Food Waste Reduction

 Disposal of waste has become one of the controversial issues in Hong Kong recently. According to Ms. Yip Chui Man, the Senior Project Manager of Greeners Action, among the 9,000 tons of municipal solid waste that Hong Kong people generated every day, 40% are food waste, which means that every Hong Kong people produces nearly 0.5kg food waste every day. On the other side, in 2010, Hong Kong Council of Social Services has published a report on the expenditure pattern of low income households in Hong Kong. It pointed that the expenditure spent on food has occupied more than a half of the family’s income, which has implied the severe imbalance distribution of food resources in Hong Kong. As a result, Greeners Action have started implementing a trial “Food Share Scheme” since July. The release conference of the scheme was held today. In the conference, Greeners Action have not only announced the results of the scheme but also provided information on the development of food donation in Hong Kong and how food sharing can reduce food waste. Participating vendors and beneficiaries of the scheme have also attended the conference to share their experience on sharing food in the community. Besides, there was also a nutritionist sharing dining tips of being 80% full when we eat.

Meanwhile, Greeners Action has collaborated with Plaza Hollywood to introduce the first “Meal Suspended Coupon” in Hong Kong in order to promote the western meal suspended culture locally. The “Meal Suspended Coupon” aims at encouraging people to reduce food waste and share food with others in need.