Dubious Degradable Plastics Shunned by Green@Community

All plastics claimed to be degradable were shunned by the Green@Community of the EPD as twelve samples of disposable umbrella bags branded ‘degradable’ while half of them marked with the recyclable triangle were found containing non-degradable plastics and carrying misleading claims by The Green Earth (TGE). As there are no regulatory standards for degradable plastics in Hong Kong, their claimed degradability is therefore doubtful. 

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Press Release
塑膠污染 「1萬小時定律」也解決不了
勿好心做「膠」事

The Charter on External Lighting Needs to Beef Up 

Outdoor lighting is to be shortened by an hour as recommended by the new Charter on External Lighting.  However,  victims of light pollution approached by TGE confessed it made almost no differences. To lobby for more stringent control and raise public awareness of the severity of light pollution in Hong Kong,  we are making a documentary featuring interviews of specialist doctors on the health impact of light pollution. 

Green Groups Urged Withdrawal of Lantau Tomorrow Development Project

Public consultation for Lantau Tomorrow was conducted unannounced by the Development Bureau as reported by the press last year.  Insistence on transparency made TGE and ten other green groups to jointly turn down the invitation by the bureau for the close-door meeting of the “Artificial Islands in the Central Waters” in February.  We call on the government to respect public opinions and withdraw the project.  Instead, housing needs could be met by firstly developing brownfield lands.

Press Release

Artisan of the Mountains – Guardian of the Countryside

Volunteer group of Repair Our Trails was formed in 2019 with supervision by veterans from the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department.  The skills and dedication to trail repair of masters such as Chen Muk Shing and Chen Tak Shing who station in Lantau country parks are as meticulous as mountain artisans.  Members of the public interested in their stories and contribution to the upkeep of trails can look up the video at our Youtube channel.

Plantation Enrichment Programme -Tree Growth Survey

Big Events Returned with Intensified Efforts on Waste Reduction

Return of public events has kept TGE busy from February to March.  We were invited by many organisers to provide support for the environmental management of events including HK 100 Ultra Marathon, Oxfam Trailwalker Hong Kong and Race for Water, etc.  The proliferation of takeaways under the pandemic has worried us about the resilience of a disposable culture.  But we were relieved to witness strong enthusiasm showed by event participants in waste recycling.  Over the past two months, we had reached 8,700 people and collected 860kg of recyclables through our event support work.

Contact us for green event support
Register as a green event ambassador
 

Green Earth Companion - How businesses can take a green step forward

The natural resources of the Earth are finite, and every one of us should cherish the earth.  The Green Earth provides a walk-the-talk programme to businesses by suggesting practical solutions to tackle some of the most pressing environmental issues:

• Slash waste generation and disposal

• Minimise your carbon footprint

• Inspire employees to act green in the workplace and at home

Let’s walk together and bring about improvements on environmental sustainability.  

Contact cassiechiu@greenearth.org.hk to find out more information about Green Earth Companion.