Your Voice: Hong Kong can take recycling tips from Sweden; Taylor Swift is officially a billionaire (long letters)

Environmental issues are pressing global concerns that affect countries and cities worldwide. In line with Hong Kong’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, the Environmental Protection Department introduced the “Waste Blueprint for Hong Kong 2035” in 2021. Apart from the problems found in the waste-charging scheme and the confusion about the responsibilities of garbage not being put in the designated bags, there are more issues under the six major areas of action.

Recycling is a prominent global topic, and waste separation is one of the six major areas of action. Recognising the scarcity of recycling facilities, the government has committed to enhancing the network in all 18 districts. While this effort may increase recycling in residential areas, certain challenges persist.

For example, food waste bins are often excluded from common recycling points. Food waste constitutes a significant portion of the municipal solid waste generated in Hong Kong, and it has tremendous potential for electricity generation through recycling.

The city of Eskilstuna in Sweden implemented a “seven colour-coded bag recycling scheme” a few years ago. The system has revolutionised waste management. The city successfully recycles half of its domestic waste and has completely eliminated waste sent to landfills. The scheme employs seven distinct colours representing different categories of recyclable waste. Notably, the scheme employs scanners at recycling plants to automatically identify and sort waste based on the bag colours, eliminating the need for human intervention and reducing labour costs. Food waste is recycled to generate electricity for buses. This remarkable example demonstrates how a well-designed scheme can effectively manage waste and extend the lifespan of landfills. Although the scheme is primarily designed for recycling, certain elements can also be incorporated into a waste-charging scheme.

Overwhelming majority of Hongkongers want to delay waste-charging scheme

One such element is the autonomous scanning system employed in Eskilstuna, which identifies and sorts waste based on bag colours, thereby reducing the need for manual labour.

Hong Kong could explore a similar approach by installing scanners next to rubbish bins. Residents would be required to scan their filled garbage bags before disposing of them. If the system detects the correct bag, the resident would be permitted to open the rubbish bin cover and dispose of their waste. However, using incorrect bags would lock the rubbish bin, and the resident would also be subject to a fine. This policy would effectively remind residents to use the designated bags and alleviate the burden on cleaners who would need to separate unauthorised bags.

Implementing such a complex scheme and educating the population may pose challenges in a densely populated city like Hong Kong. However, the government should not be disheartened and endeavour to improve the existing recycling scheme by drawing inspiration from Eskilstuna’s model.

Lynn Lin, Tsuen Wan Public Ho Chuen Yiu Memorial College

I am writing to express my views on the article titled “Taylor Swift officially declared a billionaire by Forbes,” published on April 3, 2024.

It has been fascinating to read about Taylor Swift becoming the first female artist to achieve billionaire status through her music career. This is an unbelievable and remarkable achievement, and she truly deserves this recognition.

However, what makes Swift’s accomplishment so noteworthy?

She is compared to other wealthy figures in the industry, such as Jay-Z and Diddy, who have built their empires through various business interests, not just music. They have ventured into fashion, spirits, technology, and many more fields.Swift, on the other hand, has solely focused on her music. Based on the tremendous commercial success of her music and related activities, she has reached the rarefied billionaire status. This speaks volumes about her immense talent and business acumen. It also reflects the gender barriers she has overcome in this male-dominated industry.

We often witness societal expectations and double standards working against female artists, who face more significant obstacles in achieving the same levels of mainstream recognition and financial rewards as their male counterparts.

Swift’s story shatters these perceptions and provides an inspiring blueprint for the next generation of young women pursuing careers in music.

Additionally, Swift’s new-found billionaire status grants her an even more powerful platform where she can drive meaningful change.

As a cultural icon with unparalleled influence, she can take advantage of her reach to advocate for greater gender parity.

This will support up-and-coming female artists and will also reshape societal attitudes about the commercial potential of women in music.

The music industry has long been male-dominated, but Swift’s achievements represent a watershed moment.

It is a testament to the boundless possibilities that can be unlocked when talented and determined women are empowered to pursue their artistic dreams without limitations.