HONG KONG--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Green Council kicked off the FoodWaste Lean and Green Label Scheme (FWLG) and announced the survey result of the “Food Waste issues in Hong Kong”. The ceremony was held at Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel on 18thJuly, 2016 with Mr Wong Kam-sing, GBS, JP, Secretary for the Environment, HKSARG as officiating guest. Over 100 food and beverage (F&B) units were being recognized with LEAN LABEL for their commitment on reducing food waste during the ceremony.
Prior to launching of FWLG Scheme, the Green Council conducted a survey which reveals more than 60% citizens are not accustomed to handle food waste therefore the most common practice (68%) for handling food waste is merely direct disposal. And the main reason account for food waste is failure to assess portion precisely for households. At the same time, near 90% of citizens are willing to visit restaurants with good food waste practices. In view of this, Green Council launched the FWLG Scheme.
“The current term of the Environment Bureau is committed to promoting a foodwise culture. In order to tackle the issue of food waste which accounts for about 40% of the municipal solid waste in our landfills, we encourage food donation and will accelerate the construction of organic waste treatment facilities which can turn waste into energy. Foodwise and waste reduction are both conducive to combatting the challenge of climate change and relieving the pressure on landfills. I appeal to everyone to treasure food and don't be a Big Waster!” remarked Mr KS Wong, Secretary for the Environment, HKSARG.
The FWLG Scheme is to encourage F&B sector to reduce food waste at source and recognize their significant food waste reduction performance, with the ultimate goal to raise public awareness regarding food waste issues and solutions in Hong Kong.
“By introducing FWLG Scheme we aspire to encourage the F&B sector to reduce food waste at source,” said Ms Linda Ho, Chief Executive Officer of Green Council. “With support from the industry, awareness and consciousness among general public toward food waste handling will definitely be elevated.”
An experience sharing session was also held during the launching ceremony, and 3 F&B representatives shared the challenges and tips in food waste management.
About Green Council
The Green Council is a non-profit organization (Ref no. 91-6063) of Hong Kong. It strives to encourage the industrial and commercial sectors to include environmental protection in their production and management processes. With the concept of “Conservation begins with Education”, Green Council promotes education and training for environmental preservation, green consumerism, management concepts and practices, waste recycling and waste reduction, energy conservation and sustainable development. The main sources of funding for the Green Council are from membership fees, public donations and sponsorships by corporations and individuals who share our vision. Green Council formed since 2000, and it aims to develop environmental protection related projects including Hong Kong Green Label Scheme (HKGLS), Hong Kong Green Purchasing Charter, Hong Kong Green Enterprise Awards, International Coastal Cleanup and Green Carnivals. For more details, please visit Green Council website: www.greencouncil.org.