Sustainable Consumption

‘Mindful consumption is the way to heal ourselves and to heal the world.’
Thich Nhat Hanh 

According to the study of the Global Footprint Network, humanity would need the regenerative capacity of 1.7 Earths to provide what we need from nature.  Hong Kong’s Ecological Footprint ranks 10th globally – we need 4.2 Earths if everyone adopts Hong Kong’s current lifestyle. Behind our affluent lifestyle, it is the extraction of resources and discharge of harmful chemicals takes place in every step of the life cycle of consumer goods; during the manufacturing process, during transportation to the store, to the consumer, and finally, to the landfill. Compounding the problem is the planned obsolescence of goods, which creates a relentless demand for new clothes, the latest electronics and all other 'must have' consumer items.

Act NOW

• Take purchasing decisions seriously. Pause before you buy something - put it off for a week or so; come back to it at a later time and see if you still really need it.
• Donate what you don’t need (Freecycle).
• Buy used goods when you can.
• Purchase goods that are durable, useful, beautiful, practical, trustworthy, and simple.
• Take care of and repair the goods you own to extend their life.
• Choose to buy locally made products from small locally-owned shops.
• Support local enterprises with social and environmental goals, and fair trade goods.
• Be cautious about the product-life-cycle when buying – how a product is made, used, and disposed of after use all matter.
• Spend more time in nature and interacting happily with people.
• Always bring your own shopping bag (BYOB).