What is your biggest pet peeve when it comes to plastics usage in HK?

I wish both providers and customers would stop using takeout cups, plates, and utensils for dining in. Also, not to give or take a plastic bag for only one item purchased at supermarkets and fast food chains. Why do you need a plastic bag for one cup of soda?

What actions have you taken in your own life and/or business to help reduce plastic waste?

Until I joined EcoDrive, I didn't really pay attention to my plastic usage, but afterwards, I realised that there were so many things I could replace and so many ways I could change my habits slightly to make a difference. After a week, it became routine, just like making sure my wallet and keys are in my handbag.

I keep a set of collapsible boxes, utensils, and stainless steel straws in my car. I don't carry it in my bag, but it's there if I need it. If we go out to eat at Chinese restaurants, we always bring our stackable stainless container set as we know it's highly likely to have leftovers.

The part that makes me the happiest is when my husband, kids, and helpers make these choices, too--though I did have to nag and remind them the first month. Behavioural psychologists say that habits are formed if repeated for 21 consecutive days.

Plastic seems to be a necessary evil in our modern world. Given that, what do you think is the future of plastic? Can we really live without it?

We can't completely live without plastic, as it saves lives as well. Cars, computers, safety helmets, hospital equipment... are all made of plastic. It's single-use plastics that need to be eliminated or replaced. Something that is only used for a few minutes—you can live without. If it really must be used, I hope that these cheap yet indestructible plastics can be replaced with more innovative biodegradable products that also don’t waste existing natural resources.

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

Reuse: Keep one reusable bag in your handbag and a few in each car. Use the leftover takeaway containers for meat and seafood at the wet market or supermarket. Use newspaper to line garbage bins.

Rethink: Buy ice cream in a cone rather than cup with a plastic spoon. Sherry Fung, my good friend and EcoDrive co-founder, shared an awesome tip. Instead of buying a fancy branded "bread bag", just wash some cloth shoe bags that come with new shoes, and use those as bread bags.

Refuse: Buy in bulk or refillable containers rather than individually-packaged goods. Don't take the airline toiletry kits and free cosmetic samples.

As I become increasingly aware of the issues, I try to be more mindful about my decisions. Nobody is perfect and nobody can do it all at once, and we can't save the world overnight. So, just go at pace and way you feel most comfortable. There is no right or wrong, as long as you choose to do something.

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

Getting involved with EcoDrive has opened up my eyes to even more pressing global issues. I was surprised to learn that food waste that decomposes in landfills releases methane, a greenhouse gas that is at least 28 times more potent than carbon dioxide. However, wasted food that is composted can be used as fertiliser to enrich the soil.

I'm delighted that schools and corporations we work with are also looking into implementing food composters. It's exciting and hopeful that there really are so many responsible and caring organisations in Hong Kong.

What other causes are you passionate about?

I am passionate about helping any underprivileged groups. In Hong Kong, I volunteer for a few NGOs ranging from preparing and serving food to the underprivileged elderly, visiting and spending time with cage home residents, fundraising to provide health care to those who can't readily access it, reading books to children to those who would otherwise not have the experience of storytelling at home or school, among others.

In Taiwan, I am actively involved with two charities founded by my family. Hong Dao Senior Citizens Welfare Foundation, promoting community care for seniors; and Hong Yu Social Welfare Foundation, serving children with developmental challenges.

Could you recommend some of your favourite anti-plastic products?

We encourage people to reuse what resources they have, and not to buy and create more waste. But if you need:

Think Sport bottles (insulated, light, shape makes an easier grip) and Fixx electrolyte tablets (to replace bottled Gatorade, Pocari, Aquarius, etc) from Escapade Sports. We are collaborating with them for our Green Sports Team Pledge (available at Escapade).

Soaper Delights—laundry bar soap, hair/face/body bar soap, shampoo bars, dishwashing soap bars, and upcycled reusable umbrella bag made locally by St James Settlement Upcycling Center.

Credits
Styling: Grace Lam | Hair: Alex Chan | Makeup: Megumi Sekine | Clothing: EcoDrive T-shirt, grey jacket by Loro Piana 

See also: Start Small, Start Now: Introducing EcoDrive Hong Kong