FOOD WASTE DURING LUNAR NEW YEAR
It’s that time of the year, where traditional cakes, cookies and sweets will be loaded at home or in your stomach, yes…it’s Lunar New Year. Instead of feasting through the holiday, perhaps it is the best time to include “no food waste” as one of the New Year resolutions to kick start 2020!
Do we produce more food waste during the Lunar New Year?
One of the traditions of Lunar New Year is the “Gathering Meal”, where families and friends will enjoy a meal with table-full of dishes together to celebrate the abundance and wealth. However, there is usually quite a lot food still sitting on the table at the end. Also, it’s a traditional practice to bring gifts when visiting friends and family. Yet, gifts like chocolate and cookies sets often sit on the shelf, but never completely finished.
In fact, more than 3,600 tons of food waste is produced daily in Hong Kong, which is equivalent to the weight of 250 double-decker buses. It imposes a huge burden to our environment while the hidden environmental cost we put into food production is also wasted. We might have to be smarter in celebrating New Year in a more conscious way and treasure the food we are able to have.
Tips: How to minimize food waste during Lunar New Year?
Gathering meal: conduct a head count prior to ordering. If there are still leftovers, pack and save it for the next meal by bring your own food container(s).
Gifting: ask the preferences of recipients before gifting to avoid potential wastage. For gift suggestions, locally made pastries or fresh veggie baskets induce a smaller carbon footprint and are often the healthier option. Another meaningful alternative will be a charity donation as it’s always great to support a good cause.
Lunar New Year Food Recovery Program 2020
This year, we prepared a series of food-wise tips and promotions via social media, TV and booth prior to the new year period, as we believe it is best to cut down waste from the source than to “handle” the leftovers at the end. If there is food that may become a surplus to you, please bring them to the FRRC!
Food items accepted
New Year cakes, packaged/gift sets (e.g. snacks, biscuits, noodles, etc.) or fruits
Donation period and drop-off points
Donation Period: 17/1/2020 (Fri) – 7/2/2020 (Fri)
Drop-off Points:
- Food Resources Recycling Centre: Shop 11, Block 2, Lei Muk Shue Estate, Tsuen Wan, H.K. // Mon-Sat 1400-2100 (except public holiday)
- CA office: The Unit 910, 9/F, New Kowloon Plaza, 38 Tai Kok Tsui Road, Kowloon, H.K. // Mon - Fri 0930-1330, 1500-1800 (except public holiday)
Food donation requirements
- Unopened and in good condition
- Yet to reach its expiry or best before date
- Please arrange a direct drop-off @FRRC for items that require refrigeration
- Please call in advance to confirm any donation in bulk
- Don’t purchase goods for donation
Contact information
Tel: 5541 1701
Email: frrc@cahk.org.hk
Facebook: @cahkfrrc
