Your Voice: Hong Kong needs to adopt waste reduction; Japan Airlines’ efficiency must be lauded (short letters)

Starting from April this year, waste generated by all sectors in Hong Kong will be subject to charges based on quantity.

Recent instances of high daily waste disposal at landfills in Hong Kong highlight the issue of landfill saturation in our city, which is more serious than in other major cities.

The municipal solid waste charging scheme can help address this problem. Under the plan, a charge of 11 HK cents per litre of rubbish will be implemented for the next three years. This will incentivise all sectors of society to reduce waste and engage in recycling.

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Making citizens pay for the waste they produce will encourage them to follow the path of waste reduction. It will also lead to a decrease in methane emissions from landfills, thus reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The government should raise public awareness by highlighting the hazards of illegal dumping and establish monitoring systems to prevent it.

This plan can potentially transform Hong Kong into a greener and cleaner metropolis for its citizens.

Wendy Chau, Pope Paul VI College

I am writing to express my opinion on how Japan Airlines efficiently evacuated 367 passengers after its aircraft collided with a coastguard plane.

Thanks to the impeccable aircraft design, evacuation procedures, and cabin crew training, all passengers were successfully evacuated.

The ability to manage such situations while ensuring passenger safety requires not only a high level of professional skill but also effective communication.

In accidents of this nature, passengers may panic and hinder progress, such as attempting to retrieve their carry-on luggage from overhead compartments.

However, during this incident, it appeared that no one left the plane with their belongings, and passengers attentively followed the instructions of the cabin crew, enabling a seamless evacuation.

The company’s preparations ensured passengers received appropriate support and were able to follow directions in challenging circumstances.

Last but not least, Japan Airlines announced its willingness to take full responsibility for the accident, offering all passengers free ticket changes or refunds.

This focus on customer well-being is also a big positive.

Ivan Wen, Christian Alliance S C Chan Memorial College

I am writing to express my opinion on the importance of reading as a key to self-discovery.

In my view, reading has the power to inspire students in numerous ways. Apart from enhancing our writing skills, it enables us, as readers, to think critically and grapple with the complex situations faced by the characters.

Literature also offers us the opportunity to empathise with others, broadening our perspectives as we learn about different characters and prompting us to reflect on our own lives.

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Daniel Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe is one book that has profoundly impacted me. Following a shipwreck, Robinson found himself stranded on a deserted island. Despite the challenges, he never gave up. Through wisdom, courage and perseverance, he overcame all obstacles. This story deeply moved me and taught me the importance of resilience during adversity.

Books allow readers to explore new worlds and learn invaluable lessons. Therefore, I strongly advocate reading as a hobby.

Anna Liu, Pope Paul VI College

One of the main reasons for the decline in the coral population is urban development. As a small city, Hong Kong has resorted to land reclamation to address its housing shortage.

However, this practice has had a significant impact on the sea and indirectly affects the survival of the city’s coral.

During the reclamation process, a large amount of sediment is deposited into the sea, leading to turbid water. Furthermore, the sediment covers the surface of corals, preventing them from receiving sunlight and resulting in coral bleaching.

While it is encouraging to hear about coral thriving in Victoria Harbour, more action needs to be taken in order to stop the drastic fall in the amount of coral.

Protecting the sea should be of utmost importance, and there are several ways we can contribute.

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For instance, when we are visiting the beach for a day of relaxation, it is crucial to bring back all the garbage that we have created and dispose of it appropriately. When swimming in the sea, it is recommended to use environmentally friendly sunscreens to reduce water pollution.

Let us all work together towards creating a better world for ourselves and future generations.