Recently, the government announced the postponement of the implementation of garbage charge to encourage the reduction of societal waste and increase the recycling rate, aiming to reduce the per capita disposal of municipal solid waste. The garbage charges will officially be implemented on 1^st August 2024, with the goal of achieving “zero waste to landfill”. However, even before the implementation of these charges, everyone can help to reduce overall waste disposal through waste reduction at source.

What is Waste Reduction at Source?

Waste reduction at source involves starting from the origin of waste generation to minimize waste production. The Hong Kong
Environmental Protection Department has been implementing recycling and waste reduction measures for many years, such as setting up recycling bins in different estates, charging an environmental fee for shopping plastic bags, and establishing food waste recycling bins, etc., with the hope of encouraging everyone to change their living habits, cherish resources, and reduce waste disposal. To achieve waste reduction at source, you don’t have to wait for the garbage charging to begin. Start reducing waste from the Lunar New Year onwards and take steps toward a greener and more environmentally friendly lifestyle. Here
are four simple and practical methods to reduce waste during the New Year celebrations.

4 Methods Reduce New Year Waste

Reevaluate yourself during spring-cleaning

“To clean out the house on the 28^th
of the last month” is one of the traditional customs of the New Year. Not only does the spring-cleaning help keep the home tidy, but it also sweeps away the misfortune of the past year, bringing good luck for the New Year. To reduce waste during the spring-cleaning, reconsider your shopping habits with the hope to reduce shopping and hoarding of items in the new year. Also, give a second life to items or clothes you don’t need, or find them a new home. The Mills will hold the “One Used Garment, Endless Possibilities” event from 22^nd January to 18^th February , which includes activities such as wardrobe organization, old clothes recycling, and the rebirth of old clothes, aiming to raise awareness about the waste problem caused by excessive consumption of clothes and to promote the concept of “sustainable fashion”. Please feel free to bring your clothes that you no longer wear and join The Mills’ “One Used Garment, Endless Possibilities” event. Details are provided below.

Purchase eco-friendly products to reduce excessive packaging

Another way to achieve waste reduction at source while adding some festive items to your celebration is to choose
products made from recyclable materials as much as possible and to avoid buying over-packaged festive gifts and disposable New Year decorations. This can help reduce waste.

Properly sort and recycle for waste reduction

To reduce waste, it’s crucial to properly to sort and recycle. Unsorted and non-recycled waste, if disposed of indiscriminately, can lead to significant environmental pollution. By properly sorting and recycling garbage, we can significantly reduce the volume of waste generated. During the New Year, taking the time to sort items such as food packaging, New Year decorations, festive packaging, or red packets can aid in resource recycling and thus minimize the amount of waste. Additionally, recyclable items like red packets and New Year decorations should not be carelessly discarded. Furthermore, items and clothes that are no longer in use can be upgraded or renovated, giving them a new lease on life.

Recycle red packets to extend their second life

Concerned about what to do with the blessings contained within each red packet after the New Year? To extend the second life of these red packets, The Mills has specially set up recycling bins this year for the collection of old red packets from the public, regardless of brand or material. These can be donated to the concierge’s recycling bin. Some collected red packets will be repurposed in workshops, allowing the blessings they carry to continue.

The Mills “One Used Garment, Endless Possibilities” Event Details

The Mills will host the “One Used Garment, Endless Possibilities” event from 22^nd January to 18^th February, aiming to raise public awareness about the issues of waste caused by the overconsumption of clothing and to encourage the practice of “sustainable fashion.” The event includes a series of activities and workshops, with details as follows: