Dear Editor,
I am writing to express my concern over the fact that many Hongkongers are unwilling to change their wasteful behavior to create a better environment.
It is shameful when we know very well that we are facing the threat of several severe environmental problems like global warming, pollution and degrading nature, yet we are unmoved to help by just doing a little bit more.
Clearly, Hong Kong is an affluent society but unfortunately, it seems that we are spoiled by our wealth. We have plenty of money so we consume a lot, which develops into an extravagant habit — over-consumption. We often do not think twice and really consider our needs before we shop and buy. As a result, much of the stuff goes to rubbish bins and then piles up at landfills.
Furthermore, as some of us think we can afford expensive electricity bills, we habitually turn on every electrical appliance in our homes. Not until the room is in super-chill temperature are we satisfied. Ironically, while we burn more and more fossil fuels that cause serious air pollution, we complain about the low visibility level, awful air quality and so on.
Sometimes, our laziness may shock ourselves. When we go shopping, due to inconvenience, we are so reluctant to bring our own reusable shopping bags to avoid using non-biodegradable plastic bags. We also refuse to walk down a few steps of stairs to dispose of bottles, cans and paper at recycling bins.
Personally, I think the root problem lays on the selfish mindset of the citizens. Although we have acquired a lot of latest information about the environmental difficulties, as well as the things that we can do to slow down the process, we refuse to take genuine action.
To change the majority’s wasteful behavior, a campaign advocating frugality should be carried out. The idea of consuming less should be upheld. Step-by-step education can be done by setting up a Buy Nothing Day, in which consumers are encouraged not to shop for 24 hours and to adopt a simpler lifestyle.
What’s more, the usage of second-hand things should be promoted. As people always chase for the latest models of computers, cell phones and other electrical appliances, they throw away their old ones, which can still function well. People should really give away their unwanted stuff to others, rather than disposing of them right away.
Currently, the financial tsunami is taking toll, affecting the spending behavior of people. As most people want to save more for the rainy days, they reduce their consumption. Perhaps it is a golden opportunity to change our wasteful habits in order to rescue our mother Earth.
Angela Cheung