Cheung Chau is going plastic free every weekend this August

Sustainability is a salient issue, now more than ever. Hong Kong has recently seen a spike in interest regarding all things zero waste – including Edgar, a zero waste grocery store that opened in Wan Chai just last month – and F&B outlets that no longer serve plastic straws. Getting in on the action, the outlying island of Cheung Chau is introducing a plastic-free initiative for four consecutive weekends this month.

What that means is that instead of using single-use plastic utensils at the island’s many brilliant eateries, you pay a $20 cash deposit at Cheung Chau Central Square, 11am-6pm every Saturday and Sunday, and you get a collapsible bowl and reusable cutlery. With it, you can enjoy discounts, buy-one-get-one-free offers or bigger portions at 20 participating restaurants. Take advantage of this to tuck into local delicacies like a Ping On Bun and giant fishballs as well as snacks from traditional bakeries and trendy cafés (find out more via BottLess). Once you’re done filling your belly for the day, you’ll get all your money back when you return the bowl. Or if you want, forego the deposit and simply keep the utensils for future use.

The campaign hopes to be a pilot model for future plastic-free food consumption practices but honestly, enjoying cheaper noms without wasting plastic, that’s a win-win. You know where to go this weekend. And the next. And the one after...