate Action, organized the first ever virtual Local Conference of Youths in Hong Kong (LCOY HK) in 2020. “This platform is for the young people who want to get involved in climate change, to connect and empower each other,” Natalie explains.

CCIL then launched a Green Recovery for Community Programme with a view to promoting climate action in

V'air is a Hong Kong youth organization, the name of which sounds like green in French: “vert”. It promotes low-carbon local travel, works with international youth climate bodies on climate policy, runs workshops for children and teachers, and organizes local eco-tours. It uses online media and offline action to raise public awareness.

Its story begins with the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP21) in Paris in 2015. On the eve of the conference, a group of dedicated young people were chosen to participate in the Hong Kong Sustainable Campus Consortium COP 21 Challenge sponsored by the French Consulate and hosted by the Sustainability Office.

Natalie Chung was among them and V’air was launched. Like-minded partners such as Edward Choi joined her. Having graduated from the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Natalie is now doing an MPhil in Environmental Change and Management at Oxford while Edward has been accepted to do an MSc in European and International Public Policy at the London School of Economics this September.

Hong Kong, a city at high risk for increasing incidences of extreme weather and flooding from mean sea level rise.

As spokespersons for aspects of environmental awareness that range from the circular economy to the climate injustices being suffered by people in hot sub-divided flats in Hong Kong, Natalie and Edward are in the vanguard. They are keen to provide exposure to international climate negotiations for youths in Hong Kong, which has been historically left out in the scene. It is crucial for the young generation to understand they have a stake in the national carbon neutrality commitment announced in September 2020. “To solve imminent environmental problems, we are convinced that a small step taken by everyone will be much more effective than a big step taken by a few professionals.”

Further details V’air Hong Kong vairhk.com/about/intro

Read more

CarbonCare InnoLab (CCIL) ccinnolab.org/en/GreenRecoveryForCommunity Hong Kong Youth for Climate Action facebook.com/hkyca.2020/

Local Conference of Youths in Hong Kong (LCOY) ccinnolab.org/en/LCOYHK

A small step taken by everyone will be much more effective than a big step taken by a few professionals.

Masks, plastic bottles and dead fish

l 五位年僅十一歲的幼童軍參與海灘清潔活 動，守護環境。

l 作為社會一員，哪怕年紀雖小，他們希望 呼籲市民大眾多關注污染問題。

l

“We find giant rotting fish, revolting halfchewed cucumbers, dried up mouldy oranges and big mattresses,” says Ian, “but mostly surgical masks and plastic bottles.”

“There are many broken bits of glass worn smooth by the sea” says Antonia. Styrofoam and plastic boxes, cutlery, plastic straws, ropes, fishing tackle, Tetrapacks and snack packages, adds Kate, “…and barrels of what looks like dirty oil, lorry tires and wooden pallets.”

What makes them volunteer for this dirty job and what do they do with all this mess?

“If we clean up the rubbish, the next generation has a chance of living in a less polluted world,” says Antonia. “We sort it into big rubbish bags at places like Sandy Bay in Pokfulam, Cyberport and on Lamma Island. Just once, a boat came to the beach and offered to collect our bags so we did not have to carry them out to the rubbish collection point,” Kate remembers.

“We can do something about it immediately and make a positive difference,” says JC. “I have written a letter to Coca Cola telling them that they should change all their packaging.” Sasha, Antonia and JC agree that Hong Kong's biggest threat is global warming. “Every hour we are making the Earth hotter and if this continues, we will die,”says JC.

l 他們分享了參與活動所得，同時表達了對 未來的憂慮。

“We have been going to beaches near home and school to clean up and when we go camping, we reduce waste as much as possible.” They take reusable utensils, plates and bottles and snacks like bananas and oranges. Unused food goes back to school to make compost. Unopened bags of food are donated to food banks and charities. “We take water in 5-gallon containers that can be refilled and work with the campsite to organize rubbish collections when we leave,” says Kate.

Cleaning up also stops rubbish clogging up drains and waterways, the children point out. “We want beaches that don’t smell and where dogs don’t eat rubbish that makes them ill,” Kate continues, saying that polystyrene is the worst. “It breaks up into small bits that get eaten by fish and other marine creatures. They think it is food. Then we eat the fish which means we eat polystyrene too!”

“I think masks are now probably the main problem for Hong Kong,” says Ian. “Everybody wears them and people aren’t responsible enough to put them in garbage bins properly. They end up being blown around and ending the lives of poor animals. If we don’t do anything, it will just get worse and our beaches will become landfills.”

l Kate, Ian, Sasha, JC and Antonia, all 11-yearold Cub Scouts, work hard on our beaches..

l As they grow up, they are passing on a message about pollution to people of all ages.

They find so much rubbish and worry about the harm it can do to wildlife and people.

Every day of our lives

l Beaches littered with garbage cannot nurture wildlife, says Lok-Yiu

l Supporting the environment is now her goal and she plans to volunteer regularly on HKFYG clean-up programmes.

l She says if we all work together as a team we can get the job done.

l 樂瑤指棄置於海灘上的垃圾會破壞生態環境。

l 她致力保護環境，將持續參與青協舉辦的海灘清潔活動。

l 她認為只要齊心協力，讓海灘回復潔淨指日可待。

Volunteering for the sake of the environment is new to me. I learnt why our water quality is so bad and found out how people are threatening marine life. I even signed an agreement never to eat tuna or sharks’ fin, but it wasn’t till much later that I became an environmental volunteer.

Hongkongers aren’t aware of the problems. My family, for instance. They like the convenience of disposable straws and takeaway meals in plastic boxes. They think they are more hygienic and don’t understand about recycling. I try to explain how it’s done in Taiwan, South Korea and Singapore but I haven’t made much progress yet. Step by step.

I was shocked at the amount of garbage. Such damage to the marine environment and destruction of beautiful scenery. There was even a water-logged sofa. We volunteers split up into teams with bags to collect and sort the garbage into different categories like polystyrene, plastic and glass. According to our expedition leader, the beach had already been cleaned up by volunteers twice. It made me so sad. It was beyond imagining.

As the coastline was difficult to get to, we had to form a human chain to transport all the garbage bags to a refuse collection point. It was exhausting work and took many hours.

I am not an experienced environmentalist but I strongly believe in the importance of getting young people to join in such work. The quantity of tiny pieces of garbage, as well as big ones, was astonishing. Youth will never know how serious the problem is if they do not join a coastline clean-up action like this.

I began to volunteer with HKFYG this year, first delivering free meals to elderly people living alone and then doing a coastal clean-up project on Lamma Island. We went to a beach that we could see clearly from the ferry. It was covered with rubbish. A real eye-sore. To get to it, we had to abseil down a cliff.

We are recruiting now for more volunteers through Instagram and many of my friends are interested. Although I am not so active on social media, I think all of us will volunteer regularly in future, as well as making more serious efforts to reduce pollution in all possible ways, every day of our lives. We should fight for sustainability. If we don’t, our generation and all those that follow will suffer.

ESG for startups

l “ESG” stands for “environmental, social, and governance” and is used to report criteria used in a company’s operations.

l Closely related to sustainability reporting, it is a factor to be considered by startups in relation to their business models.

l Dr Thomas Tang of City University of Hong Kong, a widely experienced sustainability consultant and teacher explains its application.

How does ESG affect young entrepreneurs?

As the threat of climate change and the depletion of natural resources grow, so investors tend to factor sustainability in their investment choices so it is important for young entrepreneurs to know how ESG might affect them.

How would you define ESG?

Basically put, environmental, social, and governance standards (ESG) indicate how well a company or organization performs in terms of social responsibility, environmental protection and ethical and governance.

Are you truly describing your company or is it just greenwashing?

Environmental criteria consider how a company performs as a steward of nature. Social criteria examine how it manages relationships with employees, suppliers, customers and the communities where it operates. Governance deals with a company’s leadership, executive pay, audits, internal controls, and shareholder rights.

Underpinning these factors is corporate governance which looks into the roles and responsibilities of the management of a company through its board, shareholders and the various stakeholders in that company.

l「環境、社會及管治」（ESG）已成為評估企業 營運表現的指標。

l 為配合可持續發展，不少初創企業將ESG理 念融入其商業模式中。

l 來自香港城市大學可持續發展顧問鄧錫權博 士為我們解釋企業如何應用ESG原則。

In which way is ESG part of a sustainable business model?

Companies today are expected to run successful businesses that make profits but stakeholders expect them to do so in an ethical and responsible way. For example, companies that mistreat their staff and contractors or carry out manufacturing practices that damage the environment not only run the risk of being penalized by the authorities but also of losing out to their competitors in terms of reputation and branding, which in turn affects market share.

Applying ESG to business practices and business models helps promote responsible business behaviour across the company so that staff, customers, suppliers and other stakeholders can see that the company is taking a clear position on how it conducts business and how leadership decisions are taken.

To incorporate ESG into a business model, you must declare your commitment through your mission and policies, set up clear guidelines and procedures for staff and others doing business with you and then “walk the talk” by making sure that your actions and decisions follow the principles of respecting society and the environment. This is not always easy as there are many grey areas where your business may be in doubt as whether to pursue a certain business interest or work with certain partners who do not apply ESG principles, and that will be the test of how committed your company really is.

A further requirement will be willingness to disclose your ESG performance during your normal reporting cycle. Have you done what you said you would do? Also, is your disclosure truly describing your company or is it just “greenwashing”? Are you reporting on things that are material to your business or just picking things that are peripheral?

Which standards would you advise young entrepreneurs to apply to their companies?

There are many relevant standards. They include those that tell you how to run your company sustainably, such as ISO 14001 and ISO 26000. At a global level the UN has established 17 Sustainable Development Goals with 169 targets. They are a good starting point for young entrepreneurs.

In general, I would say that entrepreneurs should align their ideas with something that respects nature and is sensitive to their immediate communities’ needs but also to those of wider society. As long as the values and purpose are right, the direction becomes clear and usually the standards are just a means of making sure that things are executed properly and that the appropriate policies and procedures are in place.

Does it make sense for investors to choose startups that put into practice the principle of doing well by doing good?

Generally, investors look for startups that have potential to succeed and be profitable but they are increasingly looking for long-term stability and steady growth as well as shortterm profitability. Investing in startups is risky so they look

for signs that the company is well-run and demonstrates capable leadership and decision-making. Hence, visible ESG shows that the company takes its responsibilities seriously.

In addition, investors do not only take an initial look at companies. After starting up, they expect momentum in environmental and social performance to be maintained as well as sound governance structure. For startups, this can be tough but the good news is that investors want to be part of it, provided that you can prove your intention to do good and then deliver on your word.

What is the real difference between ESG and ethically sound traditional business practice?

I think that ethical business is more about codes of conduct and realizing the true moral values behind a business. In that sense, ethics is about what you should and should not do, not just relying on regulations to tell you what to do. For instance, minimum wages can be set by law but if you know that this is not a living wage for your staff, you should do the ethical thing and pay them accordingly. Likewise, if you market harmful products like tobacco and alcohol ask yourself if you should be selling them even if demand and profits are good?

The ultimate goal for any enterprise is to be profitable, but at what cost?

Identify your purpose. Ask yourself why you want to do what you do? Is it really to do good as well as making a profit?

ESG puts such ethical issues into some sort of context by providing criteria for standards of behaviour. Hence, ESG reporting is a key measure – you have to disclose what you do and be open and transparent. That is difficult for many companies if they don’t want to admit their failings. On the plus side, if you find yourself in this situation you can benchmark yourself against others to see how well you are doing.

ESG is still evolving and there is global recognition that it provides a way for companies to align interests if we are to tackle major issues like climate change and avoid or at least control other natural disasters like pandemics and food shortages.

Have ESG standards prevailed during the pandemic?

There should be no conflict as ESG promotes doing the “right thing.” Companies would tend to protect their staff before helping the wider community but corporate social responsibility also comes into play as a nudge factor.

How can environment-minded startups adjust when they see staff using disposable masks and ordering takeaway meals in polystyrene boxes?

They can encourage reusable masks and ask people to use their own food containers for takeaway food. Managers can be mindful of staff needs when suggesting that they work from home and make sure that they still feel connected by regular check-ins. Being sensitive about mental health, unemployment/loss of jobs and business recovery is also very important.

What is the most important advice you would offer to young startups who want their business to focus on consistently sustainable social impact? First, identify your purpose. Ask yourself “Why do I want to do what I do? Is it really to do good as well as making a profit?” Think about it and test your ideas on others to see if it makes sense. Study the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and other guidelines to see if your ideas concur with the principles.

Second, don’t do it alone. Find a mentor or coach who can steer you and help you come up with the right business model. There are a lot of mature people out there who have been successful in their own right and want to give back to society, not just in charity work but by helping young people become successful but ethical entrepreneurs.

The ultimate goal for any enterprise is to be profitable, but at what cost? We have to be sensitive about the planet’s scarce resources and the gaps between the world’s “haves” and “have nots”. Be smart and consistent. Make sure that you can measure your environmental impact, both negative and positive.

Dr Thomas Tang is a City University of Hong Kong Adjunct Professor in innovation, business ethics & sustainability and corporate strategy. He is also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and a Fellow of the Institute of Environmental Management.

Happy babies and parents in the circular economy

l Eco-friendly, sustainable products for babies and mothers are popular around the world.

l Now gaining traction with Hong Kong’s environmentally-aware families, reusable diapers are a colourful, interesting option.

l Derek Lam, founder of Ways BB, recalls how personal experience converted him and led the way for his business startup.

It all began in 2014 with Derek’s daughter, Elbe [pictured]. “I had to go from one small baby shop to another to find everything we needed for her. But babies grow fast and a lot was wasted so I created a second-hand baby product online platform where people like myself could buy and sell.”

The circular economy concept was suitable for durable baby products such as baby cribs, baby strollers and baby walkers and reusable diapers came next. “Our cloth diapers can be adjusted to fit any baby, from a newborn to a toddler. They create far less waste than disposables – which are said to take hundreds of years to decompose,”explains Derek. Reusables can also save you a lot of money since a baby needs only about 24 washable diapers in the early years compared to 6,000 or more disposables, he says.

Made from materials such as organic, antiseptic bamboo and organic cottons, hemp and other recycled materials, everything in Derek’s diapers except the buttons is 100% decomposable. “It will have disappeared from landfills within five years,” he says. “Our bamboo diaper inserts, when frequently washed, also become softer and are more absorbent than any made of polyester.”

l 環保有機的母嬰用品受世界各地父母熱 烈追捧。

l 本港家庭日趨注重環保，有企業推出不 同顔色和花款的環保尿布。

l Derek憶述他如何從個人經歷得到啟 發，因而創辦環保嬰兒用品公司Ways BB。

The outer layer is waterproof and breathable and the inner layer is soft and hypoallergenic.

Derek has trendsetters in mind too. “The cloth we choose is not only functional, it’s fashionable. Today’s parents are willing pay more for matching outfits and like to choose favourite colours or prints when they buy diapers from us.” Still, functionality is the key, and as Derek says, “The outer layer of material is both waterproof and breathable and the inner layer is soft and hypo-allergenic. That means happier babies.”

Derek is optimistic about the future. “We are currently the only distributor of this product in Hong Kong, mainland China or Taiwan. We are planning to develop our own label in future. Currently, we distribute diapers made in Qingdao under the American label, Kanga Care. We are also the agent for breastfeeding shawls, washable nursing pads, baby sleeping blankets and sleeping bags, muslin swaddles, baby bibs and play mats,” most of which are washable and reusable and are made from organic materials.

Inevitably, there are some downsides. “The big one is inconvenience: regular washing is a must for reusables so it’s hard to convince some consumers.” Nevertheless, as Derek says, toxic chemicals in disposable diapers may be absorbed by babies’ skin* and by soil in landfills. The toxins might be filtered out by rain and run-off to the sea, eventually coming back to haunt us in the seafood we eat, he warns.

The world’s climate is changing and we must change too, before it is too late. “We want to change the way parents around the world think about bringing up children, helping them create a much greener and sustainable lifestyle right from the start.” That will contribute to change for future generations, says Derek. He even advocates using cloth diapers for more than one child. “Kept in good condition, they can be used by a second child as well.”

Web ways-bb.com

Awards

• Green ICT Award 2014

• Roadshow Ecostar Award 2015

Diapers: balancing pros and cons

VERSATILITY

Fabric diapers are usually adjustable to age, from infancy up to around two years old.

COST

On average, a child needs 6,000-8,000 diaper changes from birth to completion of potty-training so cloth diapers can save you a lot of money, even if you would otherwise opt for a cheap brand of disposables. Although you need to buy a stock of reusable diapers up-front and the unit cost is higher, it’s an economical investment in the long run.

POLLUTION

Although there is no research yet that confirms adverse effects on babies wearing disposable diapers, an authoritative report published in France in 2019 noted that they have been found to contain dangerous chemical substances and that there is evidence they cross the safety thresholds for several of these.*

CLEANING UP

The unfortunate truth about cloth diapering is that it comes with a lot of cleaning, so more laundry, more time spent on it, more water for washing and a higher electricity bill. WaysBB has other products that help parents cope with some of these, such as waterproof bags and pail liners for keeping soiled diapers hygienically until there is a full load for the washing machine.

ON BALANCE

While some parents are convinced that cloth diapers are more eco-friendly, experts say the matter isn't clear-cut. Research suggests that both disposable and cloth diapers can affect the environment negatively - just in different ways. One fills landfills. The other uses more electricity and water for cleaning. Neither the American Academy of Pediatrics nor the Environmental Protection Agency has taken a decisive position on cloth vs. disposable diapers but used by economical, conscientious parents, cloth diapers certainly have an edge.

* anses.fr/fr/system/files/CONSO2017SA0019Ra.pdf

** webmd.com/parenting/baby/features/diaper-choices#2

Naked Shopping

l Many of us are taking steps to live more sustainably, but maybe we are overlooking a major culprit: packaging.

l Zero-waste or bulk shopping is at the heart of Ella and Margot’s store in Tai Po where nothing sold is prepackaged.

l Their solution is not only to ask customers to bring their own bags and containers but also to let them serve themselves from jars holding products in bulk.

The concept of zero-waste shopping, where nothing is pre-packed and everyone brings their own containers, is slowly taking root in the city and in a corner of one of the old-style shopping malls in Tai Po, you can find Ella and Margot’s zero-packaging “Bulk Shop.” In just 100 square feet, they sell all sorts of things, from daily necessities and food to hand-made soap, all neatly arranged on the shelves, unpackaged.

“Today, there are overpackaged products everywhere and hardly anyone seems to notice. Tomorrow, we hope it will be different We hope that everyone in Hong Kong will protect the environment, not just a small group of activists.”

The idea can transform daily life, says Ella’s co-founder a New Zealander called Margot. “It’s not just a fashion. It’s proactive.” Margot, a teacher, came to Hong Kong eight years ago and now lives in Tai Po. She says Hong Kong gave her the impression of being very modern and fastpaced, and its people very anxious. “Even teaching here is done at high speed.” It’s very different in New Zealand, she

l 雖然愈來愈多人願意實踐可持續生活，卻 忽視了包裝所造成的浪費。

l 本身是老師的Ella和Margot所創辦的裸買 小店位於大埔，主張「零浪費」和「散裝購 買」。

l 店內所有貨品均沒有包裝，顧客要自備購 物袋或容器購買。

explains, where great importance is attached to outdoor nature education. “Children there spend a lot of time exploring nature. They see how to live with nature, watching animals move, smelling plants, and learning how to cherish and protect the environment.”

Ella, a native of Tai Po, has three children and is a teacher too. Nodding her agreement, she says her son is supposed to be learning about environmental protection at school. “One day, no drinking straws. Another day, homework about the colour of recycling bins… but it all comes from textbooks. There is no time for practice.”

Making time for nature not textbooks

Both Margot and Ella often ask their students what they think about pollution and protecting the environment, but they see hardly any garbage sorting for recycling at school and feel that local environmental education is just disconnected empty talk. “Many of my school colleagues order takeaways every day. Very few of them bring their

by Magdalena Bilska flic.kr p zXWJ64

by Tsang Hin-chung p12 by Todd Mecklem flic.kr p eWx6Xu

own containers and the plastic boxes the food comes in won’t decompose for hundreds of years. Why can’t we all take one step further to save our environment?”

Both Ella and Margot have changed their own habits gradually. They began by taking their own reusable bags, boxes and baskets to the shops and avoid supermarkets where everything comes pre-packed. But they face challenges. In the wet market, for example, “The vegetable seller is quick and efficient. She will pack our purchases into a plastic bag we don’t need before we even have time to blink!” says Margot.

That’s when they had the idea of opening a zero-package or “naked” shop with no plastic packing. There were one or two in places like Sai Kung and on Hong Kong Island, but they had never seen one in Tai Po and the pandemic meant they had the chance to create a business plan.

“It was a difficult decision to make last year, at a difficult time for everyone in Hong Kong, but we knew that if we hesitated the idea might be lost,” said Ella. “She thinks of everything,” says Margot, “including meeting up with all the owners of other naked shops.” They got together and formed a “Zero Waste Alliance” to exchange trade secrets. “Everyone cooperates. We have the common goal of reducing waste and helping one another.”

Bringing generations together

The store opened a few months ago but already the relationships with customers and other shop owners are for a lifetime. “Some of our students brought their parents here and the next week, the parents came back alone,” says Ella. “Another day an elderly couple arrived with a crumpled old red plastic bag to shop for their children.”

Ella is amazed by the enthusiasm of the Tai Po community. They help in many ways, not only by supporting the shop and making sure it has a bilingual online presence but also by helping to stock it with environmentally-friendly produce and handicrafts that help reduce Hong Kong’s carbon footprint.

“Life without packaging is not difficult or expensive and naked buying is not just a trend,” says Margot. “We want to turn it into a widespread movement. It’s not for the money. It’s for us all. If we are willing to take one small step together, the movement will grow and grow till it’s unstoppable.”

The first of its kind in Tai Po, The Bulk Shop is at 25-28, Level 2, Jade Plaza, 3 On Chee Road, Tai Po, Hong Kong. Tel 5161 9454

p Even in the wet market, be quick or get a plastic bag!

Life without packaging is not difficult or expensive and naked buying is not just a trend.

Eco-friendly coffee more than composting

l Going green is no longer limited to recycling paper, plastic and cans, says Peann Tam of Eco-Greenergy

l Changing daily behaviour is the first step we can take to protect our environment.

l Such changes include less waste, less use of disposable plastic products and more commercial composting facilities.

Why did you start up and eco-friendly business?

Life is short and I wanted to make an impact so I chose environmental protection. The business I founded in 2014 with Jay Ho involves upcycling coffee grounds and reducing plastic waste. It has given meaning to my life to see the positive influence of this work at a time when the ecoindustry has developed rapidly.

Today, people and businesses alike are more concerned about environmental impact. The “zero plastic” campaigns in the F&B sector bear witness to this. Sustainability has become a very hot topic in the corporate world, as can be seen in the recent requirement for ESG* reporting. This creates a very positive dynamic and gives us more chance to push our initiatives forward.

What are your latest initiatives?

Since 2015, we have strengthened our Zero Grounds Coffee Campaign and related products substantially. We also introduced coffee grounds upcycling workshops for corporates at our showroom or factory. In early 2020, we also received a grant to open a coffee grounds processing factory in Kwai Chung and now have a richer range of locally-made and overseas eco-products, most of which can be customized as gifts.

We have an inclusive hiring policy but it is usually young people who are most interested in working with us. They demonstrate more willingness to learn, more dedication and find more satisfaction in their work. A harmonious environment with mutual respect among colleagues is our goal and this fits with the requirements of our partner NGOs.

l「綠行俠」（Eco-Greenergy）創辦人、青協舊 生譚沛楹（Peann）指出，除了回收紙張、塑 膠和鋁罐，實踐綠色生活還有更多途徑。

l 改變生活習慣是保護環境的第一步。

l 這些改變可包括減廢、「走塑」和增設商業廢 料處理設施。

What new developments do you have in mind?

Greater emphasis on research and development will mean that our upcycled coffee grounds products will focus on compression technology using pure plant-based materials. The aim is to replace similar products which are currently made of non-renewable materials or plastic. Also, we’re going to launch a programme to engage restaurants to use compostable takeaway boxes. Hopefully can help reduce plastic waste.

Are there enough commercial composting facilities in Hong Kong?

No, but this is not the showstopper. The reason for the low popularity of compostable boxes is cost: anything from twice to ten times the price of plastic. F&B outlets that are willing to switch to the more expensive option do so mainly because of a corporate branding and sustainability profile and the boxes do indeed create much less of an

Going green is not a slogan and is no longer limited to recycling paper, plastic and cans.

environmental problem than conventional plastics. Even if they were disposed of in a landfill, they would decompose a lot faster and create less pollution than plastic.

As commercial composting facilities grow, they will first be used to handle food waste. In Hong Kong, we are talking about 3,600 tons of food waste every day. Compostable takeaway boxes are not even part of this figure. Even the super large scale of composting facilities being built by the government in Siu Ho Wan, North Lantau, have only a daily processing capacity of 200 tons.

Which materials present a bigger environmental problem in Hong Kong: Styrofoam or plastic?

Both Styrofoam and plastic can be recycled in Hong Kong after thorough cleaning but I think Styrofoam is the bigger problem. It can be torn into very small pieces more easily than and so there is a greater risk of it getting into water pipes and causing marine pollution. Also, Styrofoam is relatively difficult to clean thoroughly than other plastic. This also increases the recycling difficulty.

On the other hand single use plastic tableware is one of the top ten categories of marine litter in Hong Kong, according to the World Wildlife Fund Hong Kong.* While some merchants may think using plastic takeaway boxes saves cost, they are actually just shifting the cost to environmental cost which all of us

need to bear.

What message would you like to send about the importance of “going green”?

Going green is not a slogan and is no longer limited to recycling paper, plastic and cans. It involves reviewing daily habits, preferring reusables to disposables, choosing compostable instead of non-biodegradable and upcycled instead of new.

It is all about a mindset change. It’s about only buying what we need, sharing surplus and rejecting unnecessary packaging and gimmicks. Learning to appreciate natural resources and influencing families and friends. These are the most efficient ways to change our environment for the better.

Web eco-greenergy.com

Awards include:

§ SDG Enterprise Award 2020

§ HKFYG 2015: HKFYG Jockey Club Social Innovation Centre

§ STEP Incubation Programme and HKFYG Jockey Club Social Innovation Centre, Social Innovation Challenge: Most Favorite Social Innovation Challenge Award and Professional Selection Award

It is all about a mindset change, buying what we need, sharing surplus and rejecting unnecessary packaging and gimmicks.

Saving food from landfills

l “Sell by” and “best before by” dates can be confusing and can often lead to far more wasted food than is justifiable.

l Safe options for environmentally-aware consumers are a welcome solution.

l Terence Hon, co-founder of GreenPrice, explains how his company’s retail outlets make it possible for food that is near its expiry date can be sold at a discount and eaten while it is still good to eat.

l 五花八門的食物標籤例如「保質期限」和「此 日期前最佳」容易造成混亂，甚至導致不必要 的食物浪費。

l 著重環保意識的顧客或有其他安全可靠的新 出路。

l 綠惜超市（GreenPrice）創辦人之一韓駿謙 （Terence）分享其零售店如何以優惠價格售賣 將會過期，但仍可安全食用的食品。

Should we buy food that is near its sell-by date? That’s a good question and one that Terence Hon and the co-founders of GreenPrice take to heart. Their startup sells prepackaged food and other products with date labels that are near to expiry. The goal is to save them from landfills.

Founded in Hong Kong in 2016 and based on an idea that began life as an entry for a social innovation competition, GreenPrice has come a long way in five years. “We have five outlets selling surplus and short-dated stock sourced both locally and overseas,” Terence explains. “Our aim is to reduce waste while offering products at much lower prices.”

A quick look at the company’s website proves his point. Popular snacks, honey and breakfast cereals are available at

half-price. A bottle of Dettol hand-wash liquid is going for HK$10, almost a quarter of the original price. “Our products can’t be sold at the regular price because of the date label or because packaging is slightly damaged. However, “best before” dates on packaging are there to give you clues regarding freshness, taste, fragrance and texture. “If stored properly, many prepackaged goods are safe for consumption beyond the dates on the labels,” he continues.

Over 3,200 tonnes of food waste are produced in Hong Kong each day. Retailers and distributors dispose of many millions of expired food items. “We serve as the last mile disposal outlet to lighten the burden on the local environment.” says Terence.

His clients understand what is at issue and they can exercise independent judgement at GreenPrice stores in Central, Wan Chai and Quarry Bay, in Kwun Tong and Kwai Fong. “Our target customers are mostly middle-class professionals in their late 20s to early 40s. They are environmentally aware.” Most GreenPrice customers buy mainly prepackaged food and snacks, as well as nutrition supplements, skin care products and luxury brand cosmetics sourced at duty free or specialty shops.

We serve as the last mile disposal outlet to lighten the burden on the local environment.

The startup has also adopted an ingenious mechanism that uses an e-price tag which is adjusted daily in order to ensure that as much as possible avoids ending up in a landfill. “There is a back-end algorithm to adjust the price and it has been quite accurate so far.” Anything remaining after the GreenPrice deadline is donated to community organizations.

It takes Terence and his team many of hours of negotiation with suppliers to ensure that items in their shops as well as those that are donated are safe for consumption for a short period beyond “best before” dates. They work with specialists

in the field of regulatory compliance and nutrition to achieve this. Last year, Terence recalls, “Representatives from the HKBU Chemical Testing Laboratory picked two relatively risky samples from our store for microbiological examination and E. coli count - the major bacteria causing food poisoning – and both samples were at an acceptable level.”

Maintaining stocks with the highest safety standards is commendable and this environmentally-friendly concept is warmly welcome, especially in big cities such as Hong Kong that have an acute serious waste problem. Similar models can be found in Europe, the US and the UK. Even when standardized food labelling becomes a reality instead of a plethora of misleading terms on packaging, they have an important role to play that is both educational and ecofriendly. Web greenprice.hk/pages/

best-before-concept Winner Favourite Social Innovation Business Award, HKFYG Social Innovation Challenge 2017

Guidance or law

In Hong Kong, as in Australia, New Zealand and the European Union, “best before” and “use by” dates are a compulsory form of date marking that provide consumers with a guide to the shelf life of prepackaged food. But have you ever sniffed at food in your fridge that has just passed the “best before” date and wondered if it is still safe to eat? “Use by” dates are usually a more reliable guide than “best before” when making a decision and they are normally found on perishable food. However, currently, there is no definitive list of which foods should carry a particular type of date mark. Producers and manufacturers bear the responsibility of guiding consumers but we as individuals can also use our own discretion.

p GreenPrice founders

Closer to the earth going green at HKFYG camps

Restrictions have touched all of us in one way or another this year. What can be done to release free spirits? Campers at the Federation’s outdoor centres discover places to roam and new ways to appreciate them.

Outdoors on Lamma Island, a new kind of staycation has been created. Called a “tentcation” at the HKFYG Lamma camp up in the hills between Yung Shue Wan and Sok Kwu Wan these short holidays involve learning how to pitch a tent, playing traditional Chinese pitch-pot games and using fallen leaves for a practical purpose.

Making plates and dessert

Fallen leaves? Yes, to make plates for the dinner. The campers coat the leaves with a mixture of materials such as limestone, shells and chalk and then let them air-dry naturally. The result is a leaf-plate that almost looks like a fossil and which can be taken home as a souvenir. Making dessert is next on the agenda so campers collect kindling and then learn how to make a fire so that red bean pudding can be served.

Finding wildlife and freedom

Another wildlife experience starts after dark: a night safari search for frogs. Lamma Island is home to an indigenous species called Romer’s Tree Frog, the smallest amphibian recorded in Hong Kong. Now an endangered species. It was first discovered by John Romer on Lamma in 1952 but then thought to be extinct. Happily, it was rediscovered in 1984.

The Lamma “tentcation” experience teaches campers how to observe their living environment, to respect wild things and to enjoy the freedom of nature. Suitable for children and adults alike, the family-oriented programme is ongoing from Easter onwards and throughout the summer months.

“My children could connect with nature for the first time. They really only knew the city before this.”

“The camp made all of us happy, adults and children alike. It was a real eye-opener for people who were new to Hong Kong.”

Enquiries Ms Hui email : camp@hkfyg.org.hk

Tel 2395 5676

Web lyc.hkfyg.org.hk/

Enrollment forms.gle/qkoE4Ln2UL2vvkre6

Loving nature

At HKFYG’s Tai Mei Tuk Outdoor Activities Centre near the largest reservoir in Hong Kong at Plover Cove, groups of adventurous young people aged 14 upwards find out about some of Hong Kong’s amazing natural heritage.

A canoeing expedition that visits mangrove beds ( 紅樹林及淺灘生態 導賞 ) along the coast involves finding out about the plant’s intriguing ecosystem. It protects the coastline from wave erosion and not long ago, New Territories villagers used mangrove wood for fuel to cook.

Mangroves are highly productive and contribute greatly to food chains in coastal waters. They provide habitats and feeding grounds for many species of birds, crustaceans and marine fauna, but in Hong Kong they are disappearing. Still to be found in inter-tidal wetlands along the Hong Kong coast, their resources have been sadly depleted in recent decades as a result of reclamation and infrastructural development. Those that remain are to be treasured.

“Paddling among the mangroves was a very special experience. The plants need to be protected before they disappear.”

Mangrove Kayaking in Tolo Harbour

Paddling to the UNESCO-designated geopark in Ma Shi Chau, also called the Permium Rock Garden of Hong Kong, gives participants the chance to learn about rock formations including some of the oldest in Hong Kong along the north shore of Tolo Harbour and at Bluff Head. These were formed about 280 million years ago in the Permian Period.

Designated as part of one of Hong Kong’s Special Areas, Ma Shi Chau is in Tai Po District, in the northeast part of the New Territories. The Special Area it belongs to comprises three other islands, namely Centre Island, Yeung Chau and an unnamed island located about 100 metres northeast of Yim Tin Tsai near Sam Mun Tsai New Village. The islands are home to many birds and some goats but not many people.

Enquiries: Mike Fung

Web tmt.hkfyg.org.hk

Enrollment: tel 2395 5676 / email : camp@hkfyg.org.hk

“Ma Shi Chau is ideal for studying geological composition, rock strata and sedimentation.”

Eco Tour to Ma Shi Chau Geopark

Finding out about farms

This year is no exception for educational programmes and events for families at both HKFYG farms. Discover more this summer about all the fun of farming.

We all need a break from our fast-paced lives now and then and many Hong Kong people have discovered the joys of being weekend farmers. For those who want to explore urban farming, try visiting the site at Tsing Yi. Proceeds are shared to help people in need.

The Federation also hosted a charity event at the urban farm’s rooftop terrace garden. The aim was to build on everyone’s understanding of organic farming and proceeds were donated to the HKFYG Organic Farm for educational purposes.

Enquiries Suki Lee

Tel 2838 4808

email organicfarm@hkfyg.org.hk

The HKFYG Organic Farm invites people of all ages to come and play at farming while learning how important agriculture is for the environment. The free walking tour takes visitors to all areas where they are invited to harvest some fresh organic vegetables to take home. A fun handicrafts workshop and a warm welcome await at the Farm shop, with mouthwatering fresh fruit and veggies.

Address No.1 Family Walk, Ho Pui Reservoir, Pat Heung, Yuen Long, New Territories

Reservations via WhatsApp 9087 0852

Enquiries Suki Lee

Tel 2838 4808

email organicfarm@hkfyg.org.hk

This scheme provides a place where Hong Kong people of all ages can enjoy simple pleasures with family and friends. They learn about hydroponic and organic farming while discovering a sustainable lifestyle with seasonal produce that supports local agriculture. For Groups of 2-4 people aged 3 upwards

Where The HKFYG Hydroponic Farm - Organic Farming Garden

Address Lam Tsuen, DD7 Lot1 RP1, Tai Hang Sha Lay Yuen

When Next phase starts early July 2021

Enquiries Ivan Tam

Tel 9333-1551

email hf@hkfyg.orghk

Parent-Child Farming Fun

Farm Weekend Tour

Organic Farming Experience

Farm-to-Table Hydroponics Tour

We believe that tasting is better than teaching so as we explain the concepts behind hydroponic farming, we offer deliciously fresh farm produce. Participants also learn about the sustainable process of producing food and the ways in which eating locally grown produce reduces our carbon footprint.

Enquiries Ivan Tam

Tel 9333-1551

email hf@hkfyg.org.hk

For Groups of 4 to 30 people

Where HKFYG Hydroponic Farm main greenhouse.

Address Lam Tsuen, DD7 Lot1

RP1, Tai Hang Sha Lay Yuen

Reservations via WhatsApp at 5565 5241

When Daily, Wednesday to Sunday

HKFYG’s Organic Farm has served the community for nearly a decade, supplying fresh organic vegetables, offering educational visits and collaborating with schools and corporations. Over 40,000 visitors and 200 groups visit the farm every year. They explore the local environment, experience organic farming and learn to cherish healthy food at source.

Visit the online shop Order fresh vegetables and healthy lifestyle products and enjoy home delivery. More details organicfarm.hk

The HKFYG Hydroponic Farm is full of vitality! Its produce and the young people who nurture it enjoy 900 sqm of indoor greenhouse. Together, they produce many kinds of vegetable all year round in a semi-environmentally controlled area. More than half of the employees are young people. The combination of their energy and traditional farming wisdom means the farm can maximize production while balancing quality with price.

Coming soon Fruit trees and other new product lines including hydroponic plants for DIY home farming.

More details facebook.com/hkfygHydroponicFarm/

Iconic plogging special care for country parks

P logging: a combination of picking up litter and jogging. As a workout, it provides a balanced activity for your body. For the environment, it offers a chance of recovery for garbage-strewn hiking trails.

With support from The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, HKFYG launched the HKFYG Jockey Club Youth Sports Development Project in September 2020. Since then, it has been taking groups of up to 100 12-35-year-olds out into the countryside to go plogging. The activity involves a wide variety of physical movements: bending, lifting and stretching combined with the main actions of running, hiking or walking while picking up litter.

So far, over 100 plogging volunteers have been trained to help on the project which has included trails in Lion Rock, High West and Tai Cham Koi country parks. There will be a total of 48 trained teams doing four cleaning trips each. Members from each team clean up while jogging according to their planned route, and the type and quantity of the picked up rubbish is be recorded.

Training includes:

Level 1 MOUNTAIN CRAFT TRAINING

§ Knowledge of mountaineering in Hong Kong

§ Mountain safety

§ Countryside Code and care for the environment

§ Environmental awareness in field activities

§ Knowledge and choice of hiking equipment and clothing

§ Journey planning

§ Map reading

§ Compass use

§ Hiking skills

§ Food

Plus LEAVE NO TRACE (LNT) awareness workshops and online environmental education lectures

Leaving rocks, plants and other natural objects exactly as you find them is the core principle of LNT.

Seven principles of LNT

§ Plan and prepare ahead

§ Travel and camp on durable surfaces

§ Dispose of waste properly

§ Leave what you find where you found it – except litter

§ Minimize campfire impacts

§ Respect wildlife

§ Be considerate of other visitors

Feedback from pop star guests Mirror: Sports Mileage Ambassador, Lokman@Mirror says:

“The problem of waste pollution is serious in Hong Kong’s mountains, and there is so much garbage here. We could not clean up all of it even we spent the whole day plogging. We should take action and save our countryside.”

Alton@Mirror, comments:

“Plogging is a piece of cake when we go hiking but everyone should always take the responsibility to remove their own garbage. Even better, step forward and encourage others to keep the mountains clean.”

Countryside covers about three-quarters of all the land in Hong Kong, even though it is one of the world's greatest cities. Its rural landscape rises from sandy beaches, wetlands and rocky foreshores to heights of almost 1,000 metres and includes woodland, scrub, hills, grassland and mountain ranges. The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department manages the parks and is responsible for tree planting and litter collection.

Sadly, with the rise in popularity of hiking and other healthy outside pursuits has come a great deal of litter. During the pandemic, the problem got worse. Takeaway food meant that more than 100 million disposable plastic items were thrown away every week. Local NGO, Greeners Action, called it a “plastic disaster”.

PLOGGING

Stockholm in Sweden was the first city to host an organized “Plogga” event in 2016. It combined a jog, “jogga” in Swedish, with picking up litter, to “plocka up”. “Plowers” are proud garbage collectors who do something for both the environment and their health.

Today, “Plogga” is an association and a popular movement. Whether you walk, jog, run, skateboard, cycle or swim while you collect rubbish, it’s all about a change of attitude.

Since 2016 over 3 million people have participated in organized or solo “ploggas” around the world. Every day, approximately 20,000 people plog in over 100 countries and some plogging events have attracted over 3,000,000 participants.

Read more

• en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plogging

• plogging.org/what-is-plogging

• nps.gov/articles/leave-no-trace-seven-principles.htm

Dates Ongoing until August 2023

Monthly for most of the year

More details facebook.com/ CommunityTeamSports/ photos/2096565480486292

cts.hkfyg.org.hk

Enquiries Arthur Cheung

Tel 3611 6674

Email arthurty.cheung@hkfyg.org.hk

Web facebook.com/CommunityTeamSports cts.hkfyg.hk/sportsmileage/

Sponsor The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust

Taking on the challenge

Global citizens under 30 are inheriting a hotter, more unpredictable climate that has enormous implications for their future. But they also represent the power to change, by calling on policy–makers, implementing innovative solutions and building a global movement of youth climate champions. 2021 is a year of climate action, young activists say. Their network aims to inspire, empower and mobilize a generational movement to take positive action on climate change.

Surveys

w Global emergency Over half a million young people aged 14-18 in 50 countries took part in a survey by the UNDP this year. Almost two thirds viewed climate change as a global emergency.

w Climate change and loss of biodiversity A survey by UNESCO based upon more than 15,000 responses, revealed that of all the challenges faced by the world, climate change and loss of biodiversity were the biggest according to 67% of respondents, 57% of whom under 35, and 35% under 25.

w Environmental sustainability A third international survey asked youth about sustainable development goals (SDGs) and the number one priority to make the world a better place in 2030. Environmental sustainability was top of the list. Among them, in Asia, Europe, mainland China, and North America China, the majority prioritized “a sustainable environment” above all else.

Sources

undp.org/publications/peoples-climate-vote

• en.unesco.org/news/unesco-world-2030-survey-report-highlights-youth-concerns-over-climate-change-and-biodiversity

• worldbenchmarkingalliance.org/news/young-people-and-the-sustainability-agenda-three-avenues-for-impact/

Carbon Emissions

There are very large inequalities in per capita emissions across the world. Countries with some of the highest per capita emissions – and therefore high total emissions – are the US, Australia and Canada, but many countries across Europe have much lower emissions. The choice of energy sources plays a key role in countries like the UK and France, where a much higher share of electricity is produced from nuclear and renewable sources. This means a much lower share of electricity is produced from fossil fuels: in 2015, only 6% of France’s electricity came from fossil fuels, compared to 55% in Germany.

Hong Kong Carbon Footprint

The city's per capita carbon emissions in 2019 - the latest complete data available - were 5.9 tonnes. The government has pledged to reduce this to between 3.3 and 3.8 tonnes by 2030.

(2019)

Sources

• ourworldindata.org/co2-emissions#co2-emissions-by-region

• population.un.org/wpp/Publications/Files/WPP2019-Wallchart.pdf

• worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/carbon-footprint-by-country

Young people have been participating in international negotiations concerning environmental and sustainable development issues since the Rio Earth Summit in 1992. Their movement is called the International Youth Climate Movement or YouNGO (Youth NGOs) and it is one of the non-government constituencies represented at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

The next the annual UNFCCC negotiations are in Glasgow this year (COP26). YouNGO will have a Spokes Council there where youth can network and collaborate on climate issues. Young people everywhere can be part of YouNGO as well as youth organizations.

• worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/carbon-footprint-by-country

• scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3046358/ watch-your-carbon-footprint-hong-kongs-getting

• data.worldbank.org/indicator/EN.ATM.CO2E.KT

Global youth response

w In 2001, American students of the SustainUS youth organization followed the call of the European Youth Forum and began to send delegations to participate in worldwide negotiations, principally through the United Nations.

w In September 2006, the Canadian Youth Climate Coalition was launched, soon followed by the Australian Youth Climate Coalition, the Indian Youth Climate Network and the UK Youth Climate Coalition

w More recently, coalitions in Africa, China, Japan, Pacific Islands and South Asia have been established with the same mission.

w In 2020 in Hong Kong, the Local Conference of Youths in Hong Kong (LCOY HK), CarbonCare InnoLab (CCIL), together with Hong Kong Youth for Climate Action (HKYCA), co-organized its inaugural virtual meeting and position papers presented were submitted to UN YOUNGO as part of the global youth climate positioning for COP 26 this year.

Sources

• en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Youth_Climate_Movement

• ccinnolab.org/en/LCOYHK

Speaking up

Australia

The Australian Youth Climate Coalition (AYCC) mission is to solve the climate crisis through a social movement, “a movement of young people leading solutions to the climate crisis …” Their climate justice goal is to, “build the power of those who stand to lose the most from inaction on climate change … then we can inspire new community-led solutions from the bottom up and ensure better decisions from those in government and business.”

Canada

The Canadian Youth Climate Coalition (CYCC) notes that the leadership of the mainstream environmental movement has tended to be mostly affluent white people. This leaves out some groups of people most affected by environmental degradation. Young Canadian activists, disappointed by their government at international climate conferences, say “Climate change is overwhelming; often it feels like there isn’t a clear solution to the crisis.” They are taking matters into their own hands and are building strong grassroots movements.

Hong Kong

The Local Conference of Youths in Hong Kong (LCOY HK) is the platform for young Hongkongers to get involved in climate change. LCOY has launched the Paris Watch project to measure HK’s performance as a city against the spirit and the letter of the Paris Climate Agreement as well as making comparisons between Hong Kong and neighbouring cities. They say, “As we go into 2021, we need increased ambition, collaborations, investments and solutions to the climate issues that we face. At this critical time, we need to fight ignorance and inertia and we need to get the voice of the youths heard.”

India

The idea to start something new and bold came about when Indian youth noticed the lack of representation in the UNFCCC COP international climate negotiations for one of the most vulnerable regions affected by potentially catastrophic climate change and environment issues. “It is a monumental effort but one with immense potential. The Youth for Sustainability India Alliance is also very active in the field of climate change. “The focus of the Alliance is to be the driving force in the ‘Decade of Action, 2020-30’.”

Sweden

The most famous youth climate activist is Swedish teenager, Greta Thunberg. With other Swedish students, she organized a school climate strike movement under the name Fridays for Future with multi-city protests involving millions of students. In her speech on for Earth Day this year, Thunberg said, “The fact that we are still having this discussion, and even more that we are still subsidizing fossil fuels directly or indirectly using taxpayer money is a disgrace. It is a clear proof that we have not understood the climate emergency at all.”

UK

The UK Youth Climate Coalition (UKYCC) has a working group at the international level in preparation for COP26. They are calling for “Missing Voices” to be heard at the UN climate talks, since those who contributed least to global warming will be affected the most by the climate crisis. They also call for reduced representation of vested interests, such as the fossil fuel industry and demand a comprehensive conflicts of interest policy from the UN.

Climate people: there is no “Net Zero”!

by Graeme Maxton

by

I get the basic maths. If you have something, and you offset it with negative something, you have nothing. If all those damaging climate emissions can be cancelled-out with ‘negative climate emissions’ the party can continue. Only this is a fantasy.

Let’s look at the target. To avoid catastrophic and unstoppable climate change, societies need to keep the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere below 450 parts per million (ppm). If humanity breaches that level it sets off a series of chain reactions which will make most of the planet uninhabitable, with large parts of it unliveable by 2050.

In May 2021, the concentration hit 420ppm. That is nearly 4ppm higher than last year. So, it’s really very simple. If we keep on generating emissions at the current rate, it’s game over by 2029 so setting a net zero targetof 2050 is a complete waste of time. It’s too late.

I strongly suspect that what we are seeing is greenwashing, telling people who don’t understand that there are tough emissions targets, and though these are far off in the future, and those making them will be long retired, there is the appearance of action and so no need for any change now.

Planting trees is a popular way to meet these targets. Yet, even with the most ambitious targets, tree planting might remove 200 giga tonnes of carbon from the atmosphere in 50-100 years. To put that in context, annual equivalent carbon emissions (that is, accounting for the other main greenhouse gases as well as CO2) exceed 40 giga tonnes. So, all those trees will absorb five years’ worth of carbon, 75 years too late.

The 40+ giga tonnes of emissions generated today come from a bewildering array of man-made sources,

from buildings and vehicles, to cement production and deforestation. To slow the pace of climate change, societies need to cut these emissions to actual zero as fast as possible – regardless of the cost.

Then they have to invest in new technologies to try and offset the additional giga tonne of emissions that is now being released each year as a result of human activities – from the wildfires around the world, from under the warming oceans and from melting permafrost, for example.

To do this, societies will have to build hundreds of carbon capture plants and run them at full blast for more than century to bring the atmosphere into better equilibrium. And, even then, even having done all that, they will have maybe a 50:50 chance of avoiding the worst.

Forget net-zero, climate people. Just as you can’t offset a 20-a-day smoking habit with 20 minutes on a treadmill, you can’t cancel 40+ Gt of CO2 emissions each year by planting a few saplings next year. Societies need to embrace radical change if they are to avoid a climate catastrophe, or there is no point in making any change at all.

More details

Graeme Maxton is a climate change economist who worked in Hong Kong and now lives in Taiwan. With his partner, Bernice Maxton-Lee, he published "A Chicken can't lay a Duck Egg: how covid-19 can solve the climate crisis." John Hunt, 2020.

Graeme Maxton

Overseas education pluses and minuses

by Spencer Lam

Have you ever thought of studying overseas? Imagine: a spacious room with little homework to do. New friends to make, new vistas to explore.

How do you think that would feel? Evidently, studying overseas brings numerous benefits and many potential problems. Let’s put on a Sherlock Holmes’ hat and investigate the experience further.

Your English would improve throughout your time abroad. Living in Hong Kong, albeit a city labelled an international metropolis, many students find it difficult to practice their English and particularly to gain proficiency in speaking and writing. My own experience of an exchange makes for a striking illustration.

Not only did I find cultural differences in terms of taboos, food, habits and values intriguing. I was also bound to make use of what I had learnt about cultural contrasts. Mingling with local students in the UK and joining various extra-curricular activities, also meant that I could polish my English.

Route to independence

While Hong Kong students are overseas, they can develop their independence which would benefit their personal growth. Sad to say, students in Hong Kong have been labelled as the “strawberry generation.” Their parents always satisfy their every need, regarding them as priceless pearls. As a result, they tend to be obsessed with material comforts and their families have domestic helpers who take care of everything for them, however trivial.

On the other hand, if these students go overseas, their reliance on parents reduces. They need to do their own shopping, cooking and laundry, find their way round on local transport and arrange leisure and sports activities for themselves. When parents can no longer spoil them, they might conceivably become more mature, independent individuals.

Rose with a thorn

Despite all the benefits of an overseas education, there is no rose without a thorn. Only when adolescents are sufficiently outgoing will the above-mentioned salient features benefit them. Imagine if your kids were shy and unable to communicate actively with strangers. They would never realize their potential or make good friends among their local schoolmates. They would be too reluctant, feeling out of place in an uncomfortable environment.

There are pros and cons to studying overseas. Whether in the UK, the US, or elsewhere, the experience hinges naturally on each individual student’s attitudes and personality. For those who are too introverted, studying overseas may not make a substantial impact on personal growth. For the extroverts, it could be a life-changing experience.

Spencer Lam graduated with First Class Honours in Psychology at The University of Hong Kong before going to the University of Edinburgh for an overseas exchange programme. He has tutored hundreds of students on their journey to proficiency in English.

Ten Tips for Better English

1. Attend a class with a tutor to focus on the more formal aspects and learn the grammatically correct way of speaking English.

2. Join a discussion group for a more informal, relaxed way of learning with the emphasis more on communication and relationship building.

3. Don't wait until you feel comfortable" speaking in English. Push yourself outside of your comfort zone.

4. Practice by starting simple conversations with the people you meet. Send texts or chats in English.

5. Find a native English speaker who is willing to spend some time speaking English with you and offer them a language learning exchange.

6. Integrate the use of the language into your routine. Begin with comments on food, then clothes, then activities and work.

7. Practice pronunciation. Listen closely to how native English speakers pronounce certain words and sounds and do your best to copy them.

8. Pronunciation varies depending on where language is spoken. Remember that American English is different from British English.

9. Expand your vocabulary and use idiomatic phrases then use new terms in a sentence or a text message.

10. Play English games and video games, read, watch English TV and listen to the news in English.

Deadline for entries: Saturday 10 July

All-round wellness

Hong Kong has faced unprecedented challenges over the past two years. This has not been easy for anyone in the entire community but particularly for the all-round wellbeing of young people. No one can predict when another pandemic, collective trauma or stressor might strike.

One of the most effective ways to cope is to build strength, unity and resilience within the community to weather the current storm and prepare for the next. An HKFYG survey was conducted to explore ways how young people might do this through understanding the concept of all-round wellness.

Key findings

§ Nearly 70% felt isolated and disconnected during the pandemic.

60% thought it was difficult to adapt to the “new normal”

Recommendations

§ All-round wellness is a comprehensive health goal that everyone can pursue. It involves awareness of needs and finding balance in all aspects of our lives. It also means discovering the connection between individuals and the society to which one belongs in order to live more fulfilling and satisfying lives.

§ Balanced development can be found in six dimensions: these include physical, emotional, social, occupational, digital and environmental wellness. Together, they help to create more meaningful connections between oneself, one’s society and the world.

§ The continuous pursuit of wellness through awareness is also associated with motivation, choosing and acting responsibly as well as adopting practices that contribute to optimal health and wellbeing. Young people who truly embrace the concept of all-round wellness will endeavor to make it a habit inherent in daily life.

Six dimensions of connected wellness

§ Physical wellness includes regular, balanced habits: physical activity, healthy nutrition and adequate sleep, for instance.

§ Emotional wellness involves being aware of and fully recognizing and accepting one’s feelings. People with emotional wellness feel confident, in control of their emotions and behaviour.

§ Social wellness refers to the ability to cope effectively with life and build satisfying relationships with others. It brings a sense of connectedness and belonging with family, friends, peers and society.

§ Occupational wellness means finding work that fits your values, interests and skills. It also involves balancing work and leisure and managing workplace stress.

§ Digital wellness refers to a mindful approach to the ubiquitous use of digital technology including e-learning, remote working and using online platforms.

§ Environmental wellness equals the understanding of the ways in which individuals’ daily habits can affect the environment. People with environmental wellness demonstrate commitment to a healthy planet and a sustainable lifestyle.

Organizer HKFYG Wellness Hub

Respondents 1,099 youth aged 12-34, 22 youth who joined the focus group and 11 HKFYG youth workers

Published title Research on “All-round wellness”

Enquiries Christa Cheung Tel 3755 7078

Online survey February 2021

Physical Emotional Social Occupational Digital Environmental

Self Society World

Creativity Chat M+ with M21

Topics ranging from career development to virtual travel and gardening therapy were covered in online conversations with speakers from the arts and culture field. The chats were designed to help young people cope with future challenges and each speaker shared a unique perspective on life.

This multi-episode series was co-presented by HKFYG’s Media21 and M+, the West Kowloon Cultural District museum destined to open later this year. Stories of personal experiences of the “new normal” created by the pandemic were fascinating to hear.

Becoming the person of your dreams

Well-loved singer-songwriter, Serrini, with lyricist, Chow Yiu-fai, reflected on meeting personal goals and reaching for the stars

Media21: HKFYG’s multi-media hub

Established in 2008 and providing extensive media support and educational activities, Media21 has its own in-house professional team for design and production. Over 200 programmes produced by them have been broadcast via social media and on TV channels, including Hong Kong Open TV. The goal of Media21, also known as M21, is to make an impact by offering a wide range of content-rich media experience for youth, families and schools, in attractive, popular styles.

More details facebook.com/watch/102076299831892/750395909073537/

Enquiries Cathy Chan 3979 0026

Some highlights

Learning from plants

Trevor Yeung, a local artist, with Wy Lee and Ryan Hui, two local ceramicists from the Toki Nashiki Studio, spoke about their love of plants and the therapeutic side of gardening.

Virtual travel and passion for adventure

Stephen Wong, local artist and Dr Wong Kimfan, university lecturer, discussed online options for visiting foreign parts while at home.

What is M+?

This new museum is due to open its doors towards the end of 2021 after more than a decade in the making. It will focus on 20th and 21st century visual culture from a Hong Kong perspective but with global scope. Administered by the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority, a HKSARG agency, the goal, as its name implies, is to be more than a museum. The building has 17,000 sq m of exhibition space and includes 33 galleries and three cinemas. An eye-catching spiral staircase leads visitors to a rooftop garden overlooking the harbour.

What makes a multi-talented designer?

Renatus Wu and Adonian Chan, both local designers, exchange views on the inspiration behind successful work.

Pitching InnoTech Solutions

This programme focuses on concepts that solve social issues by inviting students to apply their knowledge of science and technology in practical ways.

Tackling social issues is the goal of Pitching InnoTech Solutions. First run in 2019, it involves teams of up to eight students at local tertiary institutions who send us ideas for projects that target people’s problems. Ten teams are shortlisted for the final round where they pitch their concepts before judges who are industry professionals. Outstanding teams receive cash rewards that enable them to put their ideas into action.

Awards to finalists

§ Champion team: HK$ 80,000 (1 team)

§ 1st Runner-up team: HK$ 40,000 (1 team)

§ 2nd Runner-up team: HK$ 20,000 (1 team)

§ Merit prizes: HK$ 3,000 each (7 teams)

§ Video awards: HK$ 3,000 each (3 teams: Most Creative, Most Feasible, Best Video-Shoot)

Feedback from past participants

EC Bank, Innovation and Technology

Concept Proposal Champion 2019

“We adopted human-centred design thinking and built it into our solutions while trying to create more innovative possibilities. Each of our team members has their own expertise and so discussion amongst us sparked a lot of new ideas.”

EC Bank works on court cases related to employment compensation (EC) and personal injury as well as informal cases from NGOs. They also created the EC calculator so that individuals could estimate compensation before making applications for legal aid.

FOODI

First runner-up 2019

“We determine health levels by analysing tongue coatings with A.I. diagnostics. Entering this competition was very valuable because it gave us the opportunity to combine digital technology with traditional Chinese medicine..”

FOODI created an interactive directory of food-based remedies used in Chinese medicine to determine physical constitution and health status in individuals.

Deadlines

Proposal and video submission deadline: 12:00 noon Friday 30 July 2021

Announcement of finalists: Friday 27 August 2021

This event is part of a HSBC-sponsored project that rests on three pillars, one of which is innovative technology. It focuses on cultivating critical thinking, problem-solving skills, career orientation, cooperation with others and creativity, in order to seize future opportunities.

Organized by HKFYG Creative Education Unit

Enquiries Law Siu-shan or Ashley Fung

Tel 2561 6149

HSBC Future Skills Development Project

Summer samplers

Summer is here and with it come hundreds of activities for children, youth and families in the famously popular annual HKFYG Summer Youth Programme.

Leave No Trace

Date 29 June to 13 July 2021

Venue/ organizers HKFYG Jockey Club Shaukiwan Youth SPOT

Activities During the pandemic everyone has discovered the joy of hiking, camping and water sports but at the same time, a great deal of rubbish has been found scattered in the countryside. Following the principle of “Leave No Trace” to protect the environment, this programme teaches participants about their responsibility to leave nature unharmed and protect Hong Kong’s beautiful wild countryside.

Fees $200/$230 (members / non members)

For 16-29-year-olds

Contact Mr Kwong Tel 2885 9353

Full details

Ready Player One e-sports

Venue/ organizers HKFYG Jockey Club Tseung Kwan O Youth SPOT

Date 23 July to 27 August 2021

Activities An invitation to young people who are passionate about e-sports. This programme offers an introduction to working in the industry taught by professional instructors and is suitable for all secondary students. Esports viewers are approximately 85% male and 15% female but female gamers have also played professionally.

Fees $300/ $330 (members / non members)

For 12-18-year-olds

Full details

Contact Mr Chan Tel 2623 3121

Full details

Tai Po Youth SPOT: uTheatre

Venue HKFYG Tai Po Youth SPOT

Date 27 July to 19 August (every Tuesday and Thursday)

Activities Interesting theatre games can help young people gain confidence and feel relaxed. There are at least 20 informal drama activities in this programme which encourages all participants to interact with one another. The perfect way to break the ice and engage people of all ages, just for fun.

Fees $800/$830 (members / non members)

For 15-24-year-olds

Contact Ms Chung Tel 2656 3257

6th Uncovered Secrets of Applied Science

Date 20 July to 12 August 2021 (every Tuesday and Thursday)

Venue HKFYG LOHAS Youth SPOT

Activities This certificate programme is taught by Dr Zhou Zhaoting, a lecturer at the Hong Kong Institute of Psychology, and his team. It explores interesting scientific facts of daily life and shows how to understand science better by doing experiments. Insect behaviour, nanotechnology, how to make biodiesel, PM2.5, DNA gene extraction technology and superfood nutrition are just some of the topics.

Fees $1,450 / $1,480 (members / non members)

For 9-16-year-olds

Contact Mr Leung Tel 2702 2202

Full details

JM_Maker: Make it Possible

Date 31 July 2021

Venue/ organizer HKFYG Jockey Club Jat Min Youth SPOT

Activities Everyone can be an artist and even environmental protection can be artistic! With tutors as guides, this activity shows participants how recycled clothing, combined other material, can be transformed into unique creations. Furnishings, lighting and other practical items can all be made while reducing waste and caring for the environment.

Fees $300/$330 (members / non members)

For 14-30-year-olds

Contact Ms Tse Tel 26470744

Full details

Full details and registration at easymember.hk/eportal/program/main.aspx?

Tackling Hong Kong's Brain Drain

How can Hong Kong prepare?

The number of young people who plan to emigrate or study abroad has been rising because of social and political unrest and lack of confidence in the future. This will exacerbate the projected shortage of 34,600 skilled graduates in Hong Kong’s workforce by 2027 predicted in a 2019 manpower report from the Labour and Welfare Bureau.1

Several surveys2 have confirmed young people’s intention to leave, including this report. Indicatively, there has also been an increase of over 40% in the issue of Certificates of No Criminal Conviction since 2017. These are needed for emigration or study abroad. Nevertheless, the government has no proactive policy for retaining the city’s skilled workers nor for attracting skilled workers or students from overseas.

Key points from respondents

● 24.2% are planning to leave and work elsewhere

● 15.8% say they will work outside Hong Kong permanently.

 Main factors when choosing destinations include:

§ Work-life balance: 41.5%

§ Emigration plans: 36.7%

§ Social and political stability: 34.9%

● 56.8% say they may decide to return under certain circumstances.

 Main reasons include:

§ Attractive pay: 41.6%

§ Improved protection of personal freedoms: 38.1%

§ Better development opportunities: 35.8%

● 47.4% would consider remote working for a Hong Kong employer if they were based outside Hong Kong.

● 42.9% would be willing to consider returning for stable jobs.

● 34.2% would consider returning for short-term jobs.

Report

No.58 HKFYG Youth I.D.E.A.S.

Employment and Economic Development group

Published title Tackling Hong Kong’s Brain Drain

Respondents 1,135 under-35s with an undergraduate degree or a higher qualification; 20 who worked/are working/plan to work outside Hong Kong were also interviewed

More details in Chinese yrc.hkfyg.org. hk/2021/03/15/yi058/

Enquiries Amy Yuen 3755 7037

In-depth interviews showed that those already living and working overseas think their development opportunities are much better than in Hong Kong. Most preferred being overseas because of Hong Kong’s current political climate and economic development outlook but would consider remote work for a Hong Kong organization or short-term employment in Hong Kong if they thought the experience would be helpful in future. Some prefer a work culture that provides more autonomy and flexibility, features that are more common overseas.

Comments from Youth I.D.E.A.S. think tank members

Denis Huen, group convenor and Mandy Lai, group member “Local enterprises should make good use of technology to improve workflow management so that more jobs can be done remotely. To retain young skilled workers, they could change their management culture, enhance employees’ autonomy and improve flexible work arrangements. The government should expand the scope of the ‘Technology Voucher Programme’ to help companies keep employees in different locations connected.”

Tony Lau and Frank Fan, group members “Mitigating the impact of the brain drain includes offering young people incentives to return, encouraging a free two-way flow and making better use of diasporic youth. For example, enhanced liaison by Hong Kong’s Economic and Trade Offices [HKETOs]3 with young skilled workers overseas would enable recruitment by local companies via a contact platform. The government should also launch an internship programme for Hong Kong youth who graduate overseas in order to encourage them to start their careers here.”

1. lwb.gov.hk/en/other_info/mp2027_en.pdf

2. businessinsider.com/poll-shows-60-percent-hong-kong-youth-want-to-leave-2021-4?r=US&IR=T

3. There are 12 HKETOs outside Greater China.

Abrain drain of a quarter of the city’s university-educated under-35s within the next five years on top of an expected shortage of skilled workers would be a very serious problem.

Supporting Teachers Facing Educational Challenges

According to “Back to the Future of Education - Four OECD Scenarios for Schooling”, a report published by Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in 2020, learning is not limited to the school environment but also takes place in a diversified mode. The explosion in online learning during the pandemic illustrates this.

In Hong Kong, as e-learning trended upward, so did teachers’ workloads. This is a cause for concern. The question is not only how to enhance teachers’ capacity to adapt to today’s new teach-and-learn model but also how to support their future efforts to enable better learning by students.

Key points from secondary school teachers

● 72.9% agreed that self-directed learning is an ideal teach-and-learn model

● 66.4% hoped to reduce administrative work

● 61.3% wanted to spend more time engaging with students

● 57.1% wanted more time for lesson-preparation

● 35.3% worked over 60 hours per week

● 14.5% worked 71 hours or more per week

On a 0-10 scale where 10 signifies total agreement and 0 total disagreement:

● Average stress levels during the pandemic were 6.97

● Average capacity to redesign lesson content was 4.95

Comments from interviews

Interviews with individual teachers revealed that increased workload during the pandemic was caused by redesigning lesson content for e-learning. Some interviewees revealed that teachers also play an important role in student self-directed

Report No.59 HKFYG Youth I.D.E.A.S.

Education group

Published title Supporting Teachers in Facing Educational Challenges

Participants/respondents 354 secondary school teachers, 16 individual teacher interviews and 7 expert interviewees

More details in Chinese yrc.hkfyg.org. hk/2021/04/19/yi059/

Enquiries Vivian Yeung 3755 7038

learning, assisting with the selection of appropriate online materials and offering extra guidance to students with lower learning ability. However, they also reported a widening learning gap between students.

Reference was also made during interviews to Singapore, where the Ministry of Education has announced that a designated day for home-based learning will become long-term policy from June 2021 onwards.

By contrast, in Taiwan, a flexible learning curriculum was incorporated in the school syllabus in 2019 to encourage adaptive learning and enhance students’ learning interests. In Hong Kong, schools can act as learning hubs where ideas of teachers, students and the community can be exchanged, according to one expert interview.

Comments from Youth I.D.E.A.S.

think tank members

Derren Lam, group deputy convenor “Self-directed learning days could be introduced where students can choose topics outside the curriculum that match their interests. Individual schools could formulate details of at least three such learning days each academic year with the support of community-based resources including NGOs and universities. The Education Bureau could also set up an online platform to organize materials to be used with self-directed learning and daily teaching.”

Dicky Kwan, group member “The Education Bureau needs to increase the class-and-teacher-ratio first and then fix a mechanism for future calculating it in future. Then, teachers may be able to cope with the learning gap between students and improve the quality of their teaching. Second, the Bureau needs to review the professional career pathways of teachers so that their teaching and administration rank equally for the purposes of promotion.”

Constant advances in technology and society mean that teaching and learning have to evolve and change. This study looks at the support needed by teachers to keep pace.

Balancing Privacy Protection and Big Data Development

The rapid development of big data and facial recognition has resulted in convenience for individuals and huge markets for corporates, but privacy is a concern. This study reviews the effectiveness of the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data in offering protection for individuals.

Key points from respondents

Privacy

● The majority of respondents placed high value on privacy, rating it at an average of 6.66 on a scale of 0-10.

● Opinions differed concerning the balance between privacy and public interest where public health, public security, technological development and the right to information were concerned.

Work by the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data (PCPD)

● The work of the PCPD scored 5.97 out of 10 points.

● The main reason for dissatisfaction with the PCPD, (less than 5 out of 10 points, given by 42% of respondents) was lack of monitoring and supervision of compliance.

LeaveHomeSafe* covid-19 contact tracing app

● 80.9% said they did not use the app because of concerns about privacy.

● Over half of the espondents had not yet installed the app and were either still considering (25.5%) or did not intend to use it (26.2%).

Facial recognition by CCTV or smart lampposts

● 92.5% of respondents agreed that biometric data such as fingerprints and facial images were sensitive.

● 56.6% agreed that CCTV footage for real-time monitoring should be regulated under the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance (PDPO).

Doxxing

● 70.8% agreed that the PCPD should be empowered to carry out criminal investigations and prosecution.

● 65.5% were in favour of criminalizing the act of doxxing.

● 59.9% agreed that the PCPD should have statutory powers to request the removal of doxxing content from social media platforms and websites.

Real-name Registration Programme for SIM Cards

● 41.8% were against legislation to introduce a Real-name Registration Programme for SIM Cards

● Major concerns included damage to privacy (65.5%) and freedom of speech (42.3%).

Ronald Chan, group convenor “We recommend that the government regulates location data collection and CCTV footage under the PDPO as well as introducing a new category of ‘sensitive personal data’, the processing of which should be subject to specific conditions.”

Jenny Liu, deputy group convenor “The government should introduce an ‘accountability principle’ for assessment and a certification scheme for high-risk projects. Furthermore, it would be advisable for the government to introduce a mechanism to allow some exemptions for startups so that they can make gradual refinements to their data privacy strategy before complying in full with PCPD supervisory requirements.”

Wisely Ngai, group member “We suggest that the government helps doxxing victims by providing access to PCPD and court order remedies. There should also be a take-down process for online content hosts to remove their liability for content. Moreover, the government should amend the PDPO before introducing legislation for a Real-name Registration Programme for SIM Cards.”

Report No.60 HKFYG Youth I.D.E.A.S. Livelihood group

Published title Balancing Privacy Protection and Big Data Development

Participants/respondents 808 Hong Kong residents aged 15-65

Interviews Experts included a former Commissioner of PDCD, the CFO of Hutchison Telecom, a journalism academic and four IT experts including an academic engineer. More details in Chinese yrc.hkfyg.org.hk/2021/05/17/yi060/

Enquiries Adam Choi 3755 7042

The HKFYG 2021-22 Annual Plan Service Transformation for Youth

The pandemic has brought about many challenges as well as opportunities and our stakeholders have responded with plentiful feedback. Combined with professional wisdom from staff, this will enable us to put the transformation of our services into action.

Simultaneously, the Federation continues to develop and promote the concepts of “All-round Wellness” and “Future Skills” under the framework of the HKFYG Fourth Five-Year Plan.

These three directional streams will be critical in our support for young people:

Digitalisation

 application of the latest technologies to services in order to achieve better user experience and higher efficiency

 equipping youth with the latest digital skills needed to succeed in future

Upskilling

 support for young people to upskill and enhance their competitiveness in a rapidly changing environment

 provision of comprehensive training in “future skills” to face challenges ahead, including digital, social and emotional competencies plus enhanced resilience, selfefficacy and empathy

 exploration of opportunities for young people to pursue careers in the Greater Bay Area and other regions

To read the Annual Plan, please scan the QR code or visit our website.

hkfyg.org.hk/hkfyg-2021-22-annual-plan/

Sustainability

 encouragement for young people to play an active role in sustainable development

 educational programmes and activities to raise environmental awareness in youth and to inspire them to care for nature in daily life

 promotion of the concept of wellness to help young people develop positive values and lifestyles

Publisher :

The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups 香港青年協會 hkfyg.org.hk．m21.hk

Youth Hong Kong: 21/F, The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups Building, 21 Pak Fuk Road, North Point, Hong Kong Tel : 3755 7097．3755 7108．Fax : 3755 7155

．Email : youthhongkong@hkfyg.org.hk

The title of this journal in Chinese is Xiang Gang Qing Nian 香港青年

Soy-ink is made from soybeans and is both environmentally friendly and sustainable. Soy-ink is biodegradable and non-toxic.

．Website : youthhongkong.hkfyg.org.hk