Volunteers tackle overwhelming post-Valentine's Day litter on Kowloon Peak

In recent years, the government has been actively promoting green tourism and advocating the principle of "Take your litter home" to mitigate pollution in natural environments. In response, some dedicated citizens have formed groups to clean up local mountains.

A startling discovery was made by a man in Hong Kong shortly after Valentine's Day. While cleaning up Fei Ngo Shan, also known as Kowloon Peak, he encountered over 40 used condoms and more than 2,000 cigarette butts, describing the situation as "overwhelming."

A local restaurant owner, who dedicates his Sundays to mountain cleanups, aims to spread positivity and believes that good deeds contribute to good karma.

On the Sunday following Valentine's Day, he shared details of his latest group cleanup effort on the forum Threads.

He and other volunteers began their journey at the Chuk Yuen Sports Centre in Wong Tai Sin, walked to the weather station, and then returned, covering a total of 14 kilometers in 6.5 hours.

During their trek, they collected over 2,000 cigarette butts, more than 40 condoms, and numerous tissues, among other refuse. He noted the situation and stated that after using condoms and tissues, people simply discarded them carelessly.

He remarked that by cleaning up, he was helping others accumulate good karma for their descendants.

The man revealed that he has been participating in these cleanup hikes for nine weeks and has grown accustomed to finding large amounts of trash, which he surprisingly finds enjoyable and therapeutic. He commented, "This Valentine's Day gift was indeed unexpectedly delightful."

Many netizens have shown their appreciation for these efforts, giving likes and commenting on the importance of such activities for environmental protection.

One netizen expressed shock at seeing so many condoms on a mountaintop for the first time and emphasized that people should be more civic-minded and use rubbish bins.

Others hoped that the selfless efforts of the volunteers would inspire those who are less considerate to reflect on their actions. Some praised the volunteers as truly commendable, while others expressed dismay at the apparent lack of civic sense among many people.