• 2023.10.09
    星期一

英譯概念:Plastic pollution

[2023.10.09] 發表
According to data from the EPD, the recycling rate of PET plastic bottles in 2019 was only 0.46%, equivalent to approximately 202 metric tons. The EPD has not published PET recycling figures for 2020 and 2021.

【明報專訊】News Summary

The government is planning to introduce a phased ban on the provision of disposable plastic tableware by catering establishments for customers. The Council for Sustainable Development recommends banning the sale of disposable plastic tableware at retail outlets, at the same time providing exemptions for special circumstances. It is believed that the move will make the control of disposable plastic tableware more effective. Furthermore, it is also recommended that the sale of disposable plastic products, such as plastic cotton buds, inflatable party thunder sticks and balloon sticks, be banned.

As for disposable plastic products such as umbrella bags and hotel toiletries that are distributed for free, the Council believes that a ban will not be the most effective control measure. The Council suggests exploring a ban on the free distribution of these products as well as looking for suitable alternatives such as umbrella drainers and wall-mounted shampoo dispensers.

According to the Environmental Protection Department (EPD)'s Monitoring of Solid Waste in Hong Kong - Waste Statistics for 2021, the average daily disposal volume of waste plastic is 2,331 tonnes, the second highest volume of all types of waste. The waste plastic recycling rate is only about 10.9%.

Mock Examination Question

Explain two difficulties that the Hong Kong government may encounter when implementing a "plastic-free takeaway" policy.

(4 marks)

Suggested Answers

(1) Lack of environmental awareness

The public's lack of environmental awareness might make it difficult for a "plastic-free takeaway" policy to be implemented in Hong Kong. Hong Kong has a prevalent culture of using disposable items. Furthermore, many citizens do not have a plastic-free habit, as they do not tend to bring their own lunch boxes or cutlery when buying takeaways and drinks. Some people also find it inconvenient not to have straws when consuming chilled drinks, thus unwilling to go plastic-free. The public might not be environmentally minded and might prioritize personal interests, making it difficult for the government to promote a plastic-free policy.

(2) Increase in operating costs

"Plastic-free takeaways" will increase the operating costs of restaurants, making the catering industry unwilling to follow. This is one of the difficulties the government might face. Although there are alternatives to disposable plastic, such as paper straws and biodegradable lunch boxes, their costs are higher than disposable plastic cutlery. If the government promotes "plastic-free takeaways", the operating costs of the catering industry will increase significantly. If the government does not provide economic incentives such as financial support, the industry might be unwilling to work towards the goal.

(本網發表的作品若提出批評,旨在指出相關制度、政策或措施存在錯誤或缺點,目的是促使矯正或消除這些錯誤或缺點,循合法途徑予以改善,絕無意圖煽動他人對政府或其他社群產生憎恨、不滿或敵意。)

[智學公民 第067期]

更多教育
數據短答題
【明報專訊】■題目一 新冠成風土病 資料A:市民對新冠預防措施意向調查結果 (表1) ■題目 描述資料A中,市... 詳情
焦點新聞
【明報專訊】■證監公布虛擬資產平台申牌名單 虛擬資產交易平台「綠石數字資產平台」(JPEX)涉串謀詐騙案,早前JPEX被證監會點名在港... 詳情
趣學STEAM:圓明園獸首
【明報專訊】古代的皇家園林是皇帝避暑、休息、聽政之處。其中,清代圓明園被喻為「萬園之園」,內有西洋樓群,並有噴水池,由十二生肖獸首銅像每天依... 詳情
趣學STEAM:解構獸首噴水報時
【明報專訊】圓明園於1860年第二次鴉片戰爭中被英法聯軍破壞,遭焚燒三日三夜,遺下廢墟。般哥展覽館總監陳麗碧(Libby)說,我們只能透過當... 詳情
新聞解碼:小心牙周病
【明報專訊】■新聞節錄 若你平時沒有每天早晚刷牙,除當心患上蛀牙,壞習慣持續至長大後,還會患上牙周病,甚至引發更嚴重疾病。 港大... 詳情

明報網站 · 版權所有 · 不得轉載
Copyright © 2021 mingpaocanada.com All rights reserved.
Ming Pao Daily News A wholly owned subsidiary of Ming Pao Enterprise Corporation Ltd.
Vancouver Chinese Newspaper

5368 Parkwood Place, Richmond B.C. V6V 2N1 | Tel.: (604) 231-8998 | Fax: (604) 231-9881/9884 | Advertising Hotline Tel.: (604) 231-8992