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Saturday, Feb 22, 2025
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Concerns of mooncake waste raised as Mid-Autumn rounds the corner
With the Mid-Autumn festival being less than a month away, it is no surprise that citizens are stocking up on mooncakes for familial enjoyment or personal satisfaction. However, results from a recent survey question whether this is the optimal course of action.
Between July and August, over 300 households were surveyed regarding the issue of mooncake waste by environmental charities Food Grace and Green Community.
Results show that despite only 40 percent of the households purchasing mooncakes last year, each family still wasted an average of 1.74 mooncakes. That is estimated to be about 4.64 million mooncakes leftover throughout Hong Kong.
In addition, the proportion of households who had leftover mooncakes after the festival rose to 43 percent from 30 percent last year.
By taking into account survey data, the charities estimated that over 4.64 million mooncakes were left over from last year’s festivities, a shocking increase of 61 percent from 2020’s statistics.
Outside of the mooncakes, the survey results also indicated that mooncake packaging was a grave problem.
Upwards of 80 percent of surveyed households indicated that the unnecessary mooncake packaging deserved more attention from relevant authorities.
The charities recommended the manufacturers print recycling labels out on mooncake packaging, and the government should promote recycling through its waste reduction program.
Results show that despite only 40 percent of the households purchasing mooncakes last year, each family still wasted an average of 1.74 mooncakes. That is estimated to be about 4.64 million mooncakes leftover throughout Hong Kong.
In addition, the proportion of households who had leftover mooncakes after the festival rose to 43 percent from 30 percent last year.
By taking into account survey data, the charities estimated that over 4.64 million mooncakes were left over from last year’s festivities, a shocking increase of 61 percent from 2020’s statistics.
Outside of the mooncakes, the survey results also indicated that mooncake packaging was a grave problem.
Upwards of 80 percent of surveyed households indicated that the unnecessary mooncake packaging deserved more attention from relevant authorities.
The charities recommended the manufacturers print recycling labels out on mooncake packaging, and the government should promote recycling through its waste reduction program.
