Chances are that most, if not all, the spices lined up in your kitchen racks right now have not been packaged and transported sustainably, are not produced ethically and have been grown using pesticides… And let’s not even get started on quality!

For a long time, consumers haven’t really paid attention to how sustainable spices are. After all, despite being an important ingredient, spice ranks low in the produce hierarchy – there are bigger things to worry about. But things are changing; with consumers starting to take more notice and focusing on all aspects of the food industry, spices are increasingly getting roped into conversations regarding sustainability.

Similarly, the values of buyers are also changing. In a recent survey, a significant majority of respondents said they were ready to pay up to 35 percent more for a product that is environmentally sustainable.

See also: 10 Useful Food Sustainability Terms

What are sustainable spices?

While there is no strict definition on how a spice becomes labelled as sustainable, to put it simply, we can say that it’s sustainable if it is of high quality, ethically produced and strives to achieve a net-zero carbon footprint.

First, let’s look at production. High-quality, sustainable spices are usually single-origin, meaning they come from a single place – a single farm or region – as opposed to the blends prevalent in most supermarket brands. Keeping things single-origin preserves the spice’s flavour and gives consumers a fresher, more intense experience.

Another term you will see is ‘organic spices’, which means exactly what you think – spices that were grown without the use of chemicals, preservatives or pesticides. Aside from the growing process, how spices are bought from farmers is also important. The hallmark of sustainable spices is direct trade with farmers. Conventional spices are bought through indirect trade and as such, a company goes through a chain of distributors, exporters, importers and other parties to secure their order.

Direct trade results in a more equitable relationship with the actual spice producers themselves, giving them a larger slice of the revenue instead of losing money through a plethora of middlemen. Sounds familiar? Indeed, it does – fair trade for the win!

And finally, a low carbon footprint. Another benefit of dealing directly with farmers is that the supply chain is significantly shortened, thus saving on transport costs and emissions.

Sustainable spices are also packaged differently than their conventional cousins. For instance, they’ll use recyclable materials for their packaging or encourage you to bring your own containers – as with Hong Kong bulk stores like Live Zero and Slowood, or even century-old chefs’ favourite Yuan Heng Spice Company – to maintain carbon neutrality.

See also: 8Shades Of… Tamsin Thornburrow Of Live Zero

Where to buy sustainable spices in Hong Kong?

If you’re new to the world of sustainable spices, the first step would be to visit one of the many farmers’ markets Hong Kong has to offer. The easiest to visit would probably be the farmers’ market at the Star Ferry Central Pier, which currently runs on Wednesdays and Sundays, but there are also farmers’ markets in Tai Po, Mei Foo and Fanling.

Aside from the bulk buy retailers mentioned earlier, another option is to hit up SpiceBox Organics in the Mid-Levels, Kennedy Town and Tseung Kwan O for a variety of organic spices; they even have their own in-store vegetarian cafés for a quick bite or drink during your shop!

There’s also Regency Spices, a Hong Kong-based online store that specialises in sustainable spices. You can opt for your order to be packaged in recyclable paper to make it even more eco-friendly.

But the best way to access sustainable spices? Grow them! There’s no better alternative to fresh seasoning than by plucking something delicious straight out of your spice and herb box. Try looking around Prince Edward Flower Market to see what you can grow in your kitchen, window box, balcony or garden – and enjoy!

See also: 8Shades Of… Michelle Hong Of Rooftop Republic

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When it comes to safety, make sure that your stroller is free from toxic chemicals like BPA, PVC, phthalates, or fire retardants. Look for the GREENGUARD Gold and the OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certifications because those are the ones you want to see on the label.

For sustainability, look for strollers that are made from recycled plastic, GOTS-certified organic cotton, and other eco-friendly materials like cork or wood. If they can last till toddlerhood, even better!

If all this sounds a tad confusing, not to worry – we’ve scoured the world of strollers to come up with five green and sustainable options:

1. Bumbleride

US brand Bumbleride offers many types of eco-friendly strollers that are made from fabric upcycled from used water bottles, plus frame components made from recycled fish nets. Impressively, Bumbleride has upcycled more than one million plastic bottles to date!

All the fabric they use are OEKO-TEX certified or free from harmful chemicals and do not contain PVC, flame retardants, BPA, or phthalates. What’s more – the brand uses PFAS-free durable water repellent while it dyes its black fabrics using an innovative process that helps conserve 25 to 40 gallons of water per stroller! On the practical side, their strollers are also designed so that they can be used well beyond the newborn stage.

Shop on Bumbleride

2. Zoe Tour+

Another brand that uses 100-percent recycled materials is Zoe Tour+. Known for their lightweight and umbrella strollers, their products are also free of synthetic flame retardants, polyurethane foam, and phthalates. They use biodegradable EVA plastic for the wheels and carry the JPMA certification and meet ASTM safety standards. A downside of Zoe’s strollers is that are only recommended for ages three months and up, so you can’t use them for the first few months of your newborn.

Shop on Zoe Tour+

3. Bugaboo

Bugaboo not only makes sturdy, well-designed strollers – the company is also credited for having several commendable sustainability initiatives. For instance, it’s working towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2035 and eliminating single-use plastic packaging by 2025.

Bugaboo also makes strollers that are meant to be used for many years using mostly recycled fabrics; they’re also working on replacing plastics with bio-based materials. Unlike most stroller makers in the market, Bugaboo sells replacement parts and offers service centres to repair its products.

Shop on Bugaboo

4. Nuna

When it comes to appeasing any parents’ concerns with chemicals, Nuna tops the list. All their products meet the OEKO-TEX Standard 100, which certifies that they are free from harmful and allergenic substances. Further, the brand also meets the Global Organic Textile Standard, which ensures that the fibres they use are harvested and produced in an environmental and socially responsible manner.

Nuna also goes the extra mile by running an ISO 14000-certified facility, where they use alternate fuel sources such as solar-powered energy, treat wastewater, and recycling programs for plastic waste and packaging.

Shop on Nuna

5. Stokke

Norwegian brand Stokke is known worldwide for designing baby gear and accessories that combine quality and functionality. They pride themselves for transporting products efficiently, which is in line with its goal of vastly reducing CO2 emissions and fuel consumption. Further, as a member of the Ethical Trading Initiative Norway, Stokke is an advocate of ethical trade practices.

For dyeing, they use extracts from plants from fallen acorns and radix isatidis, which contain no hazardous chemicals, are processed with no wastewater, and effectively has a low environmental impact. Their strollers can be used from six months up to four years old or 48.5 lbs, and for newborns with a carrycot or car seat.

Shop on Stokke

Read also: How to Keep Microplastics Out of Your Body

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While the Coca-Cola bottle comes in its original, hourglass-like shape that conjures up all sorts of nostalgia, a few tweaks were introduced to its design to make them more convenient for customers to return. Bottling plants will also find them easier to recycle, clean, disinfect and refill.

For starters, the bottle is now made of 60-percent recycled glass materials, making it not only more environment-friendly but also lighter and easier to carry after shedding two-thirds of its original weight.

Remarkably, the volume has increased even though it’s lighter, by now holding 250ml of refreshing Coke as compared to the previous 192ml. Furthermore, each box now contains 24 bottles instead of 12 for easier and more efficient transportation and storage.

The launch of the new glass bottle is part of Coca-Cola Co. and Swire Coca-Cola Hong Kong’s long-term vision of sustainability. Following through with the motto, “World Without Waste,” together, they’ve adopted new, environmentally friendly technology to facilitate and encourage recycling and re-use.

An extensive campaign will be rolled out over the next few months to further engage consumers to opt for a a recycled bottle and getting into the habit of returning them.

These recyclable bottles are now available at your favourite restaurants around the city, including Hong Kong-style cha chaan tengs, noodle shops and Chinese restaurants, as well as convenience stores, supermarkets and online.

You can now order them online, including other Coca-Cola brands such as Sprite, Fanta, Schweppes, and Kochakaden – so be sure to check them out next time the craving hits!

Learn more at swirecocacolahk.com/glass-bottle

See also: How to Keep Microplastics Out of Your Body

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Among the areas of note are on the brand’s more careful selection of recyclable and environment-friendly materials, greener manufacturing processes, increased transparency and accountability in its supply chain, and upholding human and labour rights while embracing diversity and inclusion in its workforce.

Hot off the heels of their newly released Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Report in April 2022, here are eight admirable and concrete actions that Canada Goose has taken to better themselves as a company.

• 1. Canada Goose has stopped purchasing fur as of the end of 2021 and will cease manufacturing fur all together by the end of this year.
• 2. It’s earned a certification under the Responsible Down Standard (RDS), an organisation that aims to ensure that down and feathers come from animals that have not been subjected to any unnecessary harm.
• 3. They’ve transitioned over 20 percent of its materials to more sustainable alternatives – or what they refer to in the industry as ‘Preferred Fibres and Materials’ (PFMs) – such as organic cotton and recycled polyester.
• 4. By 2025, Canada Goose expects that 90 percent of their materials will be PFMs.
• 5. Almost 60 percent of its packaging is now sustainable, which include recycled content and other environmentally responsible materials and designs.
• 6. The brand will discontinue the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in its Arctic Tech fabric and will redevelop this proprietary fabric by the end of 2023.
• 7. As it works towards achieving net zero emissions by 2025, it will reduce carbon sources and embrace renewable energy.
• 8. Most recently, the company introduced Kind Fleece, an ultra-soft and breathable fabric made with 62 percent recycled wool; 18 percent wood-based TENCEL Lyocell, a biodegradable fibre made from wood; and 13 percent bio-based Sorona® Polymer, a plant-based polymer made from the sugar derived from corn.

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Want to know more about Canada Goose? Read their ESG report in full here.

Canada Goose is available in Hong Kong at ifc mall.

See also: 8 Sustainable Fashion Brands in Southeast Asia to Know

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While it can be easy to accept defeat, given all the bad news about climate change, it’s important to never give up and remember that every little green step matters.

So, here are eight easy ways to celebrate the planet we live on – each of which will help you become even more eco-conscious and sustainable on Earth Day and beyond:

See also: 8 Plant-based Restaurants in Hong Kong To Celebrate Earth Day 2022

1. DITCH SINGLE-USE PLASTICS

Let’s begin with the basics: just say no to single-use plastics, at least for Earth Day. Simply avoid plastic bags, bottles, containers, and utensils that get immediately disposed off after using. The world is drowning in plastic, and you can easily do your part not to add to it.

Beyond Earth Day, make it a habit to bring a reusable bag for shopping, a stainless steel or glass water bottle, or even your own reusable cutlery on your fast-food runs. You can even go the extra mile by supporting zero waste stores like Live Zero that sell items without any packaging.

See also: 8Shades Of… Tamsin Thornburrow of Live Zero

2. LIVE BY THE 3Rs

Reduce, reuse, and recycle – this is a mantra that everyone should internalise. Reduce the amount of items you buy, especially on Earth Day when many companies are using it as yet another commercial opportunity to push products on consumers.

Reuse items as many times as you can, and recycle what you might normally throw away. Learn to separate recyclables from your trash and drop them off at the different drop-off points around Hong Kong.

See also: 8 Things You Should Never Recycle

3. SHOP SUSTAINABLY

If you do decide to shop on Earth Day, that’s okay, too. Just try to make sure that you shop with sustainability in mind. Not all brands are created equally – some are made using processes that are friendly to the planet, while some are not (we’re looking at you fast fashion). The key is to be smart and discerning.

Before buying something, ask yourself if you really need (or want) it and research the brand’s environmental practices on sites like Good On You. It’s an extra step, but one that can make a whole lot of difference for the planet – not to mention your wallet.

See also: 8 Sustainable Fashion Brands in Southeast Asia to Know

4. Cut down on meat

Did you know that the meat industry accounts for 60% of all greenhouse gases coming from food production? In fact, according to a recent report, raising livestock for food in the EU produces more greenhouse gases than all the vehicles in the trading block!

The solution cannot be more obvious: it’s time to drop or lessen meat from your diet, and shift to plant-based food – at least on Earth Day. We’re not asking you to go cold turkey though! Start off gradually by sampling different meat-free recipes including Impossible Food’s plant-based meat products, and before you know it, you’ll be healthier for it.

See also: The Best Vegan Burgers in Hong Kong

5. Walk or take public transportation

If there’s any city in the world made for walking, it’s Hong Kong. Its size and efficient public transportation system makes it super easy to get around on foot – meaning you won’t have to get stuck in traffic with the rest of the city on Earth Day.

Take every opportunity to leave your car in the garage, or simply walk or take the tram or MTR. You can even invest in a good, foldable bike, which can be brought on the trains for those longer distances.

See also: 8 Eco-friendly Hiking Accessories for Your Next Outdoor Adventure 

6. Get outdoors

Get some extra steps in on Earth Day by taking a hike to any of Hong Kong’s numerous trails. This is the perfect season to get out and start appreciating more of the city’s green landscape – before things heat up for summer!

Spending time with nature (and hopefully, among the local wildlife) not only helps lower your stress, but also allows you reflect on the beauty of Hong Kong and why it’s important to preserve it (and the earth) for future generations.

See also: Why We Need to Protect the World’s Forests

7. Plant something

Make the world a greener place by planting something on Earth Day – whether it’s a seed, sprout or even a flower by your windowsill. Not only is this a great project to look after beyond Earth Day itself, it’ll be a reminder of why you started your sustainability journey in the first place.

Of course, you can also plant trees virtually through organisations like One Tree Planted and the productivity-boosting Forest app. Either way, you’ll be doing something good on Earth Day!

8. Get social & Spread the word

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One of the best and most underrated ways to support Earth Day is to spread the word – and what better way to do so than on social media? Make sure you’re following us @8shadesofficial on Instagram for quick and easy tips on sustainable living that you can share with friends an family.

You can also join environmental organisations and meet like-minded individuals to create an even bigger impact to your community, such as Plastic Free Seas, Clean Air Network or the Hong Kong chapter of the World Wildlife Fund.

See also: 8 Plant-based Restaurants in Hong Kong To Celebrate Earth Day 2022

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The first rule of celebrating sustainably is to look at what you already own. If you have plastic eggs and decorations stashed away from previous Easters, kudos – now’s the time to take them out, give them a good cleaning and re-use them.

If you didn’t manage to keep your old decorations, fret not. We’ve some easy DIY decoration ideas that you can do with the kids:

See also: 8 Ways To Make Easter More Eco-friendly

1. Wooden Easter Eggs

Of course, there’s no better way to celebrate Easter than the time-honoured tradition of painting hardboiled eggs, but they can be wasteful as most are thrown away at the end of the day.

Instead of using real or plastic eggs, consider investing on wooden ones. They might be a bit more expensive, but they’ll last you a long time. And if you use water-based paints, they can quickly wash off for next year’s celebration.

Here are some ideas for painting wooden eggs.

2. Eggshell Planters

If you’re using eggs to bake or to prepare that Easter dish, take extra care not to crush their shells. You can use them as decorations on your table or around the house. Wash and dry them carefully, put some soil in it and add a flower or herb, then prop it on an egg cup holder. You can even give them away to your guests as a small token!

Watch this to see how easy it is to make an eggshell planter.

3. Eggshell Candleholders

You can also use those eggshells as candle holders to keep with the Easter theme. All you need to do is melt some candles or beeswax on a pan, then pour the melted wax – don’t forget to include a wick – into an empty eggshell, then let it cool off. Et voila! You now have a unique centrepiece that literally brightens up the table.

Here’s a step-by-step tutorial on making eggshell candles.

See also: Candle With Care: Is Your Candle Toxic?

4. Easter Mason Jars

Speaking of centrepieces, if you’re looking for something a bit quirkier or that will win the affection of kids, bring out your mason jars, or any jar you have lying around, really! Wash it clean, take off any labels and start painting them as little animals.

Of course, the Easter Bunny is a favourite, but you can add more colour to your table by painting different critters like a chick, a cow or dog. You can then use them as flowerpots or fill them up with candy afterwards!

Here’s how to make these critter jars.

5. Toilet Paper Roll Easter Bunnies

An Easter Bunny made with a toilet paper roll? It doesn’t get any greener than that! This classic craft project is something that we grew up with so this will be a cinch. Just in case you need a refresher, collect unused toilet paper rolls, cut two strips for its ears, and go to town decorating it. Use coloured paper, markers, buttons, and anything you can find at home.

Refresh your memory on how to make this classic craft project.

6. Umbrella Wreath with Bouquet

Nothing says spring more than flowers in bloom! Amaze your guests with your eco-friendly skills and a flair for design by starting with your door. Make an eye-catching wreath by using an umbrella – whether broken or in good condition. Use a hook to hang it by your door and fill it with a bouquet.

Get the instructions to make this wreath here.

7. Easter Egg Potato Stamps

To create Easter egg potato stamps, simply cut a potato in half, dry it, and carve out your designs. It doesn’t have to be elaborate – zig zag lines or curved lines are okay – because you’ll make it up with the colours. Once the carved potato is dry, press it on your desired paint – use a brush if you’re dealing with multiple colours – and start stamping.

Here’s some more detailed instructions.

8. Easter Bunny Door Hanger

To set the stage for a cheery Easter celebration, deck your door with a delightful Easter bunny cut out from any scraps of cloth and two embroidery hoops.

It’s a simple project that even small children can work on, which will give materials that were otherwise just lying around your house a second life.

Here is a step-by-step guide to follow. Happy Easter, and have fun!

See also: 8 Ways to Make Easter More Eco-friendly

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As Hong Kong continues to face lockdowns and uncertainty surrounding the virus – especially when the rest of the world has already opened up – stress and anxiety levels continues to rise. After more than two years of Covid-19, pandemic fatigue is definitely a real struggle.

See also: 10 Things To Do During Lockdown

Recognising pandemic fatigue is the first step towards better mental health, and we’ve rounded up some simple steps to combat those feelings of hopelessness below:

1. Tune Out or switch off

Enough with the doom-scrolling on your phone or leaving the news on as background noise, which can leave you feeling anxious, stressed, and just overwhelmed. The solution? Take a break. Put your phone down and turn the television off – don’t feel guilty about not staying up to date with what’s happening in the world. Channel your attention to something more productive or simply something that brings you joy and comfort.

2. Say ‘Ommm…’

Meditation can also still your mind, and setting aside half an hour per day to take a deep breath and clear your mind can do wonders for alleviating stress by slowing down your heart rate and setting it to rest mode. Meditating also allows you to reflect on your thoughts and be in touch with your feelings, which can help you better control your emotions and improve your mental health.

See also: 8 Sustainable Yoga Mats For Your At-home Practice

3. Self-care

The pandemic has disrupted our daily routines, no doubt, but you can put it back in order with something as simple as a hot bath (or shower). Practicing self-care in all its forms can help bring down your stress levels, and gives you the opportunity to “start fresh.” It also signals to your mind and body that there’s more to life than work, Covid-19 and all the world’s bad news.

4. Stay Active

Feeling sluggish? Don’t let pandemic fatigue get the best of you. Although most of us are working from home these days, it’s not an excuse to stay glued to the bed or couch.

Set aside time for your regular physical activities, and if you didn’t have any healthy habits pre-pandemic, now would be a great time to start! It doesn’t need to be a strenuous workout either – simply pacing around your living room to get some steps in will do, or pop downstairs for a quick walk around your neighbourhood.

5. Become a Plant Parent

If you missed this trend during the initial days of the pandemic, maybe it’s time you considered it. Gardening has become a form of self-care for a lot of people during Covid-19, due to its ability to improve their well-being, lower stress levels, and add to their physical activity. The influx of flora into our living spaces also allows you to connect with Mother Nature without leaving your home and can connect you with other plant parents on social media.

See also: 8 Calming Houseplants to Purify your Home

6. Eat Healthy

We recently shared a list of foods to nourish your body and help recover from COVID-19 faster – but you don’t have to wait to test positive to start eating healthy! Prevent illness by incorporating more greens, nuts, and grains into your diet.

Drink as many fluids as you can, while staying away from overly processed, deep-fried, or sinfully sweet food. Eating better and eating right will help you fight pandemic fatigue, not to mention keep your body in tip-top condition, too.

See also: Covid-19 Positive? 6 Tips to Nourish your Body & Recover Faster

See also: Mindish: Mental Health Tips to Cope with Hong Kong’s Fifth Wave

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Another thing you should do is maintain a healthy diet. Not only does this help fight this disease more effectively, it also helps sustain your energy levels, reduce anxiety, and boost your mood.

A disclaimer: Covid-19 symptoms can differ from one person to another, and what works for one person might not work for others. Be sure to consult your doctor for medical advice. However, as a general rule, here are some ways to nourish your body if you do test positive for Covid-19:

1. Hydrate

Whenever we get sick, the first thing anyone will tell you is to drink more fluids. Of course, the simplest way would be to have eight glasses of water a day to help flush out any toxins.

If you’re not a fan of plain water, other options include coconut water, tea with honey, fresh juices, and even electrolyte drinks. Just avoid overly sugary and artificially coloured drinks as too much of the sweet stuff can weaken your immune system.

Another one to consider: good ‘ol chicken soup. Yes, it’s cliché, but it works. A hot bowl of chicken broth hydrates and provides you with protein and other nutrients that your body needs.

2. Eat your veggies

Did you know? Coronavirus causes inflammation, which is a signal for your body to start fighting off the virus. While this is good, unchecked inflammation can be counterproductive, so, it’s essential to eat anti-inflammatory foods to help support your immune system.

Incorporate leafy green vegetables like spinach, kale, or collard greens into your diet. Add in some tomatoes and olive oil, and you have the makings of a great salad. Supplement it with some fruits like strawberries, cherries, and oranges, and sprinkle on a few of your favourite nuts and seeds for an added dose of protein.

See also: 10 Things To Do During Hong Kong’s Citywide Lockdown

3. Get grainy

Another food that combats inflammation are whole grains – think oats, brown rice, whole wheat bread, or even popcorn! A 2018 clinical study has shown that people who ate whole grains significantly lowered their inflammation markers. Plus, they’re an excellent source of energy!

4. Bring on the (good) bacteria

Probiotics are also a great way to help boost your immune system. Suffering from gastro issues thanks to Covid-19? Items such as yogurt, sauerkraut or kombucha will aid your digestive system by reducing gas, bloating, and fighting against diarrhoea. Studies have also shown that these mighty microbes can also impact lung function positively.

5. Sip on smoothies

Looking for a more efficient way of consuming a healthy diet? Try a smoothie! You’ll be combining those much-needed fluids, oats, berries, veggies, and yogurt into an all-in-one drink. And it’s more than just being healthy, it will also provide you with the calories you need to keep up the energy in fighting off Covid-19.

6. Supplement with Omega-3s

Foods that are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids can also help reduce inflammation while building a layer of antiviral protection across your cells. So, don’t skimp out on fish such as salmon, tuna, cod or sardines. Edamame, walnuts, chia seeds and flax seeds are also a good source of Omega-3s. 

Testing positive for Covid-19 doesn’t have to be the end of the world. In fact, why not see it as an opportunity to get your health back in order by resetting and rebooting your body with the help of some nourishing foods? For everyone out there who’s currently recovering from Covid-19, get well soon!

See also: Taking Care of Yourself & Others During The Pandemic

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See also: Should You Double Mask To Avoid Omicron?

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However, moving can be less wasteful, as long as you have a bit of patience and creativity. Here are some simple practices to make your potential move or relocation out of Hong Kong greener:

1. Sort and declutter

There’s no point moving all of your belongings if you don’t need them all, so start by making three lists of things that are a) essential, b) nice to have, and c) disposable. This give you an estimate of the time and cost required to pack, and help you determine whether you’ll really need to buy anything new when you reach your destination.

The less boxes you move across the world, the better it will be for the planet!

2. Sell or donate used items

Once you’ve identified the list of things you want to get rid of, post them on secondhand sites like Geoexpat, Facebook Marketplace, Carousell or even on your building’s notice board. Remember: one (wo)man’s junk is another (wo)man’s treasure! This way, you’ll be finding your pre-loved items new homes while earning a bit of pizza money for those long nights of packing!

Have leftover items from the sale? Pack them up and donate them to the nearest Salvation Army collection point or bring them over to your local Green@Community recycling stores.

See also: Where to Donate Used Clothing, Furniture, Toys and More in Hong Kong

3. Use pre-loved packing materials

Instead of buying brand new corrugated boxes and packing supplies, ask your friends or your ever-helpful community Facebook group for help. Most likely, someone will have them just lying around and stressing about how best to dispose of them. You can also head on over to your nearest neighbourhood grocery to ask for packing boxes. Most of the time, they’ll just be binning them anyway!

4. Rent reusable moving boxes

If you’re unable to get free boxes from your friends or neighbours, you might want to consider renting boxes. Talk to your relocation provider for this service. There are also some companies like Cube Self Storage that rent out plastic boxes for local moves. They’re sturdier and come in different, purpose-built sizes such as for transporting books, breakables, or electronic equipment.

5. Use sustainable movers

Movers are dime a dozen in a transient city like Hong Kong. So, it’s important that you shortlist them by checking if they have eco-friendly practices or sustainability in mind. It could be as simple as opting for digital copies of documentation (there can be a lot!), or more complex business practices such as choosing more eco-friendly travel routes. This can include avoiding rush hour or prioritising the use of freight trains over trucks.

6. Pack efficiently

And now, onto the messy business of packing. The trick is to treat everything as a vessel for packing so that you can minimise the number of boxes you’ll need.

Pots can be stuffed with non-perishable food or small trinkets, while travel suitcases or duffle bags can also be stuffed with other items to save space. Another great trick is to use plastic vacuum compression bags that will suck all the air out of your blankets and clothing. They’re reusable, too!

7. Wrap items in fabric instead of paper

Want to avoid using endless rolls of bubble wrap? One of the best hacks is to wrap fragile items with fabric instead. Get creative by using towels, scarves or even blankets to protect your glassware, plates or artwork. Shirts can also be stuffed into boxes instead of the typical styrofoam packing peanuts to provide an eco-friendly alternative – and better cushioning.

8. Choose sea freight

For things that you don’t need straight away, consider choosing sea freight over air. Not only will it save you money, but it’s the more eco-friendly option, too.

A UK study discovered that a plane creates 44 times more CO2 than a ship when carrying the same freight over the same distance – so you can feel good about reducing your carbon footprint during your move.

Read also: Where to Donate used Clothing, Furniture, Toys and more in Hong Kong

See also: 10 Things To Do During Hong Kong’s Citywide Lockdown

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For the first time in the history of the Olympics, Beijing is using the trans-critical CO2 direct cooling system in four of its ice sports competition and training venues, replacing traditional cooling systems that rely on ozone layer-damaging hydrofluorocarbons or HFCs – a move that’s effectively lowering the Games’ carbon footprint.

Developed by Peking University professor Zhang Xinrong, the new system uses naturally occurring carbon dioxide (CO2) gas as refrigerant to power a cooling system at twice the efficiency than the traditional method that uses man-made HFCs such as Freon.

In addition to its efficiency, the trans-critical CO2 system also boasts of its ability to maintain temperature consistency. Across a 12,000m2 ice surface, temperature difference is limited to 0.5°C – significantly lower than the 1.5°C required by the International Olympic Committee. 

A Greener Winter Games

Sustainability is at the core of the system as it uses CO2 collected from industrial waste, and the tremendous amount of heat generated in the refrigeration process is used for space and water heating at the venues. By using this system, organisers hope to reduce carbon emissions equivalent of 3,900 cars (!!) per year, or the equivalent of planting 1.2 million trees. 

Currently, four ice rinks at the Beijing Games use the CO2-based cooling system: the National Speed Skating Oval (the famed Ice Ribbon), Capital Indoor Stadium, Capital Short Track Speed Skating Hall, and the Wukesong Ice Hockey Training Hall. Three other venues still use HFC-based cooling system but use the less-polluting R449 refrigerant.

In addition to creating these eco-friendly ice rinks, Beijing 2022 has increased the sustainability cred of these Games in other ways. By becoming the first city to host both Summer and Winter Olympic games, the province has been able to reuse some of its iconic venues such as the “Bird’s Nest” and the Water Cube, retro-fitting them to host winter sports. 

All Olympic Venues are also being supplied by 100% renewable energy, while transportation is being provided to athletes and officials in the form of electric, natural gas-powered or hydrogen-fuelled vehicles. Games organisers have also pledged to local authorities to develop over 80,000 hectares of forest and green areas in Beijing and Zhangjiakuo, to further offset their carbon emissions.

Looking to More Sustainable Sporting Future

These moves come as organisers aim to produce a carbon-neutral sporting event, which the International Olympic Committee (IOC) hopes will be the template for future editions of the quadrennial spectacle. 

It’s important to note, however that this isn’t the first time organisers have worked towards achieving a carbon-neutral event. The Tokyo Games held in 2021 showcased their sustainability efforts at what they claim to be the “first-ever carbon-negative Olympics.”

In addition to using renewable energy to power their venues and low-emission vehicles for transport, they also featured novel ways to advance their eco-friendly message: podiums were made from recycled plastic, medals were minted with metals recovered from discarded mobile phones, and of course who could forget those cardboard beds?

London 2012 also put a premium on sustainability by using sustainably-sourced timber for the construction of the 6,000-seat Velodrome for the indoor track cycling events. The Copper Box multi-sport arena was constructed with recycled copper. It also claimed to be a “zero-waste” Games as all the waste generated during the London Games were diverted from landfills, with 62% being reused, recycled, or composted. 

See also: How Eco-friendly Are The Olympic Games, Really?

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The post Cool As Ice: Eco-friendly Ice Rinks At The Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics appeared first on 8Shades.