“Love Hong Kong, Use Less Plastic Bags”.I was strolling around the Hung Hom market this past weekend shopping for groceries and cheap kitchen utensils. Walking around the market really confirmed the Hong Kong I envisioned, that of a super capitalist and hard-working society.
I was fascinated by the various merchants and their marketing techniques to entice both foreigners and locals alike into buying their products. This sense of capitalism is quite interesting and mixed with a bit of greenery.
While Hong Kong is a free market society, they are quite self-sufficiently green. I took this photograph to illustrate the City’s sense of environmental stewardship. Based on some observation, plastic bags are rarely used in the grocery stores; everyone brings their own backpack or reusable bags.
While Toronto and other international cities have recently started to charge for plastic bags (see here), Hong Kong seems to have convinced many of its citizens and tourists to strongly consider avoiding plastic bags. The store I shopped at had a nominal charge on plastic bags but overall, they used signs and their customers to foster a culture of conservation.
Reducing plastic bags significantly alleviates pressure on waste management systems. A culture of greenery and sustainable consumption is something that Hong Kong should pride itself on.
Key message: Hong Kong is committed to reducing the number of plastic bags used in the City. Good on you, Hong Kong.
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