As one of Hong Kong’s largest independent cargo handler, Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (Hactl) is working on a new strategy that is a part of their long-running “Green Terminal” environmental programme. Where the latest phase is set in place, they held an an event entitled “Don’t Wait Act Now” that included a show of upcycled fashion modelled by Hactl staff.
The event “Don’t Wait Act Now” is designed to instill a sense of urgency over the need to take steps to reduce society’s collective environmental impact, and illustrate how every individual can make a worthwhile contribution.
The highlight of the event was a parade of upcycled fashion created by a local fashion designer. The evening also featured an interactive display, environmentally-themed games and a video about the production and installation of Hactl’s new communal water dispensers. Over 300 participants including authorities, customers, business partners, Hactl staff and others attended the event, which was opened by Guest of Honour Mr. Donald Tong, JP, Permanent Secretary for the Environment / Director of Environmental Protection, and presided over by Hactl Chief Executive Wilson Kwong.
In addition to the installation of 78 new drinking water dispensers throughout SuperTerminal 1 in the run-up to the event, Hactl had also issued re-usable bottles and food containers with cutlery to its 2,500 staff, and discouraged the use of plastic drinking straws; provided sustainably-produced linen bags to replace plastic carrier bags; and placed wooden recycling bins (themselves made from recycled cupboards and flooring) throughout its terminal.
One of Hactl’s key aims is to eradicate single-use plastics from its facility, so contributing to a reduction in plastics entering the world’s oceans.
Hactl has been running its “Green Terminal” programme of measures to reduce its environmental impact for many years. The company has won a number of prestigious local and international awards for its achievements to date, which include reusing or recycling 97% of paper, 95% of plastics waste and 68% of wood.
Says Hactl’s Senior Manager – Quality Assurance, Benny Siu, who has spearheaded Green Terminal since its inception: “‘Don’t Wait Act Now’ is the latest and arguably most important phase of Green Terminal, in which we seek to change the habits of our own staff, and our tenants and terminal users.
“With this event and our recent actions, we are asking people to think about their personal impact on the environment, and to make small changes that can make a big difference. We hope that good eco habits nurtured in the workplace will travel home with our staff and be shared with families and friends.
“Hactl is a conscientious and eco-minded member of Hong Kong’s business community, committed to protecting not just our wonderful city, but our wider, living planet. The message of ‘Don’t Wait Act Now’ is clear: we can all make a difference, and reduce our impact on a fragile planet.”
