Find our most recent stories tagged by their locations. Click here for more story locations.
Posted: 21 Jun 2009 | 12:19 am
Another island in Asia is doing its bit to clean up its fragile environment, with Hong Kong (okay so not all of HK is an island) introducing legislation that requires many retailers to charge for plastic bags. This is expected to be a major deterrent for shoppers to take bags with expectations of curbing consumption. The use of recycled bags and reusable ones is already seeing wide use.
Formally known as the Product Eco-responsibility Ordinance this is only a first phase with other initiatives in the works for recycling of old electrical products and appliances. Speaking to a friend we mused that when you buy mobile phones, items like chargers and batteries often have unique specifications and are rendered useless once you purchase a newer model. Recycling of these is one answer but also raising universal standards to manufacturers is more worthy since it addresses the problem at the point of origin.
Driving around Phuket I remain stunned by the number of plastic bags thrown by the road and just one trip to Lotus or Central can produce a double digit proliferation of bags. Hong Kong is setting a good example on effective legislation that could become a great example for Thailand or even on a provincial level.
Get out of the box. komune Bali surf resort
www.komuneresorts.com
A column featuring environmental issues and conservation around the island. Click here for more Green Reports check out the latest story from the leading experts:
TV Show Features Phuket Solar Villa
A recent Channel News Asia television segment Boomtown Asia checked into the island's environmental, and sustainable tourism sectors.
Resorts Loving Evening Breeze Natural Air System
The innovative Evening Breeze environmental cooling system is gaining global attention in the resort markets and villas.
CENTEL 37.00 - 0.75 %
DTC 62.00 + 4.00 %
ERW 5.15 0.00 %
GRAND 1.53 - 0.05 %
LRH 42.00 0.00 %
MANRIN 27.25 0.00 %
MINT 27.50 + 0.50 %
ROH 24.00 0.00 %
SHANG 63.00 - 1.00 %
Radisson Plaza Panwa to Open Second Half 2009
Shangri-La Hotels Running from the Bears
Library of published hospitality, tourism and property market intelligence.
Hotel Branded Residences in Asia by C9 Hotelworks
PHUKET GAZETTE
How Same-Same Drove me InsanePROPERTY REPORT SOUTH EAST ASIA
Waiting for the Big Sleep
http://petitionspot.com/petitions/plasticfreethailand
I meet with BIS tomorro on this Plastic bag issue.
Bill Barnett responds:
Good work.
Bill Barnett responds:
Yes recyclable bags would be a welcome addition here as they can be produced at a very low cost.
It's not just about unsightly plastic bags, but the need for everyone to reduce and recycle all Phuket waste. If you think plastic bags are a problem, take a trip to the Saphan Hin waste mountain. Check the dying mangroves. Breathe the air . . . apocalypse now.
Bill Barnett responds:
Good point, thanks.