| 英文摘要 |
This project ran from March 2009 to March 2010. The main objective of the project was to promote disposable products source minimization efforts, in line with the “Zero Waste” target established by the Environmental Protection Administration, so as to reduce the burden on recycling and waste disposal facilities. The 2009 project was based on the disposable products source minimization proposal and priority order formulated in 2007, and followed on from the work undertaken in the 2008 project. The project involved ongoing collaboration with two environmental protection organizations, focusing on three disposable products categories: disposable tableware, direct mail and the plastic wrappers in which it is packaged, and paper towels. Discussion, guidance and enhanced promotional efforts were used to further source minimization implementation. At the same time, we were also providing support for the source minimization and stepped-up recycling initiatives targeting plastic trays and boxes and disposable cups, as well as in relevant measures following the restriction policy on plastics usage.
As regards the results achieved in project implementation, we have completed talks with 32 operators of department stores and hypermarkets. Implementation began in January 2010, with adoption of reusable chopsticks in department store and hypermarkets food courts, take-away is not the initiative to provide disposable chopsticks, which is expected to reduce annual consumption of chopsticks by 44 million pairs. Secondly, since July 2008 to propel convenience store chains stopped providing disposable chopsticks unless requested, a reduction of 2.36 million pairs were reached in 2009. More than 200 soft drink booths, coffee shops and restaurants agreed to offer discounts or other incentives to consumers who brought their own tableware or reusable containers. We have also persuaded around 1,000 stores to post information on related activities on the“Provide Your Own Tableware and Cups – Help to Save the Environment and Save Money Too”website for public inquiries. We have been encouraging department store and hypermarket operators to reduce the quantity of direct mail that they send out, while also reducing the weight of this direct mail, and cutting back on the use of plastic wrappers. In addition, as regards source minimization for plastic trays and boxes, the source minimization targets for second half of 2009 and first half of 2010 have already been announced, and we have helped to secure the official designation of bio-plastics as a waste material that should be recycled.
It is anticipated that the measures outlined above, in combination, will bring about a reduction of around 13,800 tons in the volume of disposable products used, while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 10,800 tons. These measures will also help limit unnecessary waste of resources, reduce the burden placed on waste disposal facilities, and provide environmental benefits in terms of reduced air and water pollution.
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