Push for less meat in public canteens

The government should introduce more low-carbon food offerings in public venues like hospitals and government canteens to encourage Hongkongers to develop eating habits less inclined toward meat, a climate advocacy group said.

EATcofriendly said local eating habits and outdated guidelines have contributed to an increasing consumption of meat.

Member Charlotte Lam Lok-him cited Brazilian forest fires as an example of how people's diets affect the environment.

"Brazilian people cut down trees for more land to plant crops and rear cows, which is a leading cause of forest fires. As the biggest buyer of Brazilian beef, Hongkongers have in fact contributed to this natural disaster," she said.

Heidi Spurrell, founder of a food sustainability consultancy company Future Green, said people from various sectors have to contribute to change local eating hebits.

"To do that, a systematic approach has to be taken, and different parties have to work together to develop such a system."

The group suggested the government amend its green procurement policy and introduce more low-carbon food in places under its purview.

Cities like Paris and Seoul, it said, have achieved 50 percent provision of low-carbon options in schools and public areas.

The government should also modify the existing dietary guidelines, the group said.

The current healthy eating food pyramid has not taken sustainable development and local culture into consideration.

This was supported by Daisy Sin Man-ching, an accredited Australian dietitian.

"Current Hong Kong guidelines do not distinguish between refined and whole grains, and do not separate plant-based and animal-based protein sources," she said.

The group also conducted a survey on low-carbon diets from June 14 to 30.

It found that 79 percent of the respondents supported the government setting up carbon emission reduction targets and strategies for food production.

And 86 percent also believed it should lead by providing more plant-based diet options in public places.

Justin Tong

Top officials yesterday paid their last respects to customs officer Lai Chi-hang, 39, who died inside a capsized speedboat during an anti-smuggling operation that also took the lives of two other officers.

The funeral, which was held with full honors at Universal Funeral Parlor in Hung Hom, was the last for the three victims of the tragedy in January, including Wong Cheuk-bond, 26, and Ng Wing-man, 43, whose funerals were held earlier.

Government leaders, including Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, Chief Secretary Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, finance chief Paul Chan Mo-po and justice head Teresa Cheng Yeuk-wah attended the funeral.

Lam praised the customs officers for being "fearless and dedicated to serving the public with professionalism," adding she was "profoundly grieved by the unfortunate loss of three customs colleagues."

Also present were senior officials of the disciplinary services, including Customs and Excise Commissioner Hermes Tang Yi-hoi, Police Commissioner Chris Tang Ping-keung and People's Liberation Army representatives.

The Taoist ceremony began at 10.15am, with officials bowing and laying wreaths.

At 11am, Lai's coffin, draped in a SAR flag, was borne out to the hearse by his colleagues. The hearse left the funeral home and took a detour around the Customs Marine Base at Stonecutters Island to allow officers to pay their respects.

Lai was laid to rest in Gallant Garden at 1pm, next to Wong's and Ng's graves, with officers laying white flowers on the coffin.