Want to become plastic-free in HK?
Living in a densely populated city like Hong Kong can be tough on the environment. From the millions of tons of trash produced each year to the fact that many residents rely on plastic bags, straws, and packaging, it’s no wonder this little island is struggling with pollution.
If you’re looking for ways to go green, start by reducing your use of plastic. This article will explore 17 easy ways to do just that!
17 easy ways to move towards a plastic-free life in Hong Kong
It’s such a common lifestyle choice to be plastic-free that pretty much anything you can think of has sustainable options.
Embracing a completely plastic-free life requires a lot of planning and effort, but it is possible. Click here to find out how Erin Rhoads, otherwise known as “The Rogue Ginger,” has been living plastic-free since 2013.
But before you move to a completely plastic-free life, you are probably wondering what initial steps you can take. Here are 17 ways to reduce plastic from your life:
1. Always carry a reusable bag
Never leave home without a reusable bag.
2. Don’t use single-use bottles
Use and bring your own water everywhere. If you do this, you’ll never end up buying a plastic bottle of water.
Reusable water bottles that we like:
- This stainless steel bottle from Klean Kanteen. The flash of bamboo on the screw top is a cool design feature. It’s plastic and paint-free and will look cool sitting on your desk or being pulled from your bag whilst out shopping.
- Hydro Flask’s insulated bottle. Your cool drinks will stay chilled, and your hot drinks will be toasty hot with this bottle. You get a choice of cool colors to boot.
- The Infant Starter Set from Pura. Start as you mean to continue. This plastic-free feeding set includes a plastic-free feeding bottle and different teats and lids that grow with your child.
3. Don’t use single-use coffee cups
- Ecoffee has a whole range of funky-colored coffee mugs, marking you out as the office’s trendsetter.
4. Don’t buy food that comes packaged in plastics
Embrace stores that allow you to buy food items without plastic.
Awareness is a huge factor in reducing your plastic usage. Write a list of all the plastic products you buy and consider which items might be the easiest to eliminate as a first step.
5. Consider using water filters at home
As we said above, avoid single-use bottles – these are some of the worst offenders when it comes to plastic pollution.
Consider getting a water filter fitted into your home. Wondering which company to use for installing a water filter in your home? Consider Life Solutions.
We’ve been using the Life Solutions water filter system for more than 10 years and are very satisfied with their product and service. They are also super helpful in figuring out what size filter is best suited to your home.
6. Stop using plastic toothbrushes
You’ve got a few different options to help eliminate plastic from your oral hygiene routine. It’s estimated that one billion toothbrushes get thrown away each year, so how can you work to reduce your contribution to that number?
Bamboo toothbrushes are a biodegradable alternative to traditional plastic brushes. Remember to check if you need to trash the bristles before recycling your handle – they may still have to be plastic. These bamboo toothbrushes have smooth bamboo wooden handles that will never splinter.
7. Stop using plastic dental floss
Silk dental floss is another alternative for your tooth routine. Wowe Natural Biodegradable Peace silk dental floss comes in a glass bottle with a metal lid, and they sell refills so you can use the bottle and lid over and over.
8. Switch to soap bars
In the bathroom, consider going back to basics rather than looking for innovations. Ditch the body wash and go plastic-free by buying soap instead. Check out natural Bali soap for a great range of natural soaps
9. Use shampoo bars
Shampoo bars for your hair are a great way to avoid throwing away plastic bottles of the stuff. It is becoming more and more popular, and we love this Garnier Whole Blends Honey Treasures Restoring Shampoo Bar
10. Use biodegradable trash bags
For anything that does need to go in the trash, you can get biodegradable trash bags, so the plastic doesn’t sit in landfills for generations.
11. Ditch the cling wrap!
Rather than storing leftovers in plastic or covered in cling film, check out HUNNYBEEE Beeswax Reusable Food Wraps. They even look lovely enough to take your lunch to work in!
12. Even incense holders can be sustainably sourced
A bamboo incense holder will catch the ash from your incense so you can dispose of it properly whilst adding a sleek touch to your living space. The bamboo is sustainably sourced, too.
13. Be thoughtful when buying candles
Wax and Oil Candles have packaging that is 100% recyclable
14. Bulk detergent in bulk that you can refill
You can reduce your plastic when it comes to cleaning with bulk products, like these five-liter bottles of laundry detergent, dish soap, and more.
15. Buy a multi-purpose bar of soap
- You can also consider buying a Savon de Marseille bar of soap from Mordicus. This soap has so many uses. You can use it to clean dishes, clean surfaces, as a shower gel, shampoo, a liquid detergent for your dishes, or even to clean your makeup brushes.
16. Don’t ever use single-use cutlery
Love eating out? Eschew disposable cutlery and have a beautiful bamboo set of cutlery in your bag to take home and wash up.
17. Ditch single-use sanitary items
Reusable sanitary towels are another lifestyle change you can make to become more sustainable. Thinx is one of the biggest brands, and they use diverse models, or you can change to a moon cup.
Common myths about the notion of going plastic-free
You need to throw away all your existing plastic items.
No, you don’t need to do throw away all your existing plastic products. Instead, just don’t buy any new plastic items. If you throw away your plastic items, they will likely end up in landfills so, the best thing you can do is just to keep using these items.
All plastic products should be avoided
You shouldn’t put your health at risk. If you need medicine and it comes in a plastic bottle, don’t hesitate.
You need to go plastic-free immediately
You don’t need to go plastic-free immediately. The first step is becoming aware of the issues surrounding the use of plastic items and then moving towards a more mindful lifestyle.
4 key benefits of striving towards a zero-waste lifestyle
- Your friends and family will notice, this could create a knock-on effect. Talk to people about why you are embracing this kind of lifestyle, don’t be shy.
- The plastic-free community is growing globally; join this awesome community of people striving to help the world.
- Healthier life. If you ditch the plastic, likely, you will also be ditching processed food. All of which is positive for your health.
- You’re making a positive impact on the environment; if everyone makes their own small contributions, together, we can create a huge impact to help fight the global fight against single-use plastic.
Where can I shop for eco-friendly products in Hong Kong?
Plenty of businesses have realized the potential profits of sustainable products. To keep your purchases local, we’ve gathered a list of our four favorite eco-shops in Hong Kong.
The 5 best plastic-free or zero waste stores in Hong Kong
Plastic-free HK
Plastic-free HK is an online shop with a broad range of products curated to help Hong Kongers live as sustainably as possible. They offer everything from baby and child items to cleaning supplies to bath and beauty products.
They also have a fantastic blog with tips and tricks to use their products most effectively. Free shipping for local orders over $750!
Shawganic
Shawganic is all about organic, eco-friendly, and bulk shopping. Whether you need products for a baby’s sensitive skin or want to overhaul your cleaning products to be kinder to the environment, this is the shop to come to.
The online retailer brings in its products from New Zealand to be assured of production standards. The business has been running in Hong Kong since 2007, one of the trendsetters for the eco vibe.
Live Zero Hong Kong
With a cornucopia of environmentally friendly delights on offer, Live Zero is a website to check your eco needs.
From water bottles and kitchen utensils to bulk selling of nuts and seeds, you can probably find it here if it’s good for the planet. Check out their bulk stores in Sai Ying Pun and Sai Kung districts or order from the website with free delivery on orders over $2,000.
Locations:
33 High Street, Sai Ying Pung, +852 9433 3394
22 Yi Chun Street, Sai Kung, +852 9842 7858
Go plastic-free in HK with Slowood
Slowood sells beautiful and practical items, from polished wood chopping boards to eco-friendly cleaning products. Everything looks lovely, and what you buy on the site will help you create a whole aesthetic for your home.
You can browse their three stores and pick up bulk products in Kennedy town, Shatin, or Discovery Bay. Online orders over $500 get free shipping, too. This is an excellent store for buying gifts.
Locations:
The Hudson, 11 Davis Street, Sai Wan (Kennedy Town Station, Exit C).
Shop Unit No.151, 1/F, DB Plaza (Block C) Discovery Bay.
Shop 247, Level 2, New Town Plaza I, Shatin, New Territories.
Ekologic – Zero waste store in Hong Kong
For locally sourced, organic, natural, and ethical products for your body and home, check out Ekologic. The company has recently relocated to Hong Kong, and there’s already a bulk store down in Happy Valley for your cacao, spaghetti, cashew nuts, and plenty more.
Shipping by regular post takes up to a week, or you can have your order sent to the store to collect within a week.
Location: G/F, 16 Tsun Yuen Street, Happy Valley
FAQs about a plastic-free life in Hong Kong
Is zero waste in Hong Kong possible?
Living a true zero waste lifestyle where no waste is created is difficult. However, adopting a zero-waste mentality has clear environmental, social, and economic benefits.
Does zero waste make a difference?
Yes, adopting a zero-waste mindset helps to shift people’s mindsets about the wasteful production and consumption of goods. When a zero-waste mentality is adopted, the focus is on high-quality items that have been ethically produced
Why is plastic usage such a problem?
Plastic usage is a huge problem; according to a recent report, “Breaking the plastic wave,” more than 1.3 billion tons of plastic waste is expected to find its way into the world’s oceans and land over the next 20 years unless significant changes are made.
What is the meaning of zero waste?
Zero waste refers to the responsible production and consumption of products. Essentially, a zero-waste lifestyle tries to ensure that products and materials are reused rather than dumped into landfills or an incinerator.
Where can I buy second-hand goods in Hong Kong?
Fortunately, Hong Kong is a great place to find high-quality second-hand goods for sale. In our article dedicated to buying second-hand goods in Hong Kong, we tell you our favorite places to buy second-hand kids’ clothing, designer wear, furniture, cars, and more!
Finally
From plastic straws to single-use water bottles, there are a lot of ways you can reduce your consumption of plastics in HK. These five easy steps will help get you started on the path towards going green and living more sustainably! What do you think is the best way for Hong Kongers to go plastic-free? Let us know in the comments below.
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