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Adopt greener habits in Year of the Pig SCMP Young Post Y5 2006-02-13 A green group is urging the public to give up festive customs that threaten the environment.
These traditions include using new banknotes for red packets, using self-adhesive red packets instead of reusable ones, using wrapping paper, throwing old things away during the traditional spring cleaning, and eating meals which endanger rare species, including ingredients such as reef fish and shark fins.
Green Power said people should use the "fold-in" type of red packets and refrain from using new banknotes. The use of wrapping paper should be reduced to a minimum, and old items should be donated to charities instead of being thrown away.
Cheng Luk-ki, head of the group's scientific research and conservation department, said at least 70 million red packets were discarded each year. This is equivalent to cutting down 3,600 trees.
"The 'fold-in' type of red packets can be reused and are more environmentally friendly," Dr Cheng said.
He added that people should avoid using red packets with Chinese zodiac animals printed on them, because they could only be used in the year they represent.
He also supported the use of banknotes that are in reasonable condition, rather than opting for brand new ones.
"Every year, banks prints about 230 million new banknotes just for red packets - enough to fill 12 Victoria Parks," Dr Cheng said.
The amount of paper used to wrap presents during the Lunar New Year requires up to 1,600 trees to be chopped down and 170,000 litres of petrol to be burned.
A good alternative, Dr Cheng said, is to use cloth or paper bags, which are easily reusable.
Statistics from the Environmental Protection Department showed that, for the past three years, the amount of rubbish collected during Lunar New Year month was 300 tonnes more than that collected in any other month.
That requires 200 five-and-a-half-tonne trucks to move.
Dr Cheng also called on the public to eat less endangered reef fish or shark fins during Lunar New Year.
"Fish such as humphead wrasse, giant grouper and certain species of sharks face extinction due to over-consumption by man," he said.
People should opt for farmed species instead.

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