GREEN TIPS
Sustainability fact of global animal-raising industry
Greenhouse gas emissions by the global animal-raising industry account for about 18% of total world
emissions. Cattle, sheep and goats emit
such as methane. Eating meat-free meals
every other day can help to save about 200 kg of carbon dioxide per year.
1
Getting started to go green
1.3
Quick Start Menu to go green
Step 3.4.1 When you travel to a shop
• Go on foot or ride your bike: if the shopping malls and shop spaces are close to your home, simply walk or cycle.
• Go public: public transport is cheap and convenient in Hong Kong. Use it and reduce your
.
• Be a low-carbon driver: if you must drive, keep your tyres fully inflated. This can save up to 460 kg of carbon dioxide
emissions per year. When you want to replace your car, look for a lightweight model or go hybrid.
Figure 9 Public Transport
(Source: Environmental Protection Department)
Figure 10 MTR connection ientrance, directly connected to
the shopping mall in Pacific Place, Admiralty
(Source: Swire Properties Limited)
Step 3.4.2 When you buy in a shop
• Buy smart: Think twice before you buy something. Avoid purchasing
redundant or unnecessary items. Shopping with the environment in mind will
conserve resources, prevent waste, and save money.
• Avoid excess packaging: Look for products that have less packaging or buy in
bulk. You can also buy items with packaging that can be reused or recycled.
• Buy durable products: Instead of buying disposable products, which are
wasteful, buy things that will last a long time, such as rechargeable batteries
and reusable plastic mugs for drinks.
• Repair the product when it breaks: Give a second life to the product you
bought, before deciding to buy a new one.
Step 3.4.3 When you go food shopping
• Support local produce: Try to buy fresh locally grown food when you can,
which requires little packaging and reduces energy consumption and pollution
because no long-distance transportation is required.
• Eat green: Choose organic food if available to lessen the harm caused by
chemical pesticides and fertilisers to both the environment and your health.
• Eat less
Reduce the percentage of
in your meals.
• Bring your own bag/cup/container: Bring your own shopping bag rather than
using plastic bags each time you make a purchase. Try to bring along with
you a cup or container for your take-away food.
Figure 11 Avoid bulk purchase
Figure 12 Bring a reusable shopping
bag when shopping
Hong Kong Green Building Council 45
