1st May 2010
Dear Editor,
I am writing to express my support for the three environmental laws that the Government has proposed.
To begin with, I fully support the Government’s proposed ban on idling engines. Exhaust fumes from cars are the biggest cause of street-level air pollution. 60% of street-level air pollution in some districts is produced by exhaust fumes, so the ban on idling engines will certainly be effective in improving the air quality. Besides, air pollution in Hong Kong has got worse in recent years. For example, there have been over 50 days of high or very high air pollution this year. The ban on idling engines is really necessary in order to improve the air quality, isn’t it? In addition, surveys have shown strong public support for the ban.
Secondly, I think that the proposed tax on plastic bags at supermarkets is an effective way to help the environment. Since the tax was introduced, the use of plastic bags has dropped dramatically in Ireland. It shows that such a tax can be successful and effective. What is more, Hong Kong citizens use a large amount of plastic bags when buying things at the supermarkets. However, not many of them will reuse the bags. Most plastic bags end up in the landfills, and the landfills will therefore soon be filled up and the environment will be polluted. As lots of plastic bags keep being thrown away every day, it is a serious problem. Moreover, I believe that it is fair to make people pay for plastic bags as they are the users. It can let them know they are responsible for protecting the environment.
Lastly, the proposed law to make people separate their waste is feasible and urgently needed. Although there is some voluntary waste separation, it is not enough and therefore ineffective. The landfills in Hong Kong are getting full. We will not have places to put our waste if we do not recycle it. The waste separation law has worked in Taipei, so the Hong Kong Government should follow. On the other hand, waste separation helps the economy by providing jobs in the recycling industry. The law is quite beneficial.
In conclusion, the Government has proposed three effective and practical laws to help the environment. I believe that the laws should soon be passed.
Yours faithfully
Gigi Tam