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To further promote the message of reducing the use of plastic shopping bags (PSB) and deepen the "bring your own bag" (BYOB) culture, the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) is holding an activity called "BYOB, It's Easy!" during Book Fair 2013. Members of the public are welcome to join.
An EPD spokesman today (July 19) said, "The Environmental Levy Scheme on Plastic Shopping Bags (PSB Levy Scheme) was implemented in July 2009. It has successfully brought about a behavioural change in the city whereby members of the public use less PSBs when shopping, and the number of bags distributed by registered retail outlets has declined drastically. While the EPD is preparing to extend the PSB Levy Scheme to cover the entire retail trade, we wish to enhance publicity and public education through this activity so as to promote BYOB as a green habit."
The "BYOB, It's Easy!" activity features exhibition panels, games kiosks and badge workshop through which visitors can understand more about the PSB Levy Scheme. There is a workshop on banner recycling where instructors will help participants create reusable tote bags and flowers using waste banners, thus turning waste into useful accessories. Our BYOB mascot will also greet visitors at the booth and offer a photo-taking opportunity.
The activity will be held at booth No. 3B-A19, Hall 3, the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from now till July 23. Details are as follows:
Item Time
Exhibition Panels All day
Game Kiosk All day
Badge Workshop From opening till 2pm,
6pm till close
BYOB Mascot 2-4pm
Banner Upcycling 4-6pm (except July 23)
Workshop
For more information, please visit the dedicated website: www.epd.gov.hk/epd/psb_extension/en/activities.html .
The Government introduced the Product Eco-responsibility (Amendment) Bill 2013 (the Amendment Bill) into the Legislative Council on May 8 to extend the PSB Levy Scheme. The Amendment Bill is currently being scrutinised by the Legislative Council. Upon its enactment and implementation, free distribution of PSBs will be banned at all points of retail sales of goods, and a charge no less than 50 cents shall be charged for each PSB provided so as to create incentives for consumers to reduce the excessive use of PSBs.
Ends/Friday, July 19, 2013
Issued at HKT 18:14
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