The Standard - Timothy Chui

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

A lawmaker is cracking the whip to get the government moving on adopting internationally recognized product labeling to reduce pollution and save energy.
"It's high time the government to adopt it to respond to the growth in social consciousness and aspirations for a better environment," said Priscilla Leung Mei-fun, who is also chairwoman of the Green Council.

The lawmaker said that since 2000 the government has adopted a wait-and-see attitude.

"It hasn't been very active or positive in pushing eco-product labeling, preferring non-governmental organizations to pick up the slack."

She said the social atmosphere has changed completely since the turn of the century and people are now more conscious of the need for environment-friendly practices. And green labeling and purchasing are effective tools in achieving a "circular economy," she added, as there would be new business opportunities while preserving the natural environment and resources.

The Green Council also wants the government to adopt or mandate the use of eco-friendly products in public construction projects within the year - similar to the mainland practice.

With more than 20 years of experience in producing eco-friendly paints for the mainland market, the managing director of China Paint Manufacturing, Paul Lam Ting- ball, said the only way to get the private sector on board for product labeling was to legislate as less sustainable alternatives were cheaper.