What are some tips you have for everyone to reduce single-use plastics?

Drink more wine. By consuming wine we are helping to eliminate single-use plastic and supporting farmers. First of all, glass bottles are more easily recyclable. And second, wine can be and enjoyable part of your plant-based diet. I also do vegetarian Mondays. Honestly, it’s hard because I do love meat, but we can all start somewhere!

Seriously though, it’s important just to be aware about what we’re doing to our environment each time we have a meal or buy products. Awareness is the first step.

Are there any other ways that we can protect the environment?

I personally think the most important thing we can do is to adjust our mindset and behaviour towards single-use plastic. And we should keep educating ourselves and those around us about the urgency of the crisis we are all facing.

Like understanding where your trash actually ends up; or the microplastics that are in single-use plastic bottles; or what happens when we wash our laundry.  I am still learning about these problems every day myself, and am fascinated by all of the innovative solutions on the horizon.  

As simple as this seems, I think the key message is to increase education and to consciously reduce waste wherever we can.

See also: Douglas Woodring: How To Turn The Tides Against Plastic Pollution

What other causes are you passionate about?

I’m extremely passionate about female empowerment. Look at EcoDrive, we are all women founders. I have been surrounded by strong females figures my entire life, like my mother who has shown me how it is so important for a woman to be independent, to my first boss that I ever worked for who took me under her wing and mentored me. I believe that ultimately, targeting the root cause of some of the challenges women face is crucial.

One aspect is gaining financial independence, which is a key reason for my strong support of female entrepreneurs. Another aspect is raising awareness and knowledge sharing, which I am hoping to achieve through my role as council member for Hong Kong's Women Commission, who focuses on broader initiatives like gender mainstreaming and funding allocations that would support women's development.

Could you recommend some of your favourite anti-plastic products? (products/brands and where to get them)

I always travel with a que bottle. It is made out of food-grade silicone, it is collapsible, stylish, lightweight. It collapses into a small cube that I can throw into any bag I’m carrying.

I also love Rothy’s shoes, you have probably seen me wear them around. They are made from recycled water bottles, and most importantly they are sustainable, and they are stylish, colourful and pretty may I add. I also love my John Masters Organic lavender, rose geranium and ylang-ylang bar soap.  

And of course, my co-founder Claire’s "no plastic mm goi" series of totes and water bottles.  

See also: EcoDrive Private Screening: Start Small, Start Now