Yesterdays SCMP article
Dear DB Green,
This article really struck me as something everyone should be aware of. Take a look. http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/1230183/plight-hong-kongs-pink-dolphins
Suggestions on action?
Kate
Community event
Do you have a few hours spare a month?
Are you keen to give something back to the community?
Discovery Bay’s local non-profit environmental group, DB Green, is meeting in Hemingway’s on February 20 at 7.30pm to discuss activities & events planned for 2013.
We invite all members of the community to come along to this open evening and hear how you can make a positive difference in your community, share ideas you may have for environmental activities in DB, and find out how to make DB a greener place to live!
We need people to join the team and help with recycling projects, beach cleanup, tree planting, website & social media, flea markets, school projects, admin and more.
DB Green for our community
Wednesday 20th February, Hemingway’s 7.30 pm
Wine by Barefoot
Snacks by Hemingway’s
Other giveaways
Find us on Facebook
No To SKC Incinerator Campaign – update (Forwarded and please share)
When I last wrote on 1 May, the Judicial Review proceedings had a date fixed of 7 June for the judge to hear argument as to whether leave should be granted for the JR to proceed.
You may have already learned from today’s media that at yesterday’s hearing the judge granted leave and fixed dates for a 3 day hearing from 14 to 16 November.
The judge said he only wanted to hear one of the cases, because the issues seemed to him to be essentially the same for each of the four applicants.
The case that will go forward is in the name of Leung Hon Wai (who lives on Cheung Chau), represented by Valentine Yim of counsel instructed by Lee Chan Cheng, solicitors
The other applicants include Mr Kwok Cheuk Kin and Mr Sin Chi Man (who also live on Cheung Chau) and Ms Loy Ho (who lives on Lantau and is chair of the Lantau Buffalo Association).
The judge is Mr Thomas Au.
*
I won’t go into all the arguments for and against the JR. Many are highly technical and/or turn around specific issues of Hong Kong legislation and underpinning administrative law principles.
The crucial points to bear in mind are:
- a JR cannot change government policy. It can at best overrule a government decision as improperly made. So, if the government is determined for the incinerator project to go ahead, this JR, even if successful, merely slows things down.
- at the heart of this JR is an attack on the Environmental Impact Assessment for non-compliance with essential requirements.
- alongside this is an attack on the decision by the Town Planning Board to approve the Outline Zoning Plan for Shek Kwu Chau (as a conservation area alongside a 3K tpd mass burn incinerator on an island 10 metres offshore) which in the view of many (myself included) is irrational to the point of schizophrenia.
- if the JR succeeds, the government can carry out a further EIA which does comply with essential requirements, and it can re-affirm the Outline Zoning Plan in ways which unambigously show there has been a change of government policy towards the conservation status of islands offshore South Lantau.
- the campaign to stop the incinerator therefore won’t be won by the JR alone. It has to be won politically, through continuing pressure on the government to consider and adopt alternative ways and means of addressing Hong Kong’s waste management.
In other words, whilst the JR is running, it seems unlikely Hong Kong’s administration will seek to re-introduce the Shek Kwu Chau incinerator proposal. However, the campaign is far from won until the incoming executive declares an alternative policy.
*
Leaving the JR aside, C.Y. Leung has now announced his ‘cabinet’ to include Mr Kam Sing Wong as the new Secretary for Environmental Affairs, succeeding Edward Yau. K.S. Wong is currently practicing as an architect in Hong Kong. He is chairman of the Professional Green Building Society and vice-chair of the HK Institute of Architects. Friends of the Earth consider him eco-friendly. Like the rest of the cabinet, he will assume his new post from 1 July.
Edward Yau, the current Environment Secretary, may be repositioned as Director of the Chief Executive’s Office in which capacity he may continue to exert significant influence.
*
Thanks to all who wrote to the Lands Department. I was forwarded a fair few of the Lands Department’s standard email response saying they were forwarding everything to the Environment Protection Department. Their way of saying ‘not in my back (or front) yard’.
*
It is worth noting also that Shenzhen, which already operates 7 incinerators with capacity to process 4,875 tonnes of Municipal Solid Waste per day, plans by 2015 to have an additional 3 incinerators, processing up to 6,300 tonnes per day – bringing Shenzhen’s total incinerator capacity to 11,175 tonnes per day. (This was not mentioned in the Environmental Impact Assessment for the SKC incinerator, which seems a bit of an oversight.)
So, whatever the outcome of the current SKC incinerator proposal, there is a broader cross-border battle to be fought to clear Hong Kong’s air for the future.
*
The following report (see http://ipetitions.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c5c0d97bafca87481521cc451&id=66c7ab073c&e=618217fe57 – also reported in the Straits Times) came in earlier this week on one of Singapore’s 3 incinerators:
***
SINGAPORE – An incinerator at a waste management plant in Tuas caught fire early Sunday morning. According to witness statements, three loud bangs were heard before flames were sighted.
An eyewitness told the Straits Times that technicians on duty were transporting oil sludge into a funnel leading to the incinerator when they heard the three loud explosive bangs, followed by the flames.
The technicians then sounded the alarm and left the control room, which reportedly caught fire just seconds later.
The roof also partially collapsed, reported the English daily.
The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said they were alerted to the fire at around 12.50am at Eco SWM, in Tuas. Deploying three fire engines, SCDF officers put out the fire within 30 minutes of their arrival.
A SCDF spokesperson said that all 25 employees who were onsite when the incident happened are accounted for. No injuries have been reported.
***
No doubt the Hong Kong administration will say this proves just how safe these modern incinerators are.
Best wishes,
Tom
CHANGE YOUR TUNA
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Hi fellow DB greeners, Occasionally I get emails from green organisations that I want to pass on. This one is from GREENPEACE Australia Pacific in regards tuna. If you like to eat canned tuna make an informed decision- obviously avoid blue and yellowfin tuna but where possible find out what you can about the brands and their fishing methods. Some methods are quite destructive to all marine life. Find out more from this article below… Dear Kate Last Thursday we launched our latest Canned Tuna Ranking at the Sydney Aquarium – this new ranking has some exciting features, thanks to you. Because people like you took action after we released our previous ranking, the Australian tuna industry has made huge improvements towards tuna fishing and protecting our oceans. But unfortunately, it still has a long way to go. We’re still negotiating with all the brands and adding your voice again will impact their decisions. |
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| View Greenpeace’s 2011 Canned Tuna Ranking
• We’re delighted to announce, we now have the first Australian tuna brand that has ruled out destructive fishing methods! Safcol has committed to using 100% pole and line caught Skipjack tuna, the most sustainable tuna product. This is a remarkable achievement and is the result of consumers like you demanding positive change. • Nearly all brands have now ruled out using overfished Yellowfin tuna. This includes repeated offenders, Woolworths. • Many brands, like Coles, have now shown support for the creation of marine reserves, as well as improved how they label their cans so consumers can make an informed choice.
• Besides leaders Fish4Ever and Safcol, no other tuna brand has ruled out using destructive fishing methods. This is very distressing. We’re calling for an urgent ban on fish aggregation devices (FADs) used with purse seine fishing. This harmful fishing method is responsible for widespread killing of marine life, such as endangered sharks and turtles, and juvenile tuna. • Bottom of the table, Sirena, refuses to rule out using overfished Yellowfin tuna. • Too many brands continue to shirk responsibility for their role in the overfishing crisis. All brands must not only stop using destructive fishing methods and overfished species, but support marine reserves, improve the labelling of their product and introduce a sustainability policy. TAKE ACTION: Tell tuna brands to change their tuna |
| The entire UK tuna industry has switched to sustainable tuna fishing practices following widespread consumer action. It’s time the Australian industry also changes its tuna.
Thank you for defending our oceans. Nathaniel Pelle |
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Sunscreen, Lip Balm, Moisturiser tests- EWG newsletter
Another email I get regularly is from the Environmental Working Group in USA. They often do surveys on various products and are doing a lot of good work lobbying governments and making businesses more accountable. A couple of sources of safe sunscreen I can think of in DB is one of our members Angie who supplies a product form Australia ‘miessence‘- email her on angbucu@pacific.net.hk. And Gaelle at Kinoa also has safe sunscreen.K
Planning to enjoy an August beach vacation or a weekend outdoors before the school bus starts its rounds again? If you haven’t already, check out our 2009 Sunscreen Guide and make sure your sunscreen is safe and works for your family.
Click here to view EWG’s 2009 Sunscreen Guide.
Did you know our guide also evaluates lip balms and moisturizers that claim to offer sun protection? We’ve been known as a resource for consumers seeking quality, safe sunscreens, but now we offer even more information on better choices for your family.
Make sure you’re prepared for those steaming August days.
Use EWG’s Sunscreen Guide to find a safe, sun-protective lip balm or moisturizer.
Emails to Prints shop in the Prince’s Building
Here is a copy of emails I sent to the ‘Prints’ shop which I love but was worried about their impact and environmental goals…. Do you have a shop or products that could do with some interrogation- the more you make your desire for environmentally sound and ethical products, the more likely shopkeepers will purchase them. Put your findings on this site in the reply section. K
Dear Kate
Thanks for your email, and I will pass on your comments to our designer.
…….
If you have any further questions, please let me know.
With Best Regards
Ed
Dear Ed,
Thankyou for your quick response and I am pleased to hear that the
trees are from sustainable forests. I understand the acid problem
though it would still be great to see a small ‘eco’ range of
‘notebooks’ perhaps made from recycled material? With perhaps an
organic cotton fabric cover. Would make green gifts and stocking
stuffers at christmas and for birthday parties! Just an idea….
Thanks again,
Kate
On 3 Jun 2009, at 9:32 AM, Bin, Ed wrote:
Dear Kate
Thanks for your email!
I understand your concerns and quite rightly so!
Firstly all our material, especially the paper and board come from
sustainable sources – paper mills in Europe and North America, and
Japan.
We do not use materials from China or SE Asia.
Secondly, recycled paper are not acid-free and therefore not
suitable in making our products. If you use photo albums that are made out of
recycled paper then you run a risk of ruining your photos as these non-acid
free paper will make your photos turn yellow. Non-acid free paper will
also turn yellow themselves hence making notebooks from recycled paper will
not be very long lasting.
Recycled paper is good for many things but their very nature makes
them not suitable for every kind of products.
Rest assure that the paper products you get from us are from
sustainable sources; we cannot use recycled paper because this material is not
suitable.
We also try to sell pens, erasers, highligters, glue, that are
refillable.
Our designer, Lars Vikman, comes from Sweden – a country with long
history of environmental protection, so he is aware of the many issues
regarding sustainability, and strife to strike a balance when designing the
products.
If you have any further queries, do not hesitate to contact me.
Ed Bin
Managing Director
Prints Hong Kong Limited
www.prints-international.com
—–Original Message—–
From: Nick & Kate Wade [mailto:nickandkate@netvigator.com]
Sent: Wednesday, June 03, 2009 8:59 AM
To: ed@prints-international.com
Subject: General and Business Enquiries
Hi there,
I love your products but I am increasingly concerned about my
purchasing impact on the environment and am pretty much resolved to
only buy products that are from environmentally sustainable methods,
low impact. With paper I will always buy recycled when I can. Do you
have any products that are environmentally responsible?
ie if you had albums or books that were:
-made from recycled paper or from wood that is certified as coming
from a sustainable forest (ie is replanted continuously and not taken
more than can be replaced)
-covered in environmentally friendly products- ie either paper as
above or organic cotton with care taken in chemicals used for dying
etc.
If you had a range like that I could get all my gift requirements from
your shop?
Kind regards,
Kate Wade
DB Green Newsletter — May 09
Upcoming DB Green Events
Beach Clean-ups: Sunday, June 14th and Sunday, July 12th
–Meet: Nim Shue Wan beach from 9am- 1pm
Tree Planting: Saturday & Sunday May 30 & 31
–Meet: Golf Course road, path to pagoda, across the stream to the left of the path
Project Updates
Tree planting – Round 2 Complete!
After five Saturdays and Sundays spent digging holes, planting seedlings, watering trees and enjoying picnic lunches, John Horwood with his supportive wife and family, and a long list of volunteers, completed the 2nd round of tree planting in the area near the pagoda, off the golf course road. A total of 360 new trees were planted, with varieties including Hog Plum, Ivy Tree, Hance’s Syzygium, two Chinese Banyan and a few Pomelo. Take a walk to the site and admire the foundations of the DB Conservation Area. Plant some more trees on May 30!
Beach Clean-up – May 10th
On May 10th, Mother’s Day, about 30 adults and children turned up for the 2nd beach clean-up of 2009, focused on Nim Shue Wan and Cheung Sha Lan beaches. We concentrated mainly on Nim Shue Wan, with a few hardy souls (Peter Shaw and Tracey Read) venturing beyond to do some work at Cheung Sha Lan. Excellent progress was made on removing both big and small items from the beach, even some left-over from Typhoon Hagupit last year. Afterwards, we all enjoyed a few sausages (including vegetarian) and cold drinks to celebrate our hard work. If you missed this one, don’t worry, the next event is June 14th!
“No junk mail”
As part of our campaign to ‘reduce’ the quantity of paper sent and then discarded, DB Green has kicked off a “no junk mail” project. Residents of Siena 2B received a sticker in their mailbox along with a village newsletter. For those who want to reduce their junk mail (and reduce waste) they can put the sticker on their mailboxes. Magazine racks were also installed in the high-rises to hold a limited number of fliers, allowing people to take only the fliers that interest them and return those they have finished with. We hope other villages will follow this example with Siena 1, Chianti, the Greens and Siena 2A next in line. More DB Green members are needed on the Village Owner Committees (VOC) to help these initiatives make faster progress.
Recycling
The recycling program in DB is ticking along nicely. Dana and Kate have decided to go back to some basics by checking each and every rubbish room in DB to see if improvements can be made in communications or organization. They are starting with tower 2 of the Greens and have written a number of suggestions to Winson and the estate manager, correspondence here. They are implementing some small changes by the end of May to improve recycling rates, and then plan to move on to towers 1 and 3, followed by towers 4, 5, and 6. If you are a resident of the Greens and want to help with this initiative, please reply to this email and we’ll link you up with Dana or Kate.
If you notice your recycling is being mixed with the rubbish, please contact Winson immediately. A training class has been arranged to teach the cleaners what is recyclable. All the cleaners should have participated in it by now, but education is a process and may need reminders now and again. If you or your neighbours need a reminder about what is and isn’t recyclable in Hong Kong, look here
Be the change you want to see in the world!
***Reduce your plastic footprint!***
While plastic has been an amazing addition to our lives, it has also become an increasing environmental challenge – filling our oceans, waterways, beaches, and landfills. Unfortunately, it never biodegrades and only 5% of the millions of tons produced annually, is recycled.
What you can do:
• Say “no thank you” when offered a plastic bag for shopping
• Bring your own plastic drink bottles
• Say “no way” to polystyrene take-away containers
• Recycle everything you can
• More tips here
Links and Resources
• Ever wondered how to say “no plastic bag” in Cantonese? Check out this list of useful enviro-friendly Cantonese and Mandarin phrases.
• List of some organic shops in Hong Kong
• An article on how to reduce your environmental impact by eating more organic food
• DB environment discussion forum on Way-to-Go web site
• Project Kaisei focused on cleaning up the Great Pacific Garbage Patch in the Pacific Ocean
• LOHAS (Lifestyle of Health and Sustainability) Square @ Star Ferry every Sunday- more info
• “All is One” video – we only have one world and everything on it is connected
Organic Food Shops in Hong Kong
If you are trying to find more organic food in Hong Kong and get it into your family’s diet, check out the list below for some places to go. Several are located in Discovery Bay, with many more across HK Island depending what is more convenient for you. A number of them take online orders and deliver straight to your door. Doesn’t get much easier than that!
• Fusion in DB
• Organic store in the DB plaza
• Star Ferry farmer’s market
• 360 in Central, Landmark Building
• Green Concepts Health Shop – Causeway Bay, 2882-4848
• Organic Sense – Central, Lyndhurst Terrace
• Naturo Plus – Wanchai
• Simply Organic – Causeway Bay
• Health Gate – Central and online
• Natures Blessing – Mid-levels and online
• Organic Home – Central and online
• Online — Kinoa (DB business)
• Online — Aussie Organics
• Online – Organic Express Unlimited
Just Say “No” in Chinese
Ever wondered how to say “No plastic bag” or “Please turn down the air conditioning” in Cantonese? Check out the attached document, courtesy of Vicki Lau, to find all the translations of simple phrases that will help you communicate better and be more environmentally-friendly when you are out and about in Hong Kong.