分類: Plastic Free

Plastic Free platform

International Conference-Creativity and Climate Crisis: Asian Media and Arts in the Anthropocene

Post date 15 5 月, 2025

International Conference-Creativity and Climate Crisis: Asian Media and Arts in the Anthropocene

Date: 19-20 May 2025 (Mon-Tue)

Day 1 / 10:00-16:00

Day 2/ 15:00-19:30

Venue: YIA LT2, Yasumoto International Academic Park, CUHK

Registration link: https://cloud.itsc.cuhk.edu.hk/webform/view.php?id=13705910

Extreme weather, pollution, water crises, and the loss of lives and biodiversity are some of the greatest challenges of our time. In both urban and rural Asia, extreme climate conditions and regional disparities have created increased climate vulnerability and inequalities. This interdisciplinary conference invites papers and discussions that examine media, elemental/infrastructural, and creative responses that help make sense of these challenges. How do media and arts in Asia engage new methods, materials, and practices to address current environmental changes? How do media technologies, art forms, and social actions create new meanings arising from these challenges? What are the “ecological affect” or “climate unconscious” that are structuring our feelings, emotions, practices, and actions?

Programme Schedule: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1QLW2-JnzW22-2nLFx-jPIoSGdIfEWbqPm8gKQu6KAZU/edit?usp=sharing

Co-convenors:

Wu Ka-ming (CUHK)

Tan Jia (CUHK)

Wu Ka-ming is Associate Professor in the Department of Cultural and Religious Studies at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. She was a visiting fellow, and now a life member, of Clare Hall, Cambridge University. Trained as a cultural anthropologist, she has taken up extensive ethnographic research to examine the cultural politics of state and society, waste, and most recently, gender and nationalism in contemporary China. Her academic papers have been published in high impact journals including Journal of Asian Studies, Modern China, Hau: Journal of Ethnographic Studies, The China Journal, Cities, Urban Geography, Ethnology, and China Perspectives.

Jia Tan is Associate Professor of Cultural Studies in the Department of Cultural and Religious Studies at The Chinese University of Hong Kong. She is the author of Digital Masquerade: Feminist Rights and Queer Media in China (New York University Press, 2023). She received her doctoral degree in critical studies of cinema and television from the University of Southern California. She was a Clare Hall Visiting Fellow at the University of Cambridge (2024), a Global Fellow at the University of St. Andrews (2023), and a Research Fellow at the University of Amsterdam (2023). Her research has been funded by Social Science Research Council, Hong Kong Research Grants Council, Harold Lloyd Foundation, and so on. She is also one of the founding members of Hong Kong Scholars Alliance for Sexual and Gender Diversity.

Speakers:

Luke Ching Chin Wai (Artist)

Nut Brother 堅果兄弟 (Artist)

Pak Sheung Chuen (HASS LAB, Artist-in-Residence for the BA in Public Humanities, CUHK)

Louis Yu (HK Senior arts administrator)

Zheng Hongbin 鄭宏彬 (Artist)

Saskia Abrahms-Kavunenko (Kyoto University)

Chris Berry (King’s College London)

Kiu-Wai Chu (Nanyang Technological University, Singapore)

Stephanie DeBoer (Indiana University)

Li Tiecheng (CUHK)

Benny Lim (CUHK)

Ari Heinrich (Australian National University)

Pang Laikwan (CUHK)

SaeHim Park (Xavier University of Louisiana)

Robin Visser (University of North Carolina)

Sasha Welland (University of Washington)

Mei Zhan (University of California, Irvine)

Co-Organized by M.A. in Intercultural Studies Programme, Center for Cultural Studies, Centre for Social Innovation Studies, The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Best with Less: Hong Kong Tertiary Sustainable Packaging Design Competition Exhibition@CUHK

Post date 14 3 月, 2025

「BEST with LESS 可持續包裝設計比賽」巡展
（中大站）

BEST with LESS Sustainable Packaging Design Competition Exhibition (CUHK)

日期｜Date
9月25日 – 10月16日

地點|Venue
香港中文大學利黃瑤璧樓地下大堂
G/F Lobby, Esther Lee Building, Chung Chi College, CUHK

Following the public exhibition, the design models from the “Best with Less” competition showcased at CUHK. Hosted by the Centre for Social Innovation Studies (CSIS), this campus tour aims to highlight student innovations in sustainable packaging. CSIS plans to collaborate with the Centre for Entrepreneurship and SRSDO at CUHK to further promote sustainability and social innovation projects in CUHK through this exhibition.

活動精彩回顧
Highlights

Plastic Free

減廢香港·工人姐姐點幫手｜Migrant Domestic Helpers Practicing Waste Reduction in Hong Kong

Post date 26 2 月, 2025

21 February, 2025

圓桌會議｜Roundtable Discussion

Migrant Domestic Helpers Practicing Waste Reduction in Hong Kong
減廢香港·工人姐姐點幫手

主辦｜Organized By
社會創新研究中心
Centre for Social Innovation Studies, CUHK

資助｜Funded By

The Office of Research and Knowledge Transfer Services, CUHK

工人姊姊也減塑：短片放映 X 田野考察
Plastic-free together: Environmental Screening X Field Work

圓桌會議：減廢香港·工人姐姐點幫手

香港中文大學香港亞太研究所社會創新研究中心自2023年開展「Plastic-free together」計劃（https://www.csis.cuhk.edu.hk/?p=1767），聚焦本地外傭群體的減塑及減廢議題，並透過招募外傭與大專生共同參與的參與式行動研究，推廣社會共融的信息。活動形式包括淨灘活動、短片放映、跨文化交流及環境對話等，記錄外傭的跨亞洲生活經驗，探索外傭的綠色身份，推動並深化她們作為本港減廢、減塑重要持份者的角色。中心於2025年2月21日（星期五）下午2時至5時舉辦「減廢香港·工人姐姐點幫手」圓桌會議，探討在推動外傭減廢及環保行動中的經驗與挑戰。

我們希望結集現時社會上推廣外傭環保實踐的行動者、學者、關注外傭權益團體以及環保團體。我們希望各方持份者分享外傭減廢推廣的實際困難與成功經驗，集思廣益，在現有社區減廢、回收等政策配套下增加外傭友善的元素。同時探索如何從政策層面促進外傭作為社區回收重要持份者的角色，探尋香港減廢路線圖的前路。

會議當日分享機構及組織包括：
•⁠ ⁠明愛亞洲外地勞工社會服務計劃
•⁠ ⁠社區持續發展
•⁠ ⁠教區全人發展委員會
•⁠ 外勞事工中心
•⁠ ⁠綠惜地球
•⁠ ⁠綠色和平
•⁠ ⁠綠領行動
•⁠ ⁠低碳想創坊

會議目標：
•⁠ ⁠分享在參與推廣外傭減廢、環保行動中的經歷與挑戰；
•⁠ ⁠聆聽學術界，社區及團體在減廢及環保推廣議題上的見解；
•⁠ ⁠處理現時實踐的困難點，提供更完善的社區支援與配套，在政策層面與社會各界進行有效溝通合作；
•⁠ ⁠啟發創新思路，規劃共融及外傭友善的環保推廣工作的政策落實。

活動照片｜Highlights

Plastic Free

Plastic Free Together: A Helper’s Guidebook

Post date 7 2 月, 2025

Plastic Free Together: A Helper’s Guidebook
工人姐姐環保推廣小冊子

PLASTIC-FREE TOGETHER
工人姐姐也減塑

Plastic Free Together:
A Helper’s Guidebook

Migrant domestic helpers have long played an essential role in keeping our homes clean and safe, and they have also brought inter-asia perspective of waste management, reduction and recycling experiences — those green practices that are now helping shape a greener Hong Kong.

Recognizing that much of Hong Kong’s environmental information is available only in English and Chinese, this resource was created to bridge the language gap. Designed specifically for migrant domestic helpers, the booklet offers practical guidance on waste management, recycling, and plastic reduction, with clear explanations of local recycling systems and translations in Tagalog and Bahasa.

We would like to recognize the remarkable efforts of our migrant domestic helpers and underscores the ongoing work being done to empower every member of our community. By providing accessible information and fostering meaningful conversations about sustainability, we are all taking active steps toward a more sustainable future for Hong Kong.

Plastic-free together:
Beach Clean-up Workshop X Design Thinking Training X Cross-cultural Environmental Screening
Principle Investigator: Prof. Wu Ka Ming

Plastic Free

“BEST with LESS” 香港大專飲食業可持續包裝設計比賽

Post date 30 8 月, 2024

bestwithless.com.hk

BEST with LESS
Hong Kong Tertiary Sustainable Packaging
(F&B Industry) Design Competition

BEST with LESS
香港大專飲食業可持續包裝設計比賽

主辦機構
Organiser
Hong Kong Maxim’s Group

顧問及研究機構
Consultant and Researcher
Centre for Social Innovation Studies, CUHK

18.10.2023
立法會通過
The Legislative Council passed

2023年產品環保責任（修訂）條例草案
the Product Eco-responsibility (Amendment) Bill 2023

轉變
Change

人文·藝術·設計可如何介入？

Let‘s Innovate

計劃源起
Project Background

BEST with LESS

在2023年末，香港的環保政策成為了大眾的焦點，皆因當時為兩項綠色政策即將落實——垃圾徵費和管制即棄塑膠的法例。面對這兩項政策，社會上展開了許多討論，包括勞工方面的問題、政策配套的不足，以及現實中相關設施的配套挑戰。這些問題並不能立即解決，而政策的落實也讓這些問題顯現出來。縱使垃圾徵費最後暫緩，亦為未來香港減廢道路上提供珍貴的討論資源。然而，在討論綠色政策時，我們需要超越實施或執行上的挑戰，還要思考如何做出真實的改變，以及如何讓這些改變順利發生。

在全球營商的大環境中，SDGs（可持續發展目標）和ESG（環境、社會及企業管治）的概念日益普及。公司和企業已經開始做出更多可持續發展的改變，並承擔對環境和社會的責任。但實際上，推行這些可持續發展舉措背後還有很多實際因素在拉扯，例如企業的盈利需求和成本考量。如何在這些考量中取得平衡？社會是否擁有足夠的技術、科技或材料來支持轉型？更重要是如何運用這些機會，催化不同持份者進入可持續發展的議程之內，提高香港綠色轉型的能力（Green Capacity Building）。

在香港政府落實「管制即棄塑膠餐具及產品」法例的背景下，社會創新研究中心有幸與美心集團合作，共同構思及策劃「Best with Less：香港大專飲食業可持續包裝設計比賽」，運用學生的創意為美心集團旗下餐廳設計可持續外賣容器，以此比賽為契機，連結學術界、生產商、餐廳、設計師、前線職工、環保團體等不同持份者，從多角度探討可持續發展。例如餐飲集團的經營考量，設計師如何思考綠色問題，生產一次性餐具的工廠如何看待全球和本地的綠色轉型，學生結合環保意識與人文藝術的設計實踐，環保團體則為參與者提供關於減塑與環保的理論視角及全球視野，從經濟、社會、文化等不同的角度切入本港減廢及減塑議題，探索如何讓推進全民的綠色轉型。不僅是政策上的改變，而是讓市民能夠參與和介入到日常生活之中。

At the end of 2023, environmental policies in Hong Kong became the focus of public attention due to the impending implementation of two major green initiatives: the waste charging scheme and the regulation of disposable plastics. These policies sparked extensive discussions in society, including concerns about labor issues, insufficient policy support, and practical challenges related to existing infrastructure. While these problems cannot be resolved immediately, the implementation of these policies has brought them to light. Although the waste charging scheme was eventually postponed, it provided valuable insights for future discussions on Hong Kong’s waste reduction efforts. However, when discussing green policies, we need to look beyond implementation challenges and consider how to make genuine changes and how to ensure these changes happen smoothly.

In the global business landscape, concepts such as SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) have become increasingly prevalent. Companies and businesses are starting to make more sustainable changes and take responsibility for the environment and society. In practice, however, there are many competing factors behind these sustainable development initiatives, such as profitability and cost considerations. How can we strike a balance between these factors? Does society have the necessary technology, expertise, or materials to support this transition? More importantly, how can we use these opportunities to engage different stakeholders in the sustainable development agenda and enhance Hong Kong’s capacity for green transformation (Green Capacity Building).

Against the backdrop of the Hong Kong government implementing the “Regulation on Disposable Plastic Tableware and Products,” CSIS was fortunate to collaborate with Maxim’s Group to co-design and plan the “Best with Less: Hong Kong Tertiary Sustainable Packaging Design Competition.” This competition harnesses students’ creativity to design sustainable takeaway containers for Maxim’s Group’s restaurants. It serves as a platform to connect different stakeholders, including academia, manufacturers, restaurants, designers, and frontline workers, to explore sustainable development from multiple perspectives. This includes examining the business considerations of food and beverage groups, how designers approach green issues, and how factories that produce disposable tableware perceive both global and local green transitions. By addressing waste and plastic reduction from economic, social, and cultural angles, the project aims to advance a comprehensive green transition across society—not just through policy changes but by enabling citizens to actively participate and integrate these changes into their daily lives.

比賽宣傳影片
PV for the competition

計劃里程
Project Schedule

BEST with LESS
Hong Kong Tertiary Sustainable Packaging
(F&B Industry) Design Competition

NOV
2023

社會創新研究中心從2021年開始關注本港環保、減塑議題，希望以人文角度思考並切入本港減塑議程。在2023年舉辦的「無塑香港：買餸也減塑」項目，讓我們觸及美心集團，就香港即將推行的管制即棄塑膠法例，構思合作機會。社會創新研究中心設計並提出了本次可持續包裝設計比賽的計劃的框架。

Since 2021, CSIS has focused on environmental protection and plastic reduction in Hong Kong, bringing an arts and humanity perspective into policy and social change. In 2023, we launched the ‘Plastic-Free Hong Kong: Reducing Plastic in Grocery Shopping’ project, which led to a collaboration with Maxim’s Group. Together, we explored partnership opportunities in response to Hong Kong’s regulations on disposable plastics. CSIS formulated and presented the blueprint for this inter-university eco-design competition.

APR & JUN
2024

經美心集團的安排，社會創新研究中心分別到訪兩家製作紙餐具及甘蔗渣（bagasse）餐具的工廠進行考察，了解相關行業的發展、生產流程、物料與技術的限制，以及在香港推行新政策下業界所面對的情況，與業界交流。

Upon Maxim’s Group’s invitation, CSIS visited two factories specializing in the production of paper and bagasse tableware. These visits helped the CSIS team gain insights into industry developments, production processes, material and technical constraints, and the challenges posed by new single-use plastic regulation policies in Hong Kong. Additionally, CSIS engaged in discussions with industry representatives.

JUN
2024

比賽截止報名，及後開始為期兩天的培訓工作坊，社會創新研究中心邀請低碳想創坊為講者，在設計及美學、物料以及商業與成本的考慮以外，為參加者及美心集團員工介紹全球氣候、減塑問題、論述及環球政策方向，將設計比賽視角連結至社會問題的大圖像。社會創新研究中心並設計了半日的田野考察，到訪美心MX門市，讓參加者們與市民及美心MX前線職工進行環境溝通，觀察運作情況，了解不同持份者對現有外賣餐具、餐盒的看法。

During the two-day training workshop of the competition process, CSIS organized a representative from the NGO CarbonCare InnoLab to present a lecture on the relationship among plastic reduction, climate change, and global policy directions. Furthermore, CSIS organized a half-day field trip to Maxim’s MX stores, enabling student participants to engage in environmental dialogues with the public and frontline staff. Students not only learned design, aesthetics, materials, and business factors, but they also observed restaurant operations, gaining insights into various stakeholders’ perspectives on the current takeaway tableware and containers.

JUN to SEP
2024

同學完成訓練工作坊後，每組在專業設計師的輔導下，開始設計創新可持續包裝方案。進入決賽的隊伍獲餐具工廠協助，生產設計的原型 (Prototype)，並於沙田新城市廣場展覽展示。公眾及專業評審將共同評選比賽優勝者，而勝出隊伍的設計將會獲進一步研究及改進，以取代現有包裝為目標。

After completing the training workshop, each group, under the guidance of professional designers, began their design process. Shortlisted teams received assistance from tableware factories to produce prototypes of their designs, which exhibited at New Town Plaza. Both the public and professional judges would join forces to select the winners. The winning team’s design will undergo further adjust and improvement with the goal of replacing existing packaging.

SEP to the end of
2024

參賽作品將會在大專院校巡迴展出，推廣創意設計和可持續發展的可能性。

The prototype exhibit will be showcased in roving exhibitions to promote creative design and sustainable development across universities in Hong Kong.

EXPECT
2025

預計在2025年，獲選的設計作品將正式於餐廳中使用。我們將收集減塑成效數據，並徵集前線員工的反饋，以及消費者的體驗。

In 2025, the selected design pieces are expected to be officially used in the Maxim’s MX. We will gather data on the effectiveness of plastic reduction, solicit feedback from frontline staff, and collect consumer experiences.

訓練工作坊
Training Workshops

BEST with LESS
Hong Kong Tertiary Sustainable Packaging
(F&B Industry) Design Competition

我們採訪了為這次比賽提供培訓的設計大師、企業品牌管理專家、供應商，以及物料專家，探討設計師、企業及供應商在推動環保中的角色與責任。他們一致認為，減少塑膠使用與推動環保需要依靠教育、大眾的理解與支持，不能僅依賴供應商或餐飲業單方面的改變。設計師通過創意可以引起社會對塑膠廢料問題的關注，並推動更廣泛的環保意識。

這次比賽由社會創新研究中心與美心集團合作，一方面促進了公眾教育，另一方面也讓更多年輕人有機會參與環保設計。學生通過設計創意，連結企業與消費者，成為社會變革的推動者，從而獲得更廣泛的支持，實現的社會效益遠超單靠政策變革。此外，比賽為業界提供了與消費者直接互動的機會，消除了對環保包裝設計過於脫離現實的擔憂，同時為企業帶來了品牌形象和經濟效益的提升。

這次比賽還為學生提供了寶貴的設計培訓與實踐機會，讓供應商能夠嘗試生產更具創意的環保設計產品，為供應鏈帶來更多元化的環保包裝選擇，從而促使更多品牌加入環保包裝的行列。通過多方持份者的合作，實現了社會、環保、業界與學界的多贏效益。

CSIS interviewed designers, branding experts, suppliers, and material specialists who provided training for the “BEST with LESS” participants. We discussed their roles and responsibilities in promoting environmental protection. All unanimously agreed that reducing plastic use require education, public understanding, and support from various stakeholders. Designers’ creativity can draw society’s attention to the issue of plastic waste and promote broader environmental awareness.

This inter-university competition, co-organized by the CSIS and Maxim’s Group, has provided opportunities for young people to participate in environmental design training. The shortlisted designs would motivate companies, food packaging suppliers, and the general public to experiment with eco-friendly designs. The competition connects arts and design research with food and beverage industrial practices, corporate concerns, government policy, and consumers’ environmental awareness.

工作坊講者
Guest speakers for the workshops

工作坊花絮
Highlights of the Workshop

講者對BEST with Less的看法

郭曉忠先生
Mr. Kwok Hiu Chung
CarbonCare InnoLab｜低碳想創坊

//這次活動帶來了不同界別之間更多的協作。以往我們做倡議時，對象可能會偏向政府的政策或部門，與商界的互動比較少。然而，這次有商界的推動，讓一個已經通過的減廢、減塑條例在落地執行時能夠做得更好。這對我來說是一個特別的經歷，因為我能看到來自不同領域的合作。不僅能夠與商界連繫，還能與學術界和NGO共同就政策提出創新的意念，這是一個新鮮的嘗試，絕對是一個正面的改變。這個計劃確實讓我們能連繫到很多不同的界別，例如我們平時較少接觸的飲食業界或設計界的人士。//

梁穎思小姐
Ms. Grace Liang
Sabert (Zhongshan) Limited｜沙伯特（中山）有限公司

//關於減塑和環保，第一我們是供應商，需要品牌方由美心去做，其實最重要是普羅大眾，是教育，但我們供應商只能和品牌合作去做，所以（推動環保）需要三方面一起做的，所以我覺得這次比賽很有益，有社會效應，讓大家都覺得走塑是重要的，這是很好的，我很欣賞。另外這個比賽，設計出來的作品，我們能避開了天馬行空，因為（獲獎的作品）會得到了大家的認可。而作為供應商我們的責任就是令設計能變成真。我們很希望這次社會效應能推動普羅大眾，我們供應商不能影響品牌，是你們來影響品牌，你們推動得了品牌，這樣才是結合三方面的力量去推動環保。//

計逢時先生
Mr. Eric Kai
GALAXY PAPER INNOVATION LIMITED｜百利包裝容器有限公司

//幾年前我已經和美心做了很多不同的製品，他們當時已經和我說要多走可持續發展的方向。這次你們（中大社會創新研究中心CSIS）推動這個project，其實是幫了我們供應商，幫了美心，讓我們可以向前走一大步。現在政府突然說要走塑，但究竟走塑的程度如何，我們作為供應商是需要投資資金的，如果政府突然走回頭路不走塑了，我們就浪費金錢。（現在這個項目）原來這麼多年青人參加，大學也一起合作，那麼社會至少就少了一班人反對。環保應該是要做的，我看到大學和大學生這樣參與是開心的。你問這樣走下去，一定是靠現在大家（不同持分者）支持，大學和大學生生想一些新的設計出來，而我們供應商能夠推動到，我們會想辦法幫你們守好生產，我很期待看到你們的產品。站在我們供應商和美心的角度，希望做了一些東西出來，普羅大眾接受，你們都是用家。⋯⋯一定要在教育上去做更多，讓大家知道我們都是為了環保去做，而不是政府逼你去做，這是每個人的責任。//

曾慧敏小姐
Ms. Man Tsang
Materials Research Centre (MRC), PolyU

//這次項目找我們合作是一個很大的第一步。因為現在政府突然說不使用塑膠，普通人可能未必能夠接受，所以我們才需要更多的教育。普羅大眾可能有個很大的誤解，好像突然之間就要走塑，沒有中間的轉換，會讓人有點反感。在學校的立場，我覺得是要慢慢教育的。關於學生，大家要有心理準備，可能他們會設計一些千奇百怪的東西出來，但真的要體諒他們還是學生，供應商們需要耐心去幫助學生。我跟學生的設計跟了三年，跟他們合作不容易，他們的想法固然是很好的，但要落地時則需要很大耐心跟他們溝通，而當中設計者會有自己的執著，但製造商也有他們的限制，尤其食品包裝的限制更大。所以這次project能夠安排這些培訓工作坊對學生來說是很好的。//

黃炳培先生（又一山人）
Mr. Stanley Wong

//設計師在社會減塑/走塑方面的角色是什麼呢？我們幾人都不是科學家，在物料上很難給出一個實在的答案，但我想我們可以從social value方向帶動群眾投入，去和群眾互動來達到一些目標，這是很重要的。Social value上，每個party都有角色和責任，這是我最關心的。而designer的角色就是推動事情的前進。我以前做很多branding的工作都很強調social good。譬如環保議題⋯普通大眾的市民或政策者都未必有一個宏觀的圖像⋯⋯這涉及城市的價值觀。//

何啟亨先生
Mr. Henry Ho

//所以教育方面很重要，但不是一朝一夕可以做到，而designer在當中可以make a noise，用創意將一些廢物變成受關注的物品，也是一種社會的教育。

所以這個比賽project、campaign，由美心作為龍頭大公司帶動，設計師/設計學生就可以有平台去contribute。這個action很重要，可以凝聚各方力量。是good business，迴響是很有力量的。//

袁文俊博士
Dr. Royce Yuen

//十幾年前環保廣告是講fashion，講cool，要潛移默化讓人知道環保原來是一個潮流，再慢慢地那個潮流就不再是人做我做，而是變成一種價值，所以是on-going的movement，不單止是education，更是一個movement。現在就是一個好的時機，有政策，然後有商業機構配合，最後其實要哪些用家、消費者認同和配合，才能成事。

這次比賽讓學生可以作為一個change agent，去相信以設計推動環保這件事情。這個project推動到三個層面，第一是知名度，讓大家對（走塑和環保議題）認知度更多，第二是產生共鳴感，覺得自己應該做（走塑/環保），然後就到第三有了參與感，這樣就形成一個持續性。//

訪談
Interviews

田野考察
Field Studies@Maxim MX

BEST with LESS
Hong Kong Tertiary Sustainable Packaging
(F&B Industry) Design Competition

「BEST with LESS 香港大專飲食業可持續包裝設計比賽」的其中一個培訓內容是由CSIS帶領參賽同學到餐廳進行實地考察和訪問，同時填寫由CSIS設計的工作紙。希望通過接觸最前線的員工和顧客，參賽同學能夠加深對餐飲業外賣流程的認識，並對即棄現象進行反思。

同學們在出餐處觀察外賣容器的包裝和使用情況，並訪問前線工作人員，了解哪種設計能方便員工進行包裝。設計的問卷不僅把她們視為員工，還請受訪者以消費者身份回答一些問題，例如對可重用餐盒的接受程度。有時候會發現一些有趣的回答：例如，當工作人員作為員工時，會擔心在繁忙時間顧客自備餐盒或餐廳使用可重用餐盒會影響出餐效率和衛生問題；但當作為消費者時，卻支持自備餐盒的做法。

我們也鼓勵同學訪問現場顧客，了解他們對重用餐盒的考慮因素和本身的環保意識。我們希望同學們能對即棄現象進行深入反思。儘管這次設計比賽的成品相比塑膠材料更環保，但仍然是一次性使用的用品，不論前期製作還是後期處理，必然會對環境和能源造成壓力。面對環境和各種持份者的習慣與意見，如何找到平衡，甚至如何以嶄新的設計視角突破「環保 vs 持份者」的張力，值得大家深思。

我們認為，優秀的設計者應具備對社會問題的深刻洞察力和反思能力，並勇於以自己的設計語言和理念連結不同持份者，引領社會的改革潮流。此次參賽的同學來自不同專業領域，雖然未必擁有豐富的專業設計經驗，但因為年輕，沒有「成熟者」的設計包袱和世故。我們希望通過這次實地調查的機會，同學們能夠深入地「think inside the box」，同時也能夠「think outside the box」！

CSIS led students to conduct on-site inspections and interviews at Maxim’s fast-food branches to engage with frontline staff and customers. Students observed the packaging and usage of takeout containers at the food pick-up area and interviewed frontline workers. The process aimed to deepen their understanding of the takeout processes and single-use practices in the food service industry.

Students gathered interesting responses through the questionnaire. For instance, some employees expressed concerns about the efficiency of service and hygiene issues when customers brought their own reusable containers during busy hours. At the same time, many also supported the practice of bringing reusable containers.

We encouraged students to interview on-site customers to consider factors influencing consumers’ considerations of reusable containers and their environmental awareness. We wanted students to know that although no plastic materials would be used in this design competition, the new materials are still disposable, inevitably stressing the environment and energy uses in both production or disposal/recycling stages. Students’ job is to think about how to strike a balance between plastic reduction and various stakeholders’ interests from a design perspective.

由社會創新研究中心設計的
田野考察工作紙

由社會創新研究中心設計的田野考察工作紙

同學們與前線員工及顧客的互動
Interaction between students, frontline staff and customers

參賽者即場觀察及思考
On-site Observations and Reflections from the participants

▊我發現香港人不參與環保的主要原因是因為他們覺得沒有時間去做。他們覺得環保很麻煩，比如需要自己帶容器、清洗，以及特意去回收。如果需要支付押金來租用餐具，再特意拿回去，他們覺得根本沒有時間去做這些事情。

I found that the main reason Hong Kong people do not participate in environmental protection is that they feel they don’t have the time. They think it’s too inconvenient, like having to bring their own containers, clean them, and go out of their way to recycle. If they need to pay a deposit to rent tableware and then return it afterward, they feel they simply don’t have the time for such tasks.

▊在訪問時，我發現很多人不願意支付押金去借用餐盒。他們更傾向於像以前那樣，使用外賣的塑膠盒或紙盒，用完就算了。有些人會重複使用，但紙製的那些通常都是一次性的。

During interviews, I found that many people are unwilling to pay a deposit to borrow reusable meal boxes. They prefer to stick with the old habit of using plastic or paper takeaway boxes and discarding them after use. Some people do reuse them, but the paper ones are generally single-use.

▊我學到了很多關於包裝的細節，例如包裝上的一些骨位和圈圈，這些細節之前我從未留意過。今天自己看了之後，聽他們解釋了才知道原來這些細節是這麼重要。

I have learned a lot about the details of packaging, such as the ridges and rings on it—details I had never noticed before. After seeing them today and hearing their explanations, I realized how important these elements are.

▊我有點驚訝他們包餐的程序沒有變化，但這也可以理解。因為他們只是更換了餐具，並沒有更換外賣盒。我認為在更換外賣盒時，設計過程需要考慮更多因素。例如，如何使包裝更方便，如何處理不同的操作和擺放問題等。這些考慮因素在設計過程中是必須考量的。

I was a bit surprised that their meal packaging process hasn’t changed, but it’s understandable since they only replaced the utensils, not the takeaway boxes. I believe that when changing the takeaway boxes, the design process needs to take more factors into account. For example, how to make the packaging more convenient, how to handle different operational and placement issues, etc. These considerations are essential in the design process.

工作坊對參賽學生的影響
Impact of the workshop to the students

在六月份的培訓工作坊和實地考察完成後，我們向參與的學生發放了問卷，以評估這些活動的成效。回收的問卷來自五所不同的大專院校的學生，其中約一半主修設計專業，且年級分佈較平均，涵蓋從一年級到四年級。

透過培訓工作坊和實地考察，學生們的環保意識以及相關的設計知識和技能都有所提升。同時，他們對實際營運中面臨的挑戰，以及如何與前線員工和消費者進行有效溝通，也有了更多的了解。

After conducting the training workshops and field visits in June, we distributed questionnaires to participating students to assess the effectiveness of these activities. The returned questionnaires came from students across five different tertiary institutions, with about half majoring in design. The distribution of grade across year levels was fairly balanced, ranging from year one to four.

Following the workshops and field visits, students showed an improvement in their environmental awareness, as well as their related design knowledge and skills. They also gained a better understanding of the practical challenges of operations and how to effectively communicate with frontline staff and consumers.

項目	參加工作坊前	參加工作坊後	學生比例
對全球及本地塑膠與環境污染、企業ESG議題的了解	幾乎不了解	有點了解	44%
	有點了解	有不少了解	44%
	有不少了解	十分了解	11%
您認為好的設計能為減塑、減排出力	沒有想法	認同	33%
	認同	十分認同	66%
您認為好的設計能改變消費者的環保習慣與意識	沒有想法	認同	44%
	認同	十分認同	55%
對餐廳日常營運所面對的減塑困難的了解	幾乎不了解	有點了解	33%
	有點了解	有不少了解	44%
	有不少了解	十分了解	22%
對環保物料及其功能性的了解	幾乎不了解	有點了解	11%
	幾乎不了解	有不少了解	11%
	幾乎不了解	十分了解	11%
	有點了解	有不少了解	33%
	有點了解	十分了解	11%
	有不少了解	十分了解	22%
對設計外賣包裝實際問題的了解	完全不了解	有點了解	11%
	幾乎不了解	有點了解	11%
	幾乎不了解	有不少了解	22%
	有點了解	有不少了解	33%
	有不少了解	十分了解	22%
對「減少使用」及「循環經濟9R概念」的了解	幾乎不了解	有點了解	22%
	幾乎不了解	有不少了解	22%
	有點了解	有不少了解	44%
	有不少了解	十分了解	11%
對與前線員工和消費者溝通技巧的了解	幾乎不了解	有點了解	33%
	幾乎不了解	有不少了解	11%
	有點了解	有不少了解	33%
	有不少了解	十分了解	22%

感想節錄
Excerpt of Reflections

我們都有留意到年紀比較大的阿姨認為自帶餐盒會增加門店工作人員的工作量，因此選擇使用店內一次性打包盒。這種想法令我印象深刻。如果門店多做一步，主動宣傳和倡議公眾自帶打包盒，令市民知道商家支持顧客帶自帶盒的行為，都有助於從源頭上減少一次性物品的使用。在環保競賽之後，美心推行環保餐盒之餘，或許都可以同時推行這項措施。

IVY

We noticed that some customers believe bringing their own containers might increase the workload of the store staff. This comment made me feel that if the stores could actively encourage customers to bring their own containers, making it clear that this is a good practice, it could significantly help reduce the use of disposable items at the source. On top of adopting eco-friendly materials in takeout containers, Maxim’s could potentially introduce this measure as well.

IVY, Intern at CSIS

在觀察V Walk 美心MX分店的過程中，我了解到餐廳在推廣重用的困難，以及影響消費者意欲的因素。餐廳與顧客並不排斥重用餐具，惟衛生、成本及便利性是重要考慮因素。餐廳的處境是員工因衛生問題，不能同時接觸錢銀與餐具，因此無法實行重用餐具按金制；沒有按金，餐具遺失的成本便會大大提高；加上員工包裝外賣食物時，重用餐具的效率會更低。而顧客方面，清洗與歸還問題是他們使用重用餐具的困難之二，亦並非人人可以接受購買時付出更多金錢使用重用餐具。種種考慮可以歸納為歸還成本與便利性，歸根究底，是因為香港缺乏重用文化，人人都不願意麻煩少少。

Shelly

The most interesting part of all field surveys is when default assumptions are challenged. For example, while we assume that implementing a deposit system for reusable wares is straightforward, the reality could be complicated. sume that implementing a deposit system for reusable wares is straightforward, the reality could be complicated.

We interviewed two elderly customers who did not support the deposit system: “We only take out once a month at most, why make it so troublesome?” Besides dining habits, the distance to the restaurant and the need for cleaning are reasons why diners have doubts about the deposit system for disposable tableware. The amount of the deposit also needs to be considered. One student summarized the findings by saying, “If the restaurant takes care of the cleaning, diners are okay with it. They will consider it (around 10 to 20 HKD) as long as the deposit is not too expensive.”

Shelly, Intern at CSIS

在餐廳進行訪問時美心店員也曾提到，還有很多的顧客對於環保的意識並不足夠，對於外賣餐具、膠袋加一蚊的規定時有不理解或不滿，而在社會意識的普及上，或許學校的教育能起到更關鍵的作用。

同時還有一個對我而言很有啟發性的看法，就是在環保方面，獎賞或許比懲罰更有用。比如「綠在區區」之所以受到歡迎，很大程度上是和「回收-兌獎」的過程有關。從這方面看，提高社會大眾的環保意識或許也可以依靠將減少碳排放與獲得更多便利、好處相關聯達成。

Jane

Some restaurant staff mentioned that many customers still lack sufficient environmental awareness. Some do not understand or are dissatisfied with the additional charge of one dollar for takeout containers and plastic bags. In terms of raising social awareness, education could play a more crucial role.

I think that rewards may be more effective than penalties in promoting environmental protection. For example, the popularity of the ‘GREEN$’ program is largely due to the ‘recycle and redeem’ process. Increasing public awareness of environmental protection and carbon reduction might also be achieved by providing incentive programs to citizens.

Jane, Intern at CSIS

While observing the Maxim’s MX branch at V Walk, I learned about the challenges restaurants and customers faced in switching to reusable containers. In fact, both sides are not opposed to reusable containers, but hygiene, cost, and convenience are significant considerations.

Restaurants face a situation where employees often have to handle money and containers at the same time, raising concerns about hygiene. Also, without a deposit system, the cost of lost containers would increase. Using reusable containers could potentially lower the workers’ efficiency of food packaging.

Not every customer is willing to pay extra for using reusable containers at the time of purchase, making the deposit system hard to work. Ultimately, it is related to a lack of awareness of the circular economy as people have been too used to the convenience of plastic.

Nicole, Intern at CSIS

最深刻印象系同美心快餐經理傾偈，佢分享話呢一間分店（土瓜灣）好多老人家會自己帶餐盒過嚟買外賣，這些客人甚至會同分店員工講外賣餐具好浪費，唔想嘥嘢。

其實香港，尤其係上一輩，有唔少節約的習慣，企業在減塑減廢的行動上可以重拾舊香港精神，在個別住宅爲主的社區分店推出更多可重用餐具的計劃，令市民大眾有新的節約習慣，就算在減塑的未來也將一次性物料的浪費減到最少。

嘉明

I was really moved by chatting with the manager of Maxim’s Fast Food branch at To Kwa Wan. She shared that many elderly customers often bring their own containers when buying takeout. These customers also talked to staff about how disposable containers are wasteful and expressed their desire not to waste. I have found that there are many habits of conservation, especially among the older generation in Hong Kong. Companies can revive this spirit of Hong Kong in their efforts to reduce plastic and waste by encouraging plans for reusable containers in branches primarily serving residents. This will reinvigorate older habits of conservation in the general public, minimizing waste at the source.

Wu Ka Ming
Director of the Centre for Social Innovation Studies, Hong Kong Institute of Asia-Pacific Studies

附錄｜Appendix

Types of disposable plastic tableware 一次性塑膠餐具類型	Phase 1 第一階段	Phase 2 第二階段
EPS tableware, straws, stirrers, cutlery (forks, knives, spoons), plates EPS 餐具、吸管、攪拌棒、餐具（叉子、刀子、湯匙）、餐盤	Prohibits the sale to end-customers 禁止銷售給終端客戶
	Prohibits the provision at catering premises to customers for dine-in and takeaway services 禁止在餐飲場所提供給顧客內用和外賣服務
Cups 杯子	Prohibits the provision at catering premises to customers for dine-in services 禁止在餐飲場所提供給顧客內用服務	Prohibits the sale to end-customers; Prohibits the provision at catering premises to customers for dine-in and takeaway services 禁止銷售給終端客戶；禁止在餐飲場所提供給顧客內用和外賣服務
Cup lids 杯蓋
Food containers 食品容器
Food container covers 食品容器蓋

Plastic Free publication

垃圾徵費需路線圖　看綠色經濟大局減塑徵費

Post date 17 6 月, 2024

垃圾徵費需路線圖　看綠色經濟大局減塑徵費

16^th JUN, 2024
Published on 明報星期日生活
文．何宇霆、胡嘉明

垃圾徵費觸礁，政府認為大部分市民對於垃圾徵費的實施持保留態度，同時社會回收文化和回收網絡也存在不足。因此，政府決定暫緩推行垃圾徵費政策。然而，在推行政策時，政府的解釋和溝通仍有改善空間。如何改變市民對政策的負面看法，提高社會的回收文化是一個重要議題。然而，堆填區飽和的問題不會因政府推遲而得到解決，這是我們必須面對的現實問題。若政府承認都市減廢是一個大義，應該負責任地制定一個時間表，而不僅僅是草草地暫緩。假設垃圾收費在兩年後甚至推遲到下一屆政府才重新實施，政府又能否確保那時候民意能夠逆轉？

樂觀點看，在一系列公關危機以外，是次垃圾收費觸礁，也揭露了政策的一些問題和潛在的困難。如老人院這些「減無可減」的特定行業，在垃圾徵費下除了增加其開支外，收費如何能達到政策的預期減廢成果？劃一收費的模式，並未考慮到階級差異和責任誰屬的問題，如何釐定一個合理標準，讓生產者有更多誘因減廢，而非為公眾帶來徵費只為增加政府收入的負面觀感？如何釐定清潔工人等前線職工在垃圾收費下的角色和責任？政策如何銜接不同香港樓宇種類的廢物處理系統？種種政策執行的問題正等待政府處理。

著力點不應只在綠在區區

在種種執行問題以外，我們也在這次徵費爭議之中看見一些契機。在香港，我們不乏回應減廢和環境問題的個人嘗試和社區實踐。與此同時，香港政府有着綠色經濟的目標，社會並一直鼓勵本地初創/社創的發展，當中亦有不少針對回收、減廢議題的項目。針對外賣文化，香港社會已經出現了可重複使用的外賣餐盒系統平台；針對回收，也有提供上門分類回收服務的初創企業；針對剩食，亦有着「神期食品」的配對平台。但往往許多創新的綠色實踐只能停留於社區層面，或針對擁有環保意識的特定群體，例如重用環保餐盒系統，許多計劃只能局限於部分社區、小店，往往難以擴大規模。即使相關計劃受到連鎖餐飲集團看上，大多也是作為一個小型的先導計劃，在一些特定區域（如商業區）作為試點。

在社區層面推行這些項目，有沒有意義？有意義。大集團與綠色初創嘗試合作，有沒有意義？有，但如果項目能夠擴大規模，將會更加有影響力。2022-23 年度，政府投放於綠在區區回收便利點的撥款達1.86 億。綠在區區花費幾年時間，現在才相對地「入屋」。面對氣候變化、垃圾圍城，要改變市民的習慣、回收文化，綠在區區的例子本身就印證着綠色轉型本身需要着大量資源，而我們要做到意識轉變，着力點不應只在於綠在區區。政府在《香港氣候行動藍圖2050》提及綠色經濟、綠色產業，現在這些項目就在眼前，如何將資源導向綠色經濟，壯大綠色產業，應是眼前需要面對的問題。

讓企業行多一步

在全球開始多講碳中和、碳限額、企業社會責任的氛圍下，企業與相關項目合作，本身就存在為大企業洗綠的誘因。初創項目有想法，企業有資源、網絡，理應是一個絕佳的配合，將影響散播開去。讓企業行多一步，相比讓700 萬市民一夜之間出現意識轉變，更為實際，所造成的轉變、影響也更為直接，要走向「全民減廢」的目標，企業、生產者的角色無法被忽略。但資本是逐利的，在企業賺取掌聲背後，現實上許多項目卻只能停留在萌芽階段，更為現實的問題是經營成本的增加，無利可圖。沒有外在環境的轉變，難以令企業行多一步。

當垃圾徵費和管制一次性即棄塑膠政策出台時，讓我們看到了破局的機會。基於法例的執行，企業必須作出改變，同時承受無可避免的額外開支。這筆錢終是要花，是要上繳政府，還是尋找減少廢物的方案，同時賺取自身的企業形象？政策的推行正是一個契機，提供很大的誘因和基礎在企業層面「源頭減廢」，處理包裝廢物、回收和廚餘問題，同時對本港綠色經濟發展亦有所裨益。

須盡快交出時間表

無休止的推遲的這段時間，堆填區飽和的問題依然會存在。若然要減廢，不是能單靠多幾家綠在區區就改變局面。回收配套不足，回收文化未到位。政府提到要加強教育，增強市民的回收文化，強化現有的社區回收設施。教育固然要做，回收網絡和設施的增加也是必要的。但更為重要的是盡快交出時間表。在着實處理徵費執行問題外，應該如何展現一定的緊迫感，創造契機讓各行各業順滑地過渡到「全民減廢」的政策方向，切實發展在地的綠色經濟，營造一個讓市民願意改變生活習慣的氛圍，這乃政府當前最大的政治任務。

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綠色和平實驗揭示垃圾徵費刻不容緩

Post date 7 6 月, 2024

綠色和平實驗揭示垃圾徵費刻不容緩
家居垃圾成外賣包裝大本營

2024年4月11日

中大社會創新研究中心獲邀出席綠色和平的「垃圾徵費先行先試」公民實驗記者會，實驗發現近五成家居垃圾屬即棄外賣及包裝，綠色和平呼籲政府盡快落實垃圾徵費，並需積極推動源頭減廢，打破「企業生產，市民埋單」的現象。

垃圾徵費先行先試

公民實驗

*家庭人數	參與單位	外賣餐具垃圾量（%）	包裝垃圾量（%）	其他垃圾量（%）
2人	20	26.1	26.7	47.2
3人	13	19.3	28.4	52.3
4人	8	16.1	25.9	58

表一：公民實驗參與家庭一星期垃圾量分佈（不計算回收）
*其他參與單位包括1人及5人家庭。

實驗家庭一星期平均購買近3次外賣，五成家居垃圾屬於由隨產品附帶的即棄包裝垃圾。其中以2人家庭為人例，平均每月徵費開支為40元，外賣及包裝垃圾佔21元，超過總體垃圾費一半。

源頭減廢

讓垃圾徵費「越徵越少」

中大社會創新研究中心胡嘉明教授表示：「垃圾徵費在近月引起各界對市民減廢回收前所未有的關注，惟實驗結果可見，家居垃圾並非全然與個人習慣有關，更受企業營銷和政府政策影響。政商界應把握時機，向市民展示『減廢減到盡』的決心，包括政府繼續完善廚餘等回收配套，商界應針對包裝和外賣垃圾等，推動環保簡約包裝、重用餐具借用服務等，增加全民減廢的信心，令垃圾徵費政策在今年如期推行，趕上其他亞洲國際城市。」

家居垃圾源頭同時受企業包裝和政府的回收配套影響，綠色和平認為，政府應如期推行垃圾徵費，並把握機會加快落實生產者責任制。政府與商界有責任向市民展示「全民減廢」的決心，針對源頭、增加直接減費選擇讓垃圾徵費越徵越少。

綠色和平建議政府應善用垃圾徵費的18億元專款，加快增撥資源發展重用餐具借還系統及網絡，推動連鎖企業儘快去除無謂包裝，提供簡約或無包裝選擇，及公開產品包裝減廢量、重用率及回收量，以及定立香港各類減廢目標及落實時間表，令市民在垃圾徵費下真正「有得揀」，減廢又減費。

政府、商界及民間需多管齊下

綠色和平項目主任譚穎琳表示：「公民實驗發現，一半家居垃圾屬隨產品附帶的外賣餐具及包裝。這些垃圾在垃圾徵費政策下，卻要由市民埋單，包括付費或負責回收的不公平現象。要扭轉這個情況，政府應利用垃圾徵費專款，增撥資源推廣方便的重用借還系統、落實源頭減包裝政策，助社會減廢、市民減費。」

綠色和平指出，政府政策依賴市民回收，多年來成效不彰，更有違源頭減廢的宗旨。參考其他東亞城市經驗，台北及首爾在推出垃圾徵費時，亦會積極推行生產者責任制，包括規管過度包裝、要求連鎖店提供借還重用餐具系統等。連鎖企業具其社會責任善用資源發展，建立方便消費者源頭減廢的選項，而非把徵費、處理廢物的責任轉嫁予消費者。

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“BEST with LESS: Hong Kong Tertiary Sustainable Packaging (F&B Industry) Design Competition”

Post date 6 5 月, 2024

BEST with LESS
香港大專飲食業可持續包裝設計比賽

BEST with LESS
Hong Kong Tertiary Sustainable Packaging
(F&B Industry) Design Competition

比賽宣傳影片 | PV for the competition

近年全球對於減碳、減塑議題的關注日益增加。香港剛剛實施《管制即棄塑膠產品》政策，逐步禁止堂食和外賣塑膠餐具、容器的使用，其成效已引起社會空前的討論：許多環保餐具和包裝在設計上仍有很大的改善空間。香港中文大學社會創新研究中心與美心集團合作，舉辦「BEST with LESS – 香港大專飲食業可持續包裝設計比賽」，邀請全港相關專業的全日制學生發揮創意和專業所長，為外賣容器、包裝設計環保方案。

參賽者將參加一系列關於設計與環保、生態物料技術發展等專業工作坊，並有實地觀察及訪問餐飲業前線員工和顧客的機會。入圍隊伍將獲資助完成設計模型，於大型商場內展覽其設計產品，向公眾傳達其設計意念。比賽設有不同類別的獎項，評委包括有著名設計師何啟亨先生、黃炳培先生（又一山人）。獲獎參賽隊伍可獲高達三萬元獎學金，其優異方案亦有機會成為美心集團旗下品牌投入使用的包裝產品。

比賽報名和詳情請參與官方網站： https://www.bestwithless.com.hk/

The Hong Kong SAR Government has announced the implementation of second-phase regulations to ban the use of disposable plastic tableware and containers for dine-in and takeaway in the catering and retail outlets in 2025. In alignment with this crucial initiative, we are delighted to invite you to participate in the “BEST with LESS Hong Kong Tertiary Sustainable Packaging (F&B Industry) Design Competition.” This competition aims to collect innovative and eco-friendly design proposals for containers and packaging used by restaurants under Maxim’s Group through a public competition among tertiary institutions. Full-time students specializing in design, creative arts, structural modeling, material engineering, and related fields are welcome to participate.

We are honored to have esteemed designers and artists, Mr. Henry Ho and Mr. Stanley Wong (又一山人), as part of the judging panel for the competition. The winning team will receive a scholarship of up to HKD 30,000.

Participants will have the unique opportunity to attend a series of professional workshops focused on design and eco-friendly materials. They will also be able to conduct pre-design visits and surveys, engaging with packaging suppliers, frontline staff in the food and beverage industry, and customers. This competition provides a valuable platform for students to apply their academic skills to real-world challenges.

To register and find more details, please visit the official competition website: https://www.bestwithless.com.hk/

BWL Website

主辦機構｜Organiser
美心集圖 Hong Kong Maxim’s Group

顧問及研究機構｜Consultant and Researcher
社會創新研究中心 Centre for Social Innovation Studies, CUHK

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減塑徵費工人姐姐有意見

Post date 17 4 月, 2024

減塑徵費
工人姐姐有意見

14^th APR, 2024
Published on 明報星期日生活
文．胡嘉明、何宇霆、朱珂

【明報專訊】社會上對與垃圾徵費的討論沸騰，但我們知道每天為眾多香港家庭處理家居垃圾、在港人數達30萬的工人姐姐的意見嗎？外籍家庭傭工作為城市減廢減塑議題的重要持份者，在即將實施的管制即棄塑膠產品法例和垃圾徵費當中卻少有發聲，除了外傭文化節有外傭團體主動上台宣傳回收政策細節外，香港的工人姐姐極大程度在相關議題中被隱形。事實上，了解工人姐姐對即將推行垃圾徵費與禁止即棄塑膠等綠色政策的認知和實踐，無比重要。

香港中文大學香港亞太研究所社會創新研究中心於今年1、2月帶領35名大學生到中環和維多利亞公園進行問卷調查和考察，同學帶上平板電腦播放東南亞塑膠污染問題短片，走進周日工人姐姐的聚腳點，藉此與家庭傭工打開話題，了解她們獨有的生活經驗和觀察，思考香港環境治理的創新出路。兩天下來，同學與近200名工人姐姐交流，獲益匪淺⋯⋯

跨亞洲經驗和環保認知

香港市民或許知道台灣韓國等地有較成熟的減廢措施，認為東南亞的城市治理始終較為落後。事實上，隨着東南亞國家的塑膠污染問題，近年因氣候問題及世界討論碳中和的趨勢，印尼、菲律賓等國家已開始發展綠色產業，並從國家大方向到地區層面，皆推出不同的綠色政策，着手處理龐大的都市廢物及相關的海洋污染問題，甚至比香港行先一步，例如印尼茂物巿於2018年起禁止購物中心等地方使用膠袋，菲律賓奎松市則於2020年起禁止塑膠餐具、杯、碟等一次性塑膠用品。香港市民和政府以為外傭教育水平不高，毋須過多了解她們的看法實大錯特錯。我們的調查發現，工人姐姐具備在家鄉和香港，以及多年的跨亞洲生活工作經驗，她們當中曾在新加坡、台灣、沙特、荷蘭等地工作，親身經歷台灣「垃圾費隨袋徵收」領先香港將近20年。我們的交談中也發現大多數工人姐姐皆認為香港在三色垃圾桶分類政策上勝過菲律賓、印尼的處理方法，也有工人姐姐評論台灣等地政策減廢成效顯著。

在我們收集的數據當中，發現身邊日常處理家居垃圾的工人姐姐，或多或少都有相關的環保知識和經驗，甚至她們的關心程度可能比香港本地人還高。我們曾遇上用僅有一天的休息日去淨灘、參加環保活動的熱心姐姐，而這並非一個孤例。有20%的受訪工人姐姐曾參與淨灘活動。工人姐姐的環保實踐和意識實在不容忽視。

回收積分換食油寄菲律賓

即使新政策推廣缺乏對工人姐姐的宣傳，但我們調查發現，有67.9%受訪姐姐有聽過香港即將實施垃圾收費，在這一群體當中，最多是從僱主口中得知垃圾收費政策即將實施，而且僱主也鼓勵她們分類垃圾。那麼配合垃圾收費的「綠在區區」對工人姐姐的宣傳又是否足夠？政府在2020年11月開始大規模在各區開設「回收便利點」，時隔3年多，依然有超過一半受訪的工人姐姐從未去過。政府提供的新回收設施例如智能廚餘機和智能回收箱，皆需要綠在區區積分卡才可使用，目前依然有一個龐大的缺口尚待補上。綠在區區在工人姐姐之間的普及率低的情况下，也有工人姐姐主動分享自己在綠在區區回收的經驗，當中亦非常正面。來自菲律賓的Liza，興高采烈地講述僱主家庭、孩子如何帶領她學習垃圾分類和減廢。她從袋裏掏出自己的綠在區區積分卡，表示自己多年來去綠在區區回收垃圾，換取「綠綠賞」積分。姐姐Esdrelida則表示自己也有同樣的習慣，曾用積分換取芥花籽油並寄回菲律賓。姐姐們的分享讓我們思考，現有綠綠賞積分系統對於工人姐姐來說有一定的吸引力，奈何只差一些宣傳。

目睹這空隙的存在，政府可以從何入手？僱主有其減廢動機向工人姐姐講解政策，政府透過僱主作為橋樑，向工人姐姐提供指引，會否是一條出路？還是透過營運綠在區區的非政府組織提供額外的宣傳？可以針對工人姐姐鼓勵更多分類和回收，回饋她們喜愛的禮品嗎？在「先行先試」的這段時間，除了需要解決技術問題外，政府還可向不同群體說好「香港綠色故事」，讓更多持份者參與減廢。現時基本的減廢結構已有，萬事俱備，還欠東風，如何利用現有資源，令不同持份者各就各位，同樣重要。香港作為國際都會正式進入減廢時代，市民對收費雖有埋怨，政府也要積極配合，但千里之行，始於足下，如何邁向減廢減排的第一步，同時結合減廢、共融，政府和民間要共同努力。

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Plastic Reduction Academy:No Plastic Bags, Please! Online Exhibition

Post date 26 3 月, 2024

Plastic Reduction Academy:
No Plastic Bags, Please!

減塑學堂：「唔使膠袋，唔該！」

(中文版本請按此)

2-28 November, 2023
Museum of Climate Change

Funded by Environmental and Conservation Fund

Plastic Reduction Academy: No Plastic Bag Please!

It takes hundreds of years for plastic bags to decompose while they fill up landfills and pollute the ocean, soil, and air. To tackle the problems, scientists are finding alternative materials to replace plastic and governments are implementing plastic bag levies. How can the fields of humanities and social sciences make intervention and promote plastic reduction? The Centre for Social Innovation Studies has been involved in plastic reduction initiatives since 2021. This year, we have launched the “Plastic Free Hong Kong: Plastic Reduction in Wet Market” Student Community Ambassador Training Scheme. We invited environmental education groups to share their insight on plastic reduction campaigns and existing loopholes in related policies. We also trained student ambassadors to conduct field visits at the Sha Tin wet market and guided them to have innovative thinking on plastic consumption.

In March and April 2023, our student ambassadors spent two days counting the number of plastic bags. Based on the findings, we estimated that around 500,000 plastic bags are consumed daily in government-owned wet markets in Hong Kong. The number is bigger if one includes private wet markets and supermarkets. Our ambassadors also conducted interviews to understand the social and cultural factors that drive the use of plastic bags. These students later participated in community art workshops to transform their observations into art pieces. They also presented their creative works as gifts to vendors and marketgoers.

During this one-year project, we discovered that plastic reduction must be implemented with the awareness of gender, class and age. While senior citizens have used sustainable packaging such as newspaper or plant stems in the past, they deem plastic bags modern and hygienic. Domestic helpers with busy schedules find plastic bags time-saving and convenient. Working families have been accustomed to plastic overpackaging in their lives. Vendors often wave plastic bags to attract customers. In short, the modern “values” of convenience overshadow plastic bag’s environmental costs. We also found that implementing charging schemes is not enough. It must go hand in hand with an effective recycling economy and persistent communication with different stakeholders. The exhibition aims to share our journey of such reflections.

We would like to express our gratitude to the vendors, stall owners, and staff members in the Sha Tin market. We also thank all participating teachers and our student ambassadors. Finally, thanks to all the community stakeholders and partner organizations for their dedication to promoting plastic reduction for Hong Kong and global sustainability.

PROJECT
SCHEDULE

Plastic free change makers training workshop

February 2023

WildBound, a Beijing-based nature-education organization, held a two-day workshop that encouraged university students to understand the complexity of social issues, cultivate empathy, and familiarize with critical concepts such as impact gaps and baseline shifting.

Our trainees come from Hong Kong, mainland China, Malaysia, Japan, and Zimbabwe. They shared their own experiences and stories of their parents or grandparents, which enriched the global exposure of the participants.

The workshop also featured the director of Green Earth who shared how their campaigns against polluting transnational corporations calls for a corporate responsibility scheme for plastic bottles. The programme officer of Greenpeace also shared their innovative “Reusable Cup Borrowing Program” with local start-ups.

Complexity

A fixed mindset often leads to over-simplification of problems and hinders behavioural changes. The workshop designed immersive games to help students understand the intricate network and mutual influence between people, objects, and happenings.

Empathy

The facilitator showed a video of the researchers removing a plastic straw stuck in a turtle’s nose, which became a major driving force behind a global movement of banning plastic straws. Social media video sharing could trigger empathy with marine animals, encouraging responsive actions, and driving policy changes.

Shifting Baseline

Shifting Baseline Syndrome depicts the gradual decrease in our capability to recognize environmental degradation due to a lack of knowledge or previous experience. The concept reminds us to shift our environmental awareness to enable possible actions, such as shifting our “baseline” to a few decades ago when plastic was rare so we can better cherish and reuse the resources. We can also learn eco-friendly packaging methods from previous generations.

Each generation believes that the environment where we grow up is natural. The post-00s generation, like me, has been living in smoggy days and stinky river water, in sharp contrast to our parents’ memories where there were blue skies and clouds and transparent water. Rapid industrial development and a lack of environmental regulation have led to the deterioration of nature and lowered our acceptable standards. Who knows if our posterity will deem another environment “normal”?

──University student Eric

Plastic reduction and Field Study Workshop

March to April, 2023

Have you ever thought that toys can have great impacts on the environment? Hong Kong was once a production hub for plastic toys. Speaker from Green Earth shared that in 1992, a container ship carrying 28,880 plastic ducks encountered a storm and it was impossible to retrieve those plastic toys. Today, beach-cleaning volunteers still occasionally spot them on the seashore.

In the role-play activity, students take turns to play as interviewers and interviewees such as domestic workers and senior citizens, preparing for the upcoming field visits to the Sha Tin market.

We have designed a worksheet for the students to review their household usage of plastics. The worksheet also provided a guideline for students to identify the type of plastic packaging.

In this secondary school workshop, we not only talked about the harmful effects of plastic pollution and microplastics, but also included interactive sessions where students identify and classify plastic waste according to the Plastics Identification Flow Chart.

──University student Liz

Sha tin Plastic Reduction Field Study

@SHATINMARKET

According to the new policy, fresh produce falls under the exemption scope of the shopping bag levy scheme, allowing most stalls in the wet market to continue giving out single-use plastic bags. The project invited secondary school students to observe and count the consumption of plastic bags at the wet market. Through interviews, students also had an opportunity to listen to others and learn the perspectives of community stakeholders.

During the 12-hour counting, students were astonished by how excessive plastic bags were used. They noticed how the vegetable sellers would happily wave white plastic bags to attract customers. Students at the fish stall section gazed at each transaction, paying attention to every plastic bag handed out, and couldn’t help but think about the sellers’ hard work.

Having been used to doing groceries in supermarkets, several Master students from mainland China were amazed by the operational model of small vendors, which allows both buyers and sellers to engage in casual conversations. As the wet market fosters community relationships, it is germane to explore the message of plastic reduction that aligns with the fabric of the local community.

Shatin MarKet

The two-level indoor Sha Tin Market sits on Sha Tin Main Street, neighboring the New Town Plaza. The ground and upper floor accommodate 150 stalls.

Students stood at both ends of each aisle of the market, with tally counters and record sheets. They counted the quantity of plastic bags dispensed by vendors on either side and consolidated the totals to estimate the daily consumption. On top of this, another team was responsible for interviews. 69 interviews were conducted in total.

Fieldwork Findings

St. Rose of Lima’s College｜25 MARCH 2023

Fieldwork Findings

Yan Chai Hospital Tung Chi Ying Memorial Secondary School｜22 April 2023

How many plastic bags are consumed daily in Hong Kong?

According to the two quantitative studies, the plastic bag usage at the Sha Tin Street Market amounted to 6,532 and 5,922 respectively in two days. Since Hong Kong has 76 wet markets overseen by the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, the daily consumption of plastic bags in Hong Kong’s government-owned market can be calculated as follows:

*The estimation does not account for plastic bag consumption in private wet markets, supermarkets, and other shops, nor does it include the plastic consumption associated with pre-package items.

Observation from our investigators

@Sha Tin Market

I remember a woman who approached the vendor and said she didn’t need a bag and placed the vegetables directly into her reusable bag. This is commendable as it reduces the consumption of plastic bags, especially since the usage is unnecessary for carrying fruits and vegetables.
── A student from St. Rose of Lima’s College

I observed the fish stall adjacent to a pork stall and counted around 50 plastic bags each hour! I was struck when the pork stall attendant packed the purchase of a lady who had brought her own container! Even though the customer avoided plastic bags, vendors still handed out bags out of habit. I believe that if more customers could bring their containers, stall vendors may be aware of that and use less plastic.

── A student from St. Rose of Lima’s College

One vegetable stall owner was very environmentally conscious. He mentioned that some food items are delivered with protective foam packaging. He suggested wholesalers should avoid using foam packaging, especially for produce less prone to bruises. This is more meaningful than charging $1 for plastic bags.

── A student from Yan Chai Hospital Tung Chi Ying
Memorial Secondary School

I observed that most customers used plastic bags, though some used trolleys and reusable bags to carry their food. It was still necessary to package raw meat in plastic bags before placing them into the trolleys.

── A student from Yan Chai Hospital Tung Chi Ying
Memorial Secondary School

I saw an uncle trying to find the best fit from a range of plastic bags of different sizes. A young Filipino domestic worker shared stories of plastic reuse in her hometown. A vegetable vendor would rather have less business than giving out more plastic bags for free. I realized that each of us has the courage to be a “weirdo.” I feel fortunate to know that my actions can reduce the amount of waste lingering on the earth.

I also had the opportunity to chat with a fruit stall owner who is about to retire. He mentioned that he has been selling fruits for decades, and it’s only in recent years that more people started using reusable bags. This makes me understand that although environmental awareness is not very high, we are slowly progressing.

── University student Carol

“Plastic use in wet markets: A case of place-based sustainability education in Hong Kong”, By Ka-Ming Wu, Chris King-Chi Chan, Sin-Yuk Chan and Ka Wai Yung. The Journal of Sustainability Education, March, 2023.

Community Art Workshop on Plastic Reduction

“Community Art Workshop on Plastic Reduction” aims to artistically showcase the students’ experiences, and reflections during their research. A selection of art pieces was gifted back to the wet market vendors and customers.

Yan Chai Hospital Tung Chi Ying Memorial Secondary School

April 29th and 30th, 2023

Students’ sharing embodied both the candidness of youth and emerging maturity. Despite the implications of plastic pollution, they acknowledged the challenging reality of low fines and deeply ingrained habits. Students’ artworks then included themes including nuclear bombs, mythical creatures, deep-sea wonders, wet markets, and plastics…

St. Rose of Lima’s College

July 13th, 2023

Three workshops taught students on upcycling with handicrafts and making infographics. There were eco-friendly pin badges by reusing plastic bags through Japanese knotting technique, stylish shopping bags from rice wrapping bags, and eye-catching infographics made by recycled paper, fruit nets and plastic bags. These infographics display the calculations of plastic bag usage during field visits, as well as their reflections on the excessive plastic consumption.

Upon completion, the instructor joined the student ambassadors to present their crafts to the vendors and customers. We hope art is a bridge to start conversations on plastic reduction, promoting dialogues alongside the initiatives of NGOs and government policies.

infographics made by the students

Plastic Bag Badge

Reusable Shopping Bag

Landfills in Hong Kong are about to overflow. We need more innovative and practical solutions. In Take Back the Economy (2013), J.K. Gibson-Graham advocates utilizing the “surplus” of urban production and valuing emotional connections among individuals and communities towards better ways of living and place-based practices. The two workshops organized by CSIS align with Gibson-Graham’s innovative vision.

── University student Andy

The Past and Present of Plastic Bags

Can plastic problems only be solved by new technology and materials?

The technological progress of the petrochemical industry during World War II led to the widespread use of inexpensive, flexible, and lightweight plastic materials. During the post-war global economic expansion, plastic manufacturing factories inundated the public with a wide range of everyday plastic products, integrating plastic extensively into modern life.

In 1959, Swedish engineer Sten Gustaf Thulin created the first polypropylene (PP) bag. The original intention behind was to reduce the environmental impact of paper bags, as they have lower durability and their production required tree logging. Plastic shopping bags also addressed some drawbacks of traditional materials. Their waterproofness, chemical stability, extensibility, lightweightness and low cost allow widespread uses.

However, plastic bags, especially single-use ones, have failed to fulfill their original reusing purpose but caused climate-fuelled crises. The commonly used polyethylene (PE) bags are non-biodegradable and require decades to fully degrade, depending on the thickness, needed humidity, and microbial activities. In reality, plastic bags have caused significant pollution in both marine and terrestrial ecosystems.

Due to their inherent stability, it takes centuries for plastic to fully degrade.

Ineffective Solutions

In response to the detriments of plastic bags, scientists have invented “biodegradable” bags, broadly categorized into oxidizable/light-degradable plastics and biodegradable plastics.

Oxidizable/light-degradable plastics weaken the bonds between polymers by including materials such as starch during manufacturing. Depending on the material, sunlight exposure, or the rate of oxidation, the bags would break down into fragments, accelerating the decomposition. However, decomposition of plastic bags gives rise to microplastics that are nearly impossible to clean up.

As for biodegradable plastics, the most common one is polylactic acid (PLA), which is usually made from starch such as corn or sugar cane. PLA is a material that can be converted into organic compost or decompose itself. Unfortunately, decomposition demands microbial metabolism, which cannot be achieved without proper recycling and food waste management systems.
The new materials undoubtedly overcome the shortcomings of the old ones, but it does not necessarily bring better results. If we assume that the “more environmentally friendly ” PLA can completely replace traditional plastic bags, sufficient starch of PLA must be obtained from monocropping. Therefore, it is difficult to estimate the consequences of genetically modified crops and its potential impact on biodiversity.

Is there a perfect material that can replace the traditional plastic bags without any harm? Instead of focusing on the material, it is imperative for us to reflect on the underlying cultural factors behind the plastic bag consumption. The call for plastic reduction is not only a matter of material revolution, but also a matter of our social habits, structural inequality, and policies.

Extended
Reading

#plastic
#consume
#develop

《廢品生活——垃圾場的經濟、社群與空間》
胡嘉明、張劼穎著
香港中文大學出版社，2016

When we think about what to do with the huge amount of trash produced by modern consumer life in big cities, we often overlook the figure of the scavengers. Through in-depth fieldwork, this book presents the lesser-known world of Beijing’s rural and urban waste workers, and examines rubbish as a material that participates in socio-political relations, and how it is organically involved in China’s transformative social processes: class ruptures, policy barriers, rural-urban economic and cultural differences, rural worker mobility, and rural-urban divide, entangled in the process.

Plastic Capitalism:
Contemporary Art and the Drive to Waste
by Amanda Boetzkes
The MIT Press; Illustrated edition 2019

By analysing the visual representation of waste in contemporary artworks, the book reveals its relationship with the global fossil economy and the wave of ecological reflection. The author also points out that art should become a component of ecological awareness, not just an extension of it.

Pollution Is Colonialism
By Max Liboiron
Duke University Press 2021

Using plastic pollution as an entry point, this book illustrates pollution as a colonial relationship to the violent occupation of Aboriginal lands through the author’s work at the Civic Environmental Action Research Laboratory (CLEAR) in Newfoundland, Canada, and maps out what constitutes a model of anti-colonialist scientific practice.

Arts of Living on a Damaged Planet:
Ghosts and Monsters of the Anthropocene
by Anna Lowenhaupt Tsing, Nils Bubandt, Elaine Gan, Heather Anne Swanson (Editors)
On this scarred planet, human-induced environmental changes threaten the survival of different species. This collection of essays by scholars in ethnography, ecology, scientific research, art, literature, and bioinformatics provides a critical and creative guide to the ‘art of survival’ in our collaborative efforts to survive in this ‘more-than-human’ Anthropocene.

Slow Down: The Degrowth Manifesto
by Kohei Saito
Astra House 2024

The author makes a radical critique of ‘sustainable growth’ and ‘green new deal’, pointing out that they are nothing but dangerous compromises. This is because capitalism constantly creates artificial ‘deprivation’, chasing product value over utility value, and prioritising sustainable growth over everything else. Reversing climate change is impossible in a capitalist society because the systems that create the problems cannot be part of the solution. Therefore, the author advocates ‘de-growth’ and ‘deceleration’ of society as the fundamental solution to the problem, whereby economic activity is slowed down through democratic reforms of labour and production in order to effectively reverse climate change and save the planet.

《減塑生活：與塑膠和平分手，為海洋生物找回無塑藍海》
How to Give Up Plastic: A Guide to Changing the World, One Plastic Bottle at a Time
威爾．麥卡拉姆著
臺灣商務，2019

‘Living with Plastic Reduction’ is an easy-to-understand guide to everyday plastic reduction and how people can begin to end their dependence on plastic products in their homes, communities and workplaces. The authors, who are at the forefront of the anti-plasticisation movement, show you how small changes in your life can make a big difference to the world: simple actions such as buying a reusable coffee cup or taking the initiative to clean up a park or beach near your home can easily change the whole environment in which we live.

Ka-ming Wu. 2023. “Sipping tea, plastics performing: representational and materialist politics of boba tea consumption in contemporary China.” International Journal of Asian Studies (2023), 1–13.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/S1479591422000328

While research on plastic waste usually focuses on its life cycle after it becomes ‘waste’, this article focuses on the cultural experience of plastic consumption in terms of its image and texture before it becomes ‘waste’. Taking the phenomenon of boba tea consumption as a starting point and the theory of New Materialism as a tool for cultural analysis, the article points out that the role of plastics in the contemporary food and beverage consumption industry is not only a physical container, but also the plasticity of plastics makes it visually appealing in a variety of ways, bringing various kinds of imaginative space for consumers and fulfilling people’s desires to present their life tastes in the social media all the time.