Hong Kong has implemented various policies over the years to reduce plastic usage, aiming to address environmental issues associated with plastic waste. The most significant measure is the Plastic Shopping Bag Charging Scheme, which was introduced in phases starting in 2009 and made it mandatory for all retailers to charge customers at least HK$0.50 for each plastic bag. The only exceptions are for food hygiene reasons, such as containing or wrapping unpackaged food. Let’s see how domestic helpers can help reduce the plastic consumption at home and in the local community respectively.
At Home
Domestic helpers can play a crucial role in reducing plastic usage at home through several practical and effective strategies:
Switch to Reusable Products: Encourage the use of reusable shopping bags, water bottles, food containers, and utensils instead of disposable plastic ones. Domestic helpers can take the lead by ensuring these items are readily available and conveniently placed for use when going out or storing leftovers.
Avoid Plastic Wraps and Bags: Replace plastic wraps and bags with beeswax wraps, silicone lids, or containers with lids for storing food. These alternatives can significantly cut down on plastic waste in the kitchen.
Bulk Buying and Refill Stations: Help plan shopping to include bulk buying, which reduces packaging waste. Domestic helpers can manage grocery lists to include shops that offer bulk purchases or refill stations for products like detergents, soaps, and cooking ingredients.
Educate on Proper Recycling: Domestic helpers can ensure that plastic items that do need to be used are properly sorted and recycled according to local recycling guidelines. They can manage the separation of recyclables from non-recyclables in the home.
Promote Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products: Encourage the use of eco-friendly cleaning products that come in minimal or recyclable packaging. Domestic helpers can also make homemade cleaning solutions using ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon, reducing the need for multiple plastic containers of commercial cleaners.
Reduce and Reuse: Before throwing anything away, consider if it can be reused. Plastic containers and jars can be repurposed for storing other items or as planting pots. Domestic helpers can lead this initiative by finding creative ways to reuse items.
Opt for Fresh and Local: Whenever possible, choose fresh and local produce that doesn’t come in plastic packaging. Domestic helpers can help by selecting these options at the market or grocery store.
Advocate for Less Packaging: Domestic helpers can request less packaging when shopping or ordering food delivery. They can also suggest that employers write to favorite retailers and restaurants asking for less plastic packaging.
Participate in Community Initiatives: Get involved in local community initiatives aimed at reducing plastic use and educating others about the importance of such actions.
In Local Community
Domestic helpers can play a significant role in promoting plastic recycling and reduction within their communities. Here are several ways they can contribute effectively:
Education and Awareness: Domestic helpers can educate others in their community about the importance of reducing plastic use and the benefits of recycling. They can share information with friends, family, and neighbours, and even help explain how and where to recycle various types of plastics.
Community Recycling Programs: They can participate in or volunteer for community recycling programs. By getting involved, they help not only in the physical aspect of recycling but also in spreading awareness about the program’s existence and importance.
Initiate or Join Clean-up Drives: Domestic helpers can organise or join existing local clean-up drives in parks, beaches, or neighbourhood streets. These activities are great for removing plastic waste from the environment and can inspire others to get involved.
Advocacy and Campaigns: By joining local environmental groups or campaigns, domestic helpers can help advocate for policies or community practices that reduce plastic usage. Their involvement can add valuable perspectives and help mobilise more community members to take action.
Workshops and Training: They can participate in workshops to learn more about sustainability and waste management and share this knowledge with others in the community. Some NGOs offer training specifically designed for domestic helpers.
Community Composting: If applicable, domestic helpers can help set up or manage a community composting system where organic waste is turned into compost, reducing the need for plastic garbage bags and promoting a circular approach to waste.
Reuse and Repurpose: Encouraging a culture of reusing and repurposing items can significantly reduce the demand for new plastics. Domestic helpers can lead DIY projects or share ideas on how to give old items new life, thus avoiding plastic waste.
Modelling Good Behaviour: Simple actions like carrying reusable bags, bottles, and containers can visibly demonstrate sustainable habits to others. This can encourage peers to adopt similar practices.
Resources For Green Education
In Hong Kong, domestic helpers can access information about reducing plastic use and other environmental practices through several channels and resources. Here are some key sources:
Employers: As an employer, you can directly educate and provide resources to your domestic helpers. Offering guidance and materials about sustainable practices can be a great start.
NGOs and Community Groups: There are numerous non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and community groups in Hong Kong that offer educational programs and workshops for domestic helpers. Organisations like Friends of The Earth and Greenpeace offer resources and sometimes hold events that can educate on reducing plastic waste.
Public Libraries and Community Centres: Public libraries in Hong Kong often have resources and sometimes host talks or workshops on environmental topics, including how to reduce plastic usage.
Online Resources: Websites and social media platforms are valuable for finding information and joining community groups focused on sustainability. For example, HelperChoice community group on Facebook and Instagram.
Government Initiatives: The Hong Kong Environmental Protection Department provides resources and information about waste reduction and recycling. Their website has pamphlets, guidelines, and educational material that can be accessed by anyone.
Educational Workshops: Some local organisations conduct regular educational workshops and training sessions specifically tailored for domestic helpers. These sessions can cover various topics, including waste management and reduction.
Religious and Cultural Centres: Many helpers attend services at churches, temples, or mosques, which can also be sources of community support and education. Some religious centres offer environmental awareness programs or can connect helpers with local resources.
By tapping into these resources, domestic helpers can gain a better understanding of sustainable practices and how to implement them effectively at home and in the local community.
Contract And Visa Renewal For Filipino Maids | HelperChoice | An Ethical Maid Agency In Hong Kong
About HelperChoice
HelperChoice is a reputable maid agency that holds a valid license approved by the Labour Department Hong Kong. The agency offers an online platform for direct hiring of domestic helpers and facilitates visa processing service specifically for Filipino maids. With a vast network, HelperChoice has successfully served over 75,000 employers in Hong Kong and Singapore, providing employers access to a pool of more than 20,000 domestic worker profiles. The agency maintains collaborative partnerships with local NGOs, including Enrich Hong Kong, Help For Domestic Workers, and PathFinders, organizing workshops and webinars to support the welling being and the employment rights of foreign migrant domestic workers in Hong Kong.
Contract And Visa Renewal For Filipino Maids
Employers are required to renew the employment contract and visa for foreign domestic helpers every two years at the Immigration Department and the respective Consulate. If you need assistance with processing the contract and visa for a Filipino maid, you can reach out to the HelperChoice team via Whatsapp. Normally, the visa renewal takes around two weeks to complete. Most visa processing packages include a mandatory two-year insurance coverage for domestic workers. For more info, pleasecontact us via Whatsapp.
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