Local green group Green Power announced today (5 December) the latest findings of its annual “Hong Kong Countryside Rubbish Survey”(1) conducted since 2016. This on-going survey aims at investigating the habits of Hong Kong hikers in the countryside, as well as the waste generated and disposed of as a result of their visits. The latest results showed a significant drop in countryside visits, falling from a peak of 6.4 visits each month to 2.2 this year, marking a record low over the past five years.
The survey also indicated the new regulations on disposable plastics show positive compliance on countryside waste. Mr. Henry Lui, Senior Conservation Manager of Green Power, was pleased to see that over half of the respondents reported using fewer disposable items during their visits to countryside, and hoped that people would continue adopting green hiking practices to reduce waste at source.
Significant Drop in Countryside Outings
Mr. Lui pointed out that the growing trend of Hong Kong residents “tripping north” to Mainland China has changed their outing habits, with the average number of outings dropped from a peak of 6.4 visits per month during the pandemic in 2020 to 2.2 this year, the lowest in five years. Nearly 40% of the respondents stated that their outing habits had changed, citing “spend less time in Hong Kong” or” change in habits”.
Regarding the handling of countryside waste, around 70% of the respondents mentioned they produced some plastic waste during outings. Among the types of waste discarded, food packaging was the most common (65%), followed by plastic bags (43%) and plastic bottles (32%). On average, each visitor produced 1.5 pieces of such rubbish during their outings. Mr. Lui observed that most of the respondents (37%) cited “convenience” as their main consideration when choosing items to bring on outings. He reminded the public that simple steps, such as bringing food with reusable containers and carrying their own water bottles and reusable mats would significantly reduce waste. Additionally, more than 60% of the respondents claimed that they were willing to take their rubbish home, reducing the opportunities for wildlife to rummage through bins and contributing to the protection of nature.
Although the number of local outings has decreased, recent observations suggested that the total number of countryside visitors remained steady, likely due to an influx of tourists. However, these visitors may bring challenges in managing countryside waste due to different cultural norms and habits. Mr. Lui considered it crucial to find effective ways to educate tourists on proper waste disposal in the countryside.
Reduction in Disposable Items on Outings
In April, the HKSAR Government implemented “Phase 1 of Product Eco-Responsibility (Amendment) Bill 2023”, which regulates the use of various disposable plastic tableware and other plastic products. Mr. Lui observed changes in public outing habits after the regulations came into effect, with more than half of the respondents citing “use fewer disposable items” or “switch to reusable alternatives”. Despite initial concerns, the survey showed that only 9% of the respondents opted for disposable items made from other materials, while a greater proportion stopped using disposable products altogether, indicating that legislative exercise could raise public awareness against the use of single-use plastics and encourage plastic-free lifestyle.
The 32nd Clean Up the World in Hong Kong
With continued support from HK Electric, Green Power is organising the 32nd Clean Up the World in Hong Kong this year, with a theme of “Plastic-Free Countryside”. It seeks to encourage the public to adopt plastic-free practices and bring their own litter home after visiting the countryside through various activities, including a highly popular Reels Challenge. HK Electric Volunteers will also venture into countryside to carry out two rounds of clean-up and appeal actions, sharing plastic-free messages with the public and call for their support.
Notes to Editor
“Clean Up the World” has been an international activity organised under the United Nations since 1993. This annual event is now held in more than 130 cities around the globe with over 35 million participants. Green Power has been the official organiser of the event in Hong Kong since the beginning with full support from HK Electric. A range of activities under different themes are organised to engage the public in waste reduction and environmental protection.
Clean Up the World in Hong Kong Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/CUW.HK
Clean Up the World in Hong Kong Instagram account: @cleanuptheworldhk