Why Composting Counts
EL Hong Kong|March-May 2021
The next time you go to scrape leftover food into a bin after a meal, it’s worth having a think about the consequences of this alltoo-common ritual – and how we might be able to make a change for the benefit of the environment.
Cathie Hearns
Why Composting Counts

Whether you’re a global-warming warrior or a climate change sceptic, no one can deny that our human presence on earth is leaving a less than desirable footprint. Landfills are overflowing and chemical-laden industrial and farming practices are polluting our water systems. Fertile topsoil, in which 95 percent of our food is grown, is disappearing way faster than it’s being replenished, and bird and insect populations are decreasing.

Regardless of what lies ahead with the climate, we need to be living a more environment- and future-friendly existence. While it’s easy to blame rising populations, poor governance or unethical business decisions, there is one very easy and effective way we can all make a difference on an individual basis.

The menace of methane

First, let’s take a look at the bigger picture of what’s going on in the air around us. While many may be familiar with the most prolific of the greenhouse gases, carbon dioxide, there are a number of other nasties out there that are coming under the microscope. The most notable of these is methane (chemical formula: CH4).

Since the Industrial Revolution, methane concent ra t ions in the atmosphere have increased by over 150 percent. As a gas that is involved in the ground-level formation of the air pollutant ozone, as well as having exceptional heat-absorbing capabilities (84 times more potent than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period!), methane could exacerbate extreme weather conditions in the short term and increase the risk of respiratory health issues.

This story is from the March-May 2021 edition of EL Hong Kong.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the March-May 2021 edition of EL Hong Kong.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM EL HONG KONGView All
A Writer's Retreat
EL Hong Kong

A Writer's Retreat

We meet children’s author (and saree enthusiast!) Bhakti Mathur at her peaceful home on the Peak.

time-read
7 mins  |
June - August 2021
A Lantau Project
EL Hong Kong

A Lantau Project

The idea of renovating a home had long appealed to Jenya Mcguigan; a recent move from Lamma to Lantau gave her the chance to do exactly that.

time-read
4 mins  |
June - August 2021
Staycay Season
EL Hong Kong

Staycay Season

For a change of scenery (and a reminder of the pleasures of travel), check in to one of these five fabulous spots in five very different locations across Hong Kong!

time-read
7 mins  |
June - August 2021
Award-Winning School Camp Programme For The Summer
EL Hong Kong

Award-Winning School Camp Programme For The Summer

Are the kids keen for some fun over the holiday? Read on for details of an award-winning school camp programme for the summer – one with 13 different streams to choose from!

time-read
2 mins  |
June - August 2021
Pictures Of Pooches
EL Hong Kong

Pictures Of Pooches

We meet Romanian expat Mihaela Tudor, and learn about her photography work, including a recent project about pets!

time-read
5 mins  |
June - August 2021
Middle Eastern Eats
EL Hong Kong

Middle Eastern Eats

We all love dipping into a plate of beautiful hummus, but this ubiquitous dish just begins to scratch the surface of everything that Middle Eastern cuisine brings to the table. Here’s a guide to finding a feast near you!

time-read
5 mins  |
June - August 2021
20 Watery Wonders Exploring The Aquatic Of HK
EL Hong Kong

20 Watery Wonders Exploring The Aquatic Of HK

Summer is upon us, so it’s the ideal time to take a look at some of best ways to get wet – or at least enjoy a seaside view – in Hong Kong. Here are 20 ideas to get you started!

time-read
5 mins  |
June - August 2021
5 Booze Free Bevvies
EL Hong Kong

5 Booze Free Bevvies

Just as plant-based is becoming more and more a “thing” among foodies, so to alcoholfree drinks are appealing to an ever-increasing number of consumers. But how do they taste? To find out, we gave the Sipfree range of wines, spirits and beers a go. Read on to see if we’re converted!

time-read
4 mins  |
June - August 2021
Let's Talk About Sleep
EL Hong Kong

Let's Talk About Sleep

For many new mums and dads, it’s the “holy grail”: getting their new bub to sleep through the night and take long naps during the day! We chat with the founder of Kristin Graham Sleep Consulting about the struggles she faced, and how they prompted her to help those in the same boat.

time-read
4 mins  |
June - August 2021
5 Tips For The Perfect Bedroom
EL Hong Kong

5 Tips For The Perfect Bedroom

Advice from the team at Blanc Des Vosges on making your sleeping spot a stylish haven.

time-read
2 mins  |
June - August 2021