Hong Kong generates startling amounts of waste every day. According to the Environmental Protection Department, landfills in Hong Kong treated a total of 4,900,000 tonnes of waste in 2008, at a cost of HK$ 1,500,000,000.

The waste problem is even worse during and after festivals. According to the 'Greener Festivals campaign' conducted by Green Power in 2008, Hong Kong families dumped more than 2,700,000 moon cakes during the annual Mid-Autumn Festival; while more than 5,600,000 items of disposable cutlery were discarded after barbecues, with enough food wasted to feed a family of three for 59 years!

The enormous volumes of waste not only burden local landfills; but also, the production and transportation of every product, as well as their disposal, releases carbon dioxide, which is one of the major greenhouse gases. Hence, the tremendous quantities of waste produced during festivals, especially in the Mid-Autumn Festival, hasten global warming.

The Greener Festivals Campaign hopes to raise public awareness regarding the festival waste problem. As the name suggests, this aims to encourage people to 'Reduce Waste and Enjoy Greener Festivals', and so help with alleviating global warming. Please see the following web pages for more information about the campaign, and tips on ways you can enjoy festivals whilst minimising waste.