Be Part of the Change: Sustainability Efforts in Hong Kong You Can Get Involved In

Everyone wants to live in a better place with well-rounded jobs and a safe community, but only a few of us have shown concern about climate change and sustainability issues.

The concept of sustainable development is using natural resources to meet our current needs without compromising or damaging the environment. Its purpose is to preserve the environment, society, and economy in pursuit of improved quality of life while ensuring a better future for the next generations.

Featuring its stellar performance in ecological balance, Hong Kong nabs the second spot as the most sustainable city in Asia. Now, you can also help reduce human impact on the environment by participating in these sustainability efforts in Hong Kong.

Read more: Is Sustainable Living Possible In Hong Kong?

Buy Clothes at Thrift Stores

The global fashion industry is one of the major contributors of greenhouse gases that come from the energy-intensive process of production, manufacturing, and transportation.

Considered the most harmful energy, coal is used in the manufacturing of millions of garments by leading clothing producers including China, Bangladesh, and India.

To spearhead sustainability efforts in Hong Kong in a fashionable way, you can shop from secondhand clothing stores or recycle old garments to extend their life cycle and lessen textile waste. You can check out some thrift shops and eco-friendly brands around the city that support environmental charities.

Read more: Six Best Thrift Shops in Hong Kong for Your Next Retail Therapy

Eat Less Meat

Unfortunately, the tasty and satisfying meat recipes, as well as livestock farming, significantly contribute to releasing greenhouse gases that drive climate change.

You don’t need to become a full-time vegan or vegetarian to support this initiative. Setting a day or week when you will only consume plant-based meals and products is a great way to help the environment.

Read more: You'll Be Obsessed With These Vegan Foods and Restaurants in Hong Kong

Join or Organize Beach Clean-up Drives

Get your gloves and trash bag ready as we’re going to clean our mess and save the ocean!

Another sustainability effort in Hong Kong you can take part in is the coastal clean-up. Researchers from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) found that microplastics (plastics from personal care and household products) have long-lasting effects on marine species’ survival and ecological balance.

Beach cleaning will help lessen waste like straw and plastic bags that can pollute the ocean. This volunteering activity is also a great opportunity to raise awareness about plastic consumption.

In case you want to sign up for these clean-up events, there are various groups in Hong Kong you can check out including Hong Kong Clean Up and Plastic Free Seas.

Plant Trees

Despite its towering skyscrapers, Hong Kong is greener than you think. The government has allotted a huge space for nature and wildlife including country parks, stonewall trees, and reforestation initiatives.

Tree planting alone may not be enough to solve climate change, but it can mitigate the detrimental impact of carbon emissions by absorbing toxic chemicals, making the air we breathe cleaner.

If you want to support this sustainability effort in Hong Kong, you can participate in the greening activities of

Friends of the Earth, Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden, and the government-led Green Volunteer Scheme.