ECC and EPD launch Reusable Tableware Lending Programme to promote waste reduction at source (with photo)

The following is issued on behalf of the Environmental Campaign Committee:
 
     In order to promote the green practice of going plastic-and-disposable-free, the Environmental Campaign Committee (ECC) and the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) have launched a programme which involves lending reusable tableware to large-scale event organisers for free to encourage them to reduce the use of disposable tableware so as to jointly reduce waste and carbon emissions.
 
     An ECC spokesman today (December 13) said that a variety of large-scale events are held in Hong Kong every year, and some of them serve food and beverages using disposable tableware and food containers for the sake of convenience, thus generating a considerable amount of waste. To promote waste reduction at source, the ECC and the EPD, with sponsorship from the Environment and Conservation Fund, have arranged production of 5 000 sets of reusable tableware, each comprising a bowl, a water cup, a spoon, a fork and a pair of chopsticks, for lending to organisers of large-scale events for free. A tableware cleaning and sterilisation service contractor has also been engaged by the ECC to provide the related delivery, collection and cleaning services.
 
     Starting from next Monday (December 17), interested event organisers can submit applications to the ECC Secretariat for the lending service based on their requirements for different types and quantities of tableware. The completed application form can be returned to the ECC Secretariat by email (ecc@epd.gov.hk), fax (2827 8138) or mail (5/F, Southorn Centre, 130 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong). The application form can be downloaded from ecc.org.hk/english/publicity/tableware_lending_programme.html and enquiries can be made by calling 2835 1258.
 
     In addition to the above programme, to support the United Nations theme of "Beat Plastic Pollution" for this year's World Environment Day, the ECC has also been holding a series of activities to promote the concept of going plastic-and-disposable-free, including the "NO Disposables Campus Award", plastic-free online games and the "Plastic-Free Takeaway, Use Reusable Tableware" Campaign. Through this series of activities, the ECC hopes to enhance public awareness of the adverse environmental impact caused by disposable plastics waste, encourage the public to practise waste reduction at source and foster a culture of living plastic-and-disposable-free.
 
     For details of various ECC projects and activities promoting waste reduction and going plastic-free, please visit the website www.ecc.org.hk.