Today, Hong Kong ushers in the "plastic apocalypse", which means that plastic will be banned in Hong Kong!
Let's take a look at what's going on.
Just when everyone was still arguing about the "garbage charge", the Hong Kong government environmental protection quickly made a big move, that is, "plastic limit".
There are 9 types of disposable meals that are controlled this time, and the control is divided into two situations:
First, dine-in and takeaway are not allowed. Plastic straws, plastic stirring rods, plastic forks, knives and spoons, plastic dishes, and styrofoam tableware are not available for sale for dine-in or takeaway.
Second: Dine-in is not allowed, but takeaway is allowed. Plastic cups, lids, food containers, etc. can be provided to takeaway customers. So, don't worry too much about takeaway for the time being.
(Source: Hong Kong media)
In addition to the restrictions on the catering industry, there are many commonly used plastic products in daily life that are also under control.
The hospitality industry, in particular, is not immune.
(Source: Hong Kong media)
As early as a few days ago, some stores have started to supply non-plastic products in advance, how are Hong Kong citizens adapting to the plastic limit?
Hong Kong people complain!
If plastic straws don't work, switch to paper straws.
Some Hong Kong netizens couldn't help but complain that they poked the same position about 30 times in a row, until the paper straw was deformed, and they couldn't successfully pierce the plastic lid of the cup, and finally used 2 paper straws to succeed.
This...... Isn't it more wasteful?
(Source: Hong Kong media)
Moreover, the paper straw will turn into slag after soaking in water for a long time, I don't know if you have ever tried the feeling that a mouthful of paper slag is full.
Not only paper straws, but also paper soup spoons came to join in the fun, and the result was not surprising, it "melted"!
(Source: Internet)
It's just a salad, and the paper fork can't help but "bend".
(Source: Internet)
The takeaway was switched to paper takeout boxes, and the takeaway boxes were so hot that they rotted. Sure enough, it was sent over dozens of minutes later, and it looked like this.
(Source: Internet)
Finish eating before the utensils dissolve, this is definitely the best policy!
At present, it seems that it is the most worry-free to bring it yourself.
Hong Kong netizens summed it all up in one sentence.
After talking about the catering industry, the hotel industry has been complained about a lot, because the Hong Kong hotel industry is also prohibited from providing free plastic toiletries and toiletries.
(Source: Internet)
For example, regular glue toothbrushes, plastic-wrapped toothpaste, toiletries, combs, shower caps and bottled mineral water are no longer provided free of charge.
Mainland tourists were shocked, do they really have to bring everything by themselves?
If you don't bring your own, the hotel can also provide non-plastic products, but you need to pay extra to buy them.
A night in a hotel in Hong Kong is not cheap, and even these have to pay extra?
In this way, at the same time of limiting plastics, consumers are likely to bear the cost of "plastic walking".
The cost of paper and wooden tableware is mostly higher than the cost of plastic supplies, and the operating costs of businesses are high, and this part of the cost is likely to be transferred to consumers, resulting in an increase in the cost of living.
Hong Kong netizens have shared the fee schedule they saw in a certain restaurant, and they have to add money for everything for takeout.
(Source: Internet)
The three-dish rice, which was originally a "gift" for the poor, was also forced to increase the price by 1 yuan.
(Source: Internet)
However, these efforts are all to protect the environment where generations have lived, and there is no way to do it. Hong Kong's plastic restriction order is menacing, and many businesses have also launched corresponding policies.
Merchant countermeasures
Asia International Restaurant Group's Milk Ice House, Yile, Baifen Bai, Yule and so on will switch to wooden knives, wooden forks, wooden spoons and paper straws at a cost of 1 yuan per serving.
(Source: Hong Kong media)
Maxim's MX, Starbucks, Genki Sushi, Shake Shack and other restaurants will use bagasse spoons, wooden chopsticks or reusable tableware instead of plastic cutlery, and will also charge a nominal fee of 1 yuan.
(Source: Hong Kong media)
Glywood has also switched to non-plastic takeaway tableware, but this part of the cost has to be borne by the customer, charging 1-2 yuan per serving.
To put it simply, either you don't need cutlery, you can bring your own, or you have to pay for it.
(Source: Hong Kong media)
Tam Jai Yunnan Mixian, TamJai Sam Ge and Marugui Noodles are all owned by one family, and they also replaced plastic cutlery with a greener option as early as October 2023, which will only be provided when requested by takeaway customers for a fee of $1 per set.
(Source: Hong Kong media)
In order not to damage the turnover, some hotels implement a policy of "you have a good plan, I have a wall ladder!"
Non-plastic toiletries may be provided as an alternative.
(Source: Environmental Protection Department)
It is true that this new policy may be inconvenient for everyone in the short term, but in the long run, it is indeed a policy that benefits Hong Kong and the people.
Finally, do you think the plastic restriction policy has affected your life?