Lunar New Year is approaching, celebration may not be carried out as usual with uncertainty under the COVID-19 pandemic. Still, it’s the new normal to be flexible, to adapt and strive in different conditions; perhaps it’s time for us to try celebrating the New Year in a new way.
When talking about traditions, most of them were tied with FOOD, such as the representative festive food items, gathering meal and gifting. Facing the new norm however, the best principles to be eco-friendly could be: 1. Simplify 2. Choose Wisely 3. Prepare accordingly.
First of all, SIMPLIFY. We used to prepare a wide range of ‘symbolic’ food items, like candied winter melon, candied lotus seed, various seeds, chocolates, etc. This year, you may try to mindfully select your favorite options so as to lighten the post-CNY burden. Simplification can also be applied to other traditional practices whenever possible to fit into the waste less and more flexible way of living.
Secondly, CHOOSE WISELY. Plant-based dishes are the greener and healthier choice when hosting the family gathering meal. The modern meat production industry exploits an enormous amount of natural resources in producing the same amount of food compared to vegetable production. Eating green not only alleviates climate emergency issues, it’s also lighter for your own stomach. Therefore, locally produced vegetables, especially organic products, are definitely more eco-friendly options!
Lastly, PREPARE ACCORDINGLY. Apart from ordering a moderate amount of dishes when dining out, home chefs can also utilize leftovers in creating new dishes. In fact, more than 3,600 tons of food wastes went to landfill daily and produced various greenhouse gases in the process. Celebrations during the festival periods should not be an excuse for creating more food waste. On the other hand, have you noticed the amount of gift packaging over the CNY period? Excessive packaging produces even more unnecessary trash, so minimal and recyclable materials/packaging are highly suggested.
This year, CA and FRRC will continue to host the ‘2021 Lunar New Year Food Recovery Program’. Surplus food donation is welcomed and will be shared within the community. Let’s savor the food and leave no waste!
2021 Lunar New Year Food Recovery Program
Donation period and time:
8/2/2021 (Mon) – 5/3/2021(Mon) ; Mon, Wed, Fri & Sat (except for public holidays) from 1400-2100
Dropoff location:
Food Resources Recycling Centre
Shop 11, Block 2, Lei Muk Shue Estate, Tsuen Wan, H.K.
Accepted Items:
New Year cakes/puddings, snacks, biscuits, noodles, fruits or food voucher
Food Donation requirement:
Unopened and in good condition
Yet to expiry
Please call in advance to confirm any bulk donations
DON’T purchase goods for donation
Contact:
55411701 / frrc@cahk.org.hk
