Editorial | Get set for the next phase of Hong Kong’s war on plastics
Despite city’s battle against such pollution by restaurants getting off to a good start, stronger punishment may be needed along way
The fight against plastic pollution is a hard war to win. With the use of the material becoming part and parcel of many aspects of daily life, it would seem impossible to undo the damage caused to the environment.
But it does not mean we should just surrender and enjoy the convenience at the expense of the harm done to the Earth and lives of future generations.
It is encouraging that the ban by the government on single-use plastic materials has finally paid off. Of the 62 complaints received within two months following a six-month adaptation period, the Environmental Protection Department took action in 33 cases that were still non-compliant following investigation.
It also followed up on 15 cases in which written warnings were issued after more than 10 working days; with two catering premises fined HK$2,000 (US$257) each for being persistently incompliant.
Considering there are thousands of eateries across Hong Kong, the authorities may find the general compliance satisfactory. It is said that most of the violations have been dealt with quickly, but the complaints and breaches show there are those who do not take the ban seriously.
