Reusable cups at Kai Tak will ‘undermine’ Hong Kong’s green efforts: tourism chief
Greenpeace has called for reusable plastics at major sporting events, but authorities cite research against such non-biodegradable products
Hong Kong authorities have pushed back against a call to use reusable plastic containers at Kai Tak Sports Park, saying such non-biodegradable products will “undermine” efforts to promote carbon reduction and resource recycling.
In reply to a lawmaker’s question on Wednesday, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law Shuk-pui said that research by the park’s operator comparing local and overseas practices showed that using reusable plastic containers in Hong Kong would generate more carbon emissions and consume more resources.
On the same day, environmental NGO Greenpeace Hong Kong urged the sports park to consider using reusable plastic cups for the coming Hong Kong Football Festival and called on Law to refer to other global sports organisations, such as the English Premier League, in which 65 per cent of clubs used reusable cups.
It also called on the bureau to take the lead in piloting and subsidising a reusable cup system during the National Games to be co-hosted by the city in November, making it the first carbon-neutral edition of the event.
However, Law did not consider using reusable plastic containers a good idea.
“As reusable plastic containers are not biodegradable, they do not support the plastic-free initiative and undermine Kai Tak Sports Park’s efforts in promoting carbon reduction and resource circulation,” Law said.