This year, CA was invited by the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) for the first time to assist in the waste reduction works and promote clean recycling messages for the organizer of the Tuen Mun Dragon Boat Race Competition at Dragon Boat Festival.
In just a week’s preparation time, three recycling and 4 water stations were set up on the event day to promote clean recycling and “Bring Your Own Bottle” messages. Despite the very hot weather, our green ambassadors encouraged and assisted people in doing clean recycling. It was particularly impressive that they even searched and “rescued” recyclables from garbage bins! With the great effort by the audience, athletes, and our green ambassadors, 57.495 kg of recyclables were collected including paper, plastic bottles, plastics, metals, glass and Styrofoam.
On the other hand, 500 reusable cups had been arranged at the VIP area to reduce the consumption of bottled water. At last, 229 cups and 9.5 bottles of 5 gallons carboy water were used in the event.
Due to the tight preparation time, it was regrettable that some existing operational arrangements could not be changed (e.g. bottled water arranged for VIPs and athletes). Nevertheless, the recycling and water station arrangements were available at the "Tuen Mun Dragon Boat Race 2019" for the first time so far, which was very successful and definitely a big leap. With this year's experience, CA believes that the organizer will be able to do better in the source reduction of waste and hopefully bringing us a true “Green Dragon Boat Race Competition” in the coming years!
