Leanne TamandMarian Ledesma

Opinion | Action on plastic pollution shows us that another world is possible

As Hong Kong phases in its plastics ban, more can be done such as developing reusable systems and regulating corporations to reduce packaging

Fossil fuel and petrochemical interests are impeding progress on global plastics treaty talks but local solutions show we can put an end to the scourge of plastic

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A sign at a restaurant informs patrons that it will not supply single-use plastic utensils to customers in Hong Kong, starting on April 22, as the city enforces the first phase of a ban on disposable plastic products in restaurants and hotels. Photo: AFP

Leanne TamandMarian Ledesma

Published: 9:15am, 24 Apr 2024

This week holds great significance for plastic reduction efforts, both in Hong Kong and around the world. The initial phase of Hong Kong’s plastics ban came into effect on Earth Day, April 22 with restrictions on disposable plastic tableware. Meanwhile, in Ottawa, Canada, the fourth round of negotiations for a global plastics treaty will be taking place until next Monday. These events are taking on plastic pollution at local and global levels.

Regulations regarding single-use plastics have sparked intense debate in Hong Kong. Some argue the plastic reduction policies are excessively aggressive, as they disrupt people’s daily lives. They claim that banning tiny cutlery items will have an insignificant impact on global plastics pollution.

But the food for thought is – if small-sized single-use items with abundant reusable alternatives aren’t the first ones to be regulated, what else could it be? For generations, we have been spoiled by plastic usage due to businesses providing disposable plastic. Consequently, Hong Kong’s daily plastic disposal reached a staggering 2,369 tonnes per day in 2022, where disposable plastics ranked as the second largest part of the city’s municipal solid waste.

Certain corporations have started implementing additional charges for non-plastic disposables. This approach encourages customers to think twice before opting for disposables. However, not enough companies are actively supporting customers and the environment through initiatives that offer reusable and returnable options, or discounts for those who bring their own bags.

To address the root of the problem – “disposable culture”, every sector must help with reducing at source by facilitating reuse and phasing out single-use items. This necessitates the acknowledgement of social responsibility by all stakeholders, rather than solely relying on customers’ efforts.

A recent waste-charging trial conducted by Greenpeace involving 45 households revealed that nearly 50 per cent of their waste consisted of disposable takeaway items and product packaging. This finding indicates that citizens often have limited options and end up purchasing takeaways or products with excessive packaging.