Your Voice: Plastic versus paper straws, lifelong healthy habits and animal welfare (letters)

As United States (US) president Donald Trump slammed paper straws (an alternative to plastic), the debate between the two continues.

While the push to ban plastic straws stems from a genuine concern for the environment, its outright elimination overlooks the practical needs of many individuals. Instead of choosing one over the other, I propose a balanced approach: making both paper and plastic straws available.

Paper straws are undoubtedly better for our environment. Made from biodegradable materials, they decompose quicker than plastic, breaking down naturally and leaving less behind.

For eco-conscious consumers and businesses, using paper is a tangible way to demonstrate commitment to sustainability and their love for the environment, reducing the long-term pressure on landfills and oceans. Companies can align with and appeal to a growing demographic of environmentally-aware customers.

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However, plastic straws are necessary for many people, particularly fans of fizzy drinks. Anyone with experience drinking soft drinks with a paper straw would understand the issue.

Carbonated drinks climb up paper straws because of upward bubbling, viscosity, and porous paper. Sometimes, drops of liquid may spill on the table and, of course, hands. Meanwhile, slick plastic easily resists this problem, leaving desks clean.

Moreover, cheap paper straws become soggy and sloppy. Consumers who do not want paper pulp-infused iced tea will look for plastic straws. Offering both paper and plastic straws allows consumers to choose based on their needs and preferences. This is inclusive, ensuring everyone can access a suitable option regardless of ability.

Furthermore, maintaining both options can drive innovation in sustainable materials. For instance, businesses might invest in developing more durable and eco-friendly paper straws or explore alternatives like reusable silicone or metal straws.

Critics may argue that offering plastic straws undermines efforts to reduce plastic waste. However, its environmental impact is relatively small compared to other sources of pollution, such as industrial waste or single-use packaging.

For example, research conducted by the Ocean Park Conservation Foundation revealed that Hong Kong’s overall plastic straw consumption had dropped from 1.7 billion in 2017 to 1 billion in 2020 – indicating a 40 per cent drop in annual plastic straw consumption.

However, the city’s overall plastic waste had actually increased by 10.3 per cent from 2017 to 2018. This signifies that reducing the use of plastic straws may not have that much of an impact on the overall amount of waste plastics.

Just as Lonely Whale, an organisation that led the straw ban movement in the US, proposed: “Our straw campaign is not really about straws. It’s about pointing out how prevalent single-use plastics are in our lives, putting up a mirror to hold us accountable.”

Instead of banning plastic straws outright, we should focus on comprehensive waste management strategies, such as improving recycling infrastructure and promoting reusable alternatives.

Your Voice: A step towards a plastic-free world (long letters)

Ellen Ren Yu-ting, Pui Kiu College

I am writing to express my feelings regarding the opinion piece “If Hong Kong’s youth don’t want to be dragons, so be it,” published January 26.

I agree with the author’s view that parents should change their expectations and focus on more than academics.

While grades are important, so are sports and relaxation. If parents only focus on one thing and ignore their children’s needs, it will place high pressure on young people and damage their mental health. This is a primary reason young people want to “lie flat”.

Parents should care more about their children. There are more and more youth suicides in the city, and a lot of young people consider themselves failures.

Parents should not stress their children out. It is essential that parents change their mindset and show more concern and care for their children. This will create happier families and will teach young people that real success is about achieving your own goals, something you want to do.

If you have suicidal thoughts or know someone who is experiencing them, help is available. In Hong Kong, you can dial 18111 for the government-run Mental Health Support Hotline. You can also call +852 2896 0000 for The Samaritans or +852 2382 0000 for Suicide Prevention Services. In the US, call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. For a list of other nations’ helplines, see this page.

Your Voice: Reasons for lying flat (short letters)

Praveen Sathappan Narayanan, Island School

Over the Easter break, I had time on my hands and decided to revisit and re-read some of the books in my cupboard. I found a book I have read countless times before: The Magic of the Lost Temple by Sudha Murthy. As I flipped through the pages, I reflected on previously overlooked parts.

Nooni’s grandmother says, “I am very happy that Nooni was able to do something that Usha and I couldn’t.” Before Nooni’s journey to the Varada Hill led her to find an ancient fabled stepwell, the main character’s grandmother was hesitant about her trip. This shows older generations’ fixed mindsets.

Shekhar, Nooni’s dad, is a bit of a villain, a reluctant man who hates the village. This tension adds to the story but confuses the plot. Murthy could make the story more interesting by removing him.

Reflecting on fiction by Murthy, she likes to reveal an entire story with no hooks or cliffhangers. Without something intriguing, the story becomes bland and predictable for readers.

For example, in Grandma’s Bag of Stories, Murthy defines a clear moral and plot for each short story, but these “right” answers are unnecessary. A well-written book will make a reader think.

Tseung Chi-lam, Tak Nga Secondary School

I am concerned about students’ declining levels of physical activity. While the digital age offers numerous benefits, it has also led to increased screen time. As a result, many young people are adopting a sedentary lifestyle, which can have serious long-term health consequences, such as obesity, cardiovascular diseases and mental health issues.

Given the potential health risks, it is crucial students exercise regularly. Not only does it build strong muscles and bones, but it also improves mood and enhances cognitive function. For students, incorporating physical activity into their daily routine can also lead to less stress, better academic performance and overall happiness.

I urge educational institutions to prioritise physical education and provide ample opportunities. This could include more frequent PE classes and after-school sports programmes, as well as encouraging active ways of commuting like walking or cycling to school.

Parents should also set a positive example to instil lifelong healthy habits. Simple activities like family walks, weekend hikes or playing sports together can make a big difference.

Your Voice: Get students moving (long letters)

Rachael Wong, Pope Paul VI College

I appreciate the recent coverage of Hong Kong’s annual Dogathon, which raised an impressive HK$2.2 million (around US$283,000) for animal welfare. The article beautifully highlighted how these events foster a compassionate community that views pets as household members rather than mere commodities.

This initiative by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) to educate young people on pet responsibility is particularly commendable, as it lays the groundwork for a more humane future.

The substantial turnout of 1,200 dogs and 3,000 participants reflects our society’s growing awareness and commitment towards animal welfare. It is heartwarming to see so many individuals dedicated to making a difference.

Furthermore, the introduction of pet-friendly policies by the MTR Corporation and the increasing acceptance of pets in public spaces demonstrate a positive shift towards inclusivity.

These changes not only enhance the quality of life for our furry companions but also enrich our communities as a whole. I would like to encourage more readers to participate in or support such initiatives.