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The Under Secretary for the Environment, Dr Kitty Poon, today (July 24) continued her tour of the districts to promote the message of "Bring Your Own Bag" (BYOB) for shopping.
Dr Poon this afternoon visited the Wan Ho Kan Elderly Centre in Pak She San Tsuen, Cheung Chau, to appeal for the support of the elderly in taking their own shopping bags. She distributed environmental bags to the senior citizens and reminded them that the Environmental Levy on Plastic Shopping Bags came into force on July 7 by showing them posters and video footage.
The senior citizens gave an overwhelming response to a quiz held to enhance their knowledge of environmental protection. They actively presented their experiences in taking own shopping bags. Dr Poon said she was pleased to have their support. "Adopting a green lifestyle and taking own shopping bags are essential to our effort to reduce the abuse of plastic shopping bags. Support of the elderly is particularly important as they can set a good example to the younger generation," she said.
To tie in with the commencement of the environmental levy scheme, the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) has been organising publicity events at various venues since May to promote the message of BYOB to people of different age groups.
Dr Poon conveyed green messages to senior citizens on her visits to the Social Centre for the Elderly of the International Women's League, the St James' Settlement Wan Chai Elderly District Centre, the Yuen Yuen Elderly Centre (Sham Tseng) and the Cheung Wah Elderly Centre of Fung Ying Seen Koon.
The EPD also held exhibitions and children's workshops at Times Square, Tuen Mun Town Plaza, Olympian City 2, Jusco Kornhill Shop, East Point City and Festival Walk to display information on the environmental levy scheme on plastic shopping bags as well as to collect new ideas for creative alternatives to plastic shopping bags.
Under the environmental levy scheme, registered retailers are required to charge customers a 50 cent environmental levy for each plastic shopping bag provided. Such retailers include major and chain supermarkets, convenience stores, personal health and beauty stores, and supermarkets in department stores.
Ends/Friday, July 24, 2009
Issued at HKT 17:15
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