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The Under Secretary for the Environment, Dr Kitty Poon, today (September 21) visited a women's association in Southern District to promote the message of "Bring Your Own Bag" (BYOB) for shopping, as part of her district tours to enhance public understanding of green living.
Dr Poon visited Hong Kong Southern District Womenˇ¦s Association in Aberdeen and distributed environmental bags to the women there. She reminded them that the Environmental Levy on Plastic Shopping Bags came into force on July 7 by showing them posters and video footage. She also hosted a quiz at the centre to enhance the womenˇ¦s knowledge of environmental protection. The quiz received an overwhelming response.
ˇ§It has been more than two months since the implementation of the environmental levy scheme on plastic shopping bags. Statistics show that more than 80% of people, including housewives and the elderly, are taking their own shopping bags. The achievement is encouraging. Bringing own shopping bags has gradually become a habit of many citizens,ˇ¨ she said.
Dr Poon thanked the women for their strong support, encouraging them to set good examples and spread green messages to their families and friends.
The Environmental Protection Department has been organising various promotional and educational activities since May to promote the green message of BYOB to people of different age groups and introducing the environmental levy scheme to various sectors of the community.
Under the environmental levy scheme, registered retailers are required to charge customers a 50 cent environmental levy for each plastic shopping bag provided. These retailers include major and chain supermarkets, convenience stores, personal health and beauty stores, and supermarkets in department stores.
Ends/Monday, September 21, 2009
Issued at HKT 16:01
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