Yesterday is "Earth Day" (April 22), as well as the start of the first phase of Hong Kong's ban on disposable plastic tableware and other plastic items ("plastic ban"). Tse Chin-wan, Secretary for the Environment and Ecology Bureau, noted that the ban aims to establish a "plastic-free" culture in society.
He added that several restaurants recently reported that half of their customers had decided not to use disposable tableware for takeout. He then recognizes that changing habits takes time and that the industry must alter its operations to comply with the prohibition.
Compared to implementing garbage charging, implementing the "plastic ban" might be slightly easier, but we must note that "slightly easier" does not mean there are no difficulties. It can be seen from various sources that there is still room for improvement in terms of publicity, support, quality of tableware, and public habits, so the authorities should strengthen publicity and support to lay a better foundation for Hong Kong's environmental work.
Tse said yesterday on his blog that the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) had recently visited numerous prominent chain eateries. In addition to management reporting that half of their customers have recently opted out of disposable tableware for takeaways, a fast food chain stated that since launching a reward program a year ago to encourage customers to bring their own tableware or meal boxes, they have successfully saved over 200,000 sets of disposable plastic takeaway tableware. He said that several restaurants have ceased offering disposable tableware or have begun charging additional costs, which might further push the public to become "plastic-free".
However, the new legislation does not necessitate this. Regarding the quality of non-plastic disposable tableware, which has lately raised concern among certain people, he feels that there are a variety of materials available for environmentally friendly tableware, and proposes that restaurants choose appropriate tableware based on the different dishes they serve.
Takeaway Tableware Charging Works
Although the first phase of the "plastic ban" only started yesterday, many restaurants have already prepared for it.
We believe that the most effective measure is to charge separately for takeaway tableware.
I once went to a chain restaurant for a takeaway and originally planned to get disposable tableware, but when the staff said they would charge an extra 2 HKD per set, I decided not to get it, thinking that there was also tableware at home that could be used. This decision was not only made for environmental reasons but also due to the extra cost. As a result, I believe that charging for takeaway tableware will become a habit for the public and help reduce its use.
However, any new policy or plan always requires an adaptation and transition period. I have observed some issues that still need to be resolved. Firstly, some small shops in the market have not yet gone "plastic-free". This may be due to insufficient publicity, or they may have accumulated too much plastic tableware to abandon it all at once.
Secondly, various media have tested recently that some paper tableware like straws and paper spoons are still far inferior to plastic products. Environmental protection is necessary, but the usability and quality of tableware are also important considerations. The government needs to monitor the situation of businesses going "plastic-free" while also working to improve the quality of products sold by suppliers.
All comes down to habit
After using plastic tableware and other plastic utensils for many years, it will undoubtedly take some time for the public, including me, to get used to switching to alternatives. However, plastic is indeed difficult to decompose, and continuously producing plastic waste every day will cause irreversible damage to the environment. Thus I believe that the "plastic ban" plan can be continuously improved, and tableware and alternatives will become easier to use.
However, for the policy to truly be effective, related education is the most fundamental work. If the government can do a better job of promoting environmental protection, not only the "plastic ban", but also other environmental protection plans like garbage charging will become easier to implement in the future. On the other hand, if publicity and education are insufficient, even if the government makes its utmost effort to implement physical policies, it may only achieve half the result with twice the effort.
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