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The following is issued on behalf of the Environmental Campaign Committee:
The Environmental Campaign Committee (ECC) has introduced a new set of waste separation bins in its latest initiative to encourage the public to practise waste separation.
The designs of the new and chic bins include the work of local designers and artists Siuhak, Tommy Li, Dorothy Tang and 38th International Children's Exhibition of Fine Arts Lidice medallist Lau Kin-gi, who had earlier on taken part in the "Minimising Waste, Maximising the Future" waste reduction campaign organised by the Environmental Protection Department. The new bins will be added to the series of bins under the ECC's Promotion Programme on Source Separation of Waste (PPSSW), and shopping malls can apply for their use.
Successful applicants for the first batch of production include Windsor House (Causeway Bay, Hong Kong Island), apm (Kwun Tong, Kowloon) and Tai Po Mega Mall (Tai Po, New Territories).
A spokesman for the ECC said today (August 28), "The designers have created a new series of waste separation bins that are both practical and stylish. With their support, we hope to further raise public awareness of the need for waste separation and reduction. The new designs will send a message to the public that waste reduction and separation can be achieved easily during daily life and even when shopping."
The spokesman said the ECC will arrange delivery of the new bins in batches to some 30 more shopping malls that have expressed their interest to the Committee. Other shopping malls may also obtain the bins through property management companies or can seek more information on the ECC's website at www.ecc.org.hk/english/index.html.
The public response to recycling has been very encouraging since the PPSSW scheme was launched in 2008. Under the scheme, domestic housing, commercial and industrial premises can apply for waste separation bins free of charge to encourage the public to adopt waste separation. So far, 1 428 premises have obtained 4 635 sets of waste separation bins.
"Over the years, thanks to the concerted efforts of the community, recycling facilities have already covered 80 per cent of the Hong Kong community. Riding on this network of facilities, we will continue our efforts to promote behavioural change among the public," the spokesman said.
"Although the current waste recovery rate of Hong Kong has reached 49 per cent, we will not spare our efforts. We will continue with our promotional and educational endeavours to appeal to the public to take action in waste reduction and recycling in their everyday life. We hope to join with the community to work toward the Government's target of achieving a waste recovery rate of 55 per cent in 2015," he said.
The ECC, founded in 1990, aims to enhance public motivation to protect the environment and to encourage the community to help build a better environment. To further its aims, the ECC has been organising a wide range of activities including the Hong Kong Awards for Environmental Excellence, the Hong Kong Green School Awards and the Student Environmental Protection Ambassador Scheme.
More information about the PPSSW is available on the ECC homepage www.ecc.org.hk/english/index.html.
Ends/Sunday, August 28, 2011
Issued at HKT 14:01
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