Hong Kong Urged To Switch Lights Off For Earth

A green group is encouraging people to switch off their lights for an hour from 8.30pm on Saturday, as part of the global Earth Hour movement.

Thousands of individuals, companies and schools have pledged to switch off their lights in a symbolic action, which organisers hope will make people think about their consumption habits and how they can live more sustainably.

"The contrast of the usual glow of the city to when the lights are turned out is quite stunning," said David Olson, director of conservation for WWF-Hong Kong. "I think it will make people pause, and make them think "Why is this happening?" and hopefully reflect on their use of natural resources and how they can contribute to finding a balance with Earth."

A major theme of this year's event is the reduction of single-use plastics. And Olson said it was important to link the event to actions people could take in their own lives to help promote this better balance.

"Their actions to reduce their use of single-use plastics, to find better ways to get their groceries, or to sip drinks, can really make a difference if many, many people get involved and spread the word about it," he said.

The launch event on Saturday will be attended by the Environment Secretary Wong Kam-sing. Olson said they are highlighting a number of initiatives that the government can do to ensure that single-use plastics are reduced.

He told RTHK's Richard Pyne that they are calling on the government to regulate single-use plastics in the food and beverage industry by setting a timeline for their phasing out after 2021 and a ban on polystyrene by 2022.

"We're also initiating conversations with government officials, the private sector, and the public about the possibility of a single-use bag ban over several years," Olson said.

"It's something Hong Kong can work towards. Other cities have achieved it around the world and we're trying to understand how to make something like that happen here as well."