EPD and ECC launch third “Plastic-Free Takeaway, Use Reusable Tableware” campaign and “Plastic-Free Rewards” mobile application (with photos)
The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) and the Environmental Campaign Committee (ECC) officially kicked off the third “Plastic-Free Takeaway, Use Reusable Tableware” campaign today (November 17). The campaign, which lasts for more than five months, allows the food and beverage (F&B) industry and the public to get prepared for the commencement of the first-phase regulation of disposable plastic tableware on April 22 next year, as well as to promote and go “plastic-and-disposable-free” when ordering takeaways.
The third “Plastic-Free Takeaway, Use Reusable Tableware” campaign will bring a novel experience to the public with a new image. Starting from tomorrow (November 18) to April 30 next year, customers can collect stamps and redeem rewards through the new “Plastic-Free Rewards” mobile application for each disposable-free (cutlery or container) takeaway order at more than 750 participating eateries under the campaign. One stamp will be collected for each order without obtaining a set of disposable cutlery. If the participating eatery also joins the EPD’s Bring Your Own Containers Eateries Scheme, two stamps will be collected for not getting a disposable container (food container or beverage cup). Upon collecting the designated number of stamps, customers can redeem rewards (e.g. drink, snack and discount coupon) from particular eateries or convert the stamps to GREEN$ points or GREEN$ e-coupons through the “Plastic-Free Rewards” mobile application for redeeming a set of reusable tableware or other daily necessities at all 44 Recycling Stations or Recycling Stores of the GREEN@COMMUNITY network.
Speaking at the launching ceremony, the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, said next year would be an important milestone on Hong Kong’s road to becoming “plastic-free”. The Legislative Council just passed the bill on the regulation of disposable plastic tableware and other plastic products last month, and the Government will commence the first phase of the regulation on April 22 next year (Earth Day) after six months of preparation.
Mr Tse said, “Replacing disposable plastic tableware with disposable ones made of other materials (e.g. paper, soft wood and plant fibres) is not the best solution. To reduce waste at source more effectively, we should actively use reusable products. I hope that this campaign can attract more citizens to participate in it and integrate the culture of going ‘plastic-and-disposable-free’ takeaway into their daily lives, making it a part of their habits.”
The first two “Plastic-Free Takeaway, Use Reusable Tableware” campaigns were held in 2018 and 2019 respectively, and received widespread support from the F&B industry and the public, saving about 2.4 million sets of disposable cutlery. The third “Plastic-Free Takeaway, Use Reusable Tableware” campaign is organised by the EPD and the ECC, co-organised by the GREEN@COMMUNITY network, and sponsored by the Environment and Conservation Fund. The launching ceremony was also attended by the Chairman of Council for Carbon Neutrality and Sustainable Development, Dr Lam Ching-choi; the Chairman of the ECC, Professor Simon Wong; the Chairman of the Environment and Conservation Fund Committee, Dr Eric Cheng; the Director of Environmental Protection, Dr Samuel Chui, and the Commissioner for Climate Change of the Environment and Ecology Bureau, Mr Wong Chuen-fai.
For more information on the third “Plastic-Free Takeaway, Use Reusable Tableware” campaign, please visit the dedicated website www.plasticfreetakeaway.hk. The “Plastic-Free Rewards” mobile application can be downloaded for free from the Apple App Store, Google Play or Huawei AppGallery.
