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HK heartbeat | weekly update | 9 June 2015
It is only day two of my pledge to consume no plastic for Zero Waste Week and I have already been challenged by the size of the task I set for myself. The media is on board with lots of fresh how-to articles like this one from HK Magazine on how to live a zero carbon life in Hong Kong, a bold move in a city famous for celebrating outrageous spending habits. We know our convenient lifestyle is wasteful and unsustainable, but it is just oh, so comfortable. We continue eating out of disposable single-serving containers, purchasing our drinks in plastic bottles, relying on single-passenger transportation, dressing in the latest style that is designed to become unfashionable in 2 months, buying the latest new gadget even though our current recent favorite still has plenty of life and counting on those wonderful armies of cleaners to quietly pick up the big mess we leave behind after a big night out on the town or a big day out in the countryside. We beat the stinky summer heat by staying indoors, cranking the air-con and switching on any electronic device that will distract us from the polluted reality out there. Yesterday, I was running late for a meeting and wanting to grab a quick bite but there was nothing available without the plastic wrapper. I had remembered to pack my glass bottle, but found only one place to refill it on my way home at the end of a long day. The water and beverage options were only available in plastic and there were a lot of them. My cunning plan to shop for groceries ahead of the challenge did not materialize and I now am faced with the next adventure of finding what I need at the supermarket sans-plastic. It has surprised me to realize the number of times I have been telling myself -- just this once. There must be an entrepreneur out there who sees the opportunity to start a plastic to cash exchange in Hong Kong and capitalize on street-level collection infrastructure already in place for cardboard and aluminum. Though it's early days, growing awareness is leading to growing demand for products made from recycled materials. In Japan. there is a new machine to convert plastic to oil. I would love for these discussions to reach the Global Summit on June 11 where thought leaders and change makers will gather to address the issues. Green Drinks will host 3 of the international guests speakers to address Steps towards Zero Waste for Hong Kong. I am pleased as punch to see so many of our HK heartbeat members taking the stage at the summit and participating at the Family Festival over the weekend. Lots of our members have lots of other stuff going going on, including ongoing fundraising for Nepal, and our new calendar format means more daily updates so we can bring you more fresh events. If I could clone myself, this would be the week so I could catch up with friends at the annual Evolution Asia Yoga Conference on June 11-14 where our yoga members will be teaching classes, leading discussions and selling their pretty things. Many new social networks are forming around shared interests and I was honored to be invited as a guest speaker for the Green and Sustainability Meetup last evening. Meeting new people who are actively growing food and sharing with others who take a keen interest in sustainability gives me great reason to celebrate and the motivation to keep on keeping on. What is your approach to zero? Naturally, 
Founder & Publisher Listen to your own heartbeat. "The most dangerous kind of waste is the waste we do not recognize." Shigeo Shingo |
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HK heartbeat community calendarSponsored events include links. Contact the organizers for unpaid listing details. 8 Moving Steps | Sheryl Feniger 8 Water Management, Quality and Security in Hong Kong | request details 8 Yogi Monday at Limewood | request details 8 Manifest Your Dreams into the World | The Sanctuary 9 What is Worship? | HK Philosophy Cafe 9 Release Tension for Nepal | Balance Health 9 Meditation for Beginners | Hersha Chellaram 9 Guide to Gluten-Free Living | Balance Health 9 Kefir Class | SOL Wellness 9-11 Zero Waste Week | Ecozine 10 Invest in the New Low-Carbon Economy | ASrIA 10 Nepal Through The Lens | request details 10 Meditation for Kids | Michelle Harris 10 Steps towards Zero Waste for Hong Kong | Green Drinks 10 Summer Fresh Vegetarian Cooking Class | Ayelet Idan 10 Finding Your Way to Feeling Fantastic | The Sanctuary 10 The Tao of Quantum Physics | Alive Wellness 10 Family and Self Care with Essential Oils | SOL Wellness 11-14 Evolution - Asia Yoga Conference | request details 11 Zero Waste Week Global Summit | Ecozine 11 Raw Vegan Potluck | request details 11 Eradicate Slavery From Your Business | The Mekong Club 11 An Evening of Yoga and Food | Charlotte Douglas 11 How the Body Holds on to Emotions | The Sanctuary 12 Adopt-A-Temple Fundraiser | Child Welfare Scheme 12 Meditation for Kids | Michelle Harris 13 Global Wellness Day | Raja Yoga Meditation Centre 13 Peak Night Walk | Aparna Sachar 13 Sacred Conscious Loving | The Sanctuary 13 Meat Free Indian Dinner Gathering | Meat Free Hong Kong 14 Nepal Family Day Fundraiser | Asia Society 14 Community Drum Jam | Kumi Masunaga 14 Mother Earth Groove | request details 15 Creating and Sustaining Positive Habits | Flex Studio 15 Introduction to Ho'olokahi Numerology | The Sanctuary 16 - 11 July Green Building Management Course | CSR Asia 16 The Healthy Hub Lunch at The Ritz | Healthy Living Asia 16 Heal your Life | All About You Wellness 16 Corporate Diversity Programs: Pitfalls & Opportunities | request details 16 Sit Down Comedy | TEDx Hong Kong 16 From KEE to Zen | MAYYA Movement Subscribe to our newsletter for fresh weekly updates. |
Fresh listings on the website directoryOur theme this week is Support Zero Waste Week -- re-use, donate, recycle, up-cycle ... Castaways - Charity shop run entirely by volunteers selling clothing, books and household linen > details Crossroads International - serving a global need to link those in need with those who can help > details Second Hand Shop - Buying and selling quality second hand products > details The Oxfam Shop - Second-hand clothing, books, home accessories and fair trade products > details The Salvation Army - Donate clothes in good condition > details Best Skill - Quality repairs to extend the life of leather shoes and handbags > details The Cave - creative workshop - Salvaging high quality abandoned goods for reincarnation > details 2nd Chance - Buying and selling second hand furniture and accessories > details WhoGotStuff - Mobile application promoting sharing over consuming > details Reborn Living - Collecting, refinishing, re-selling and donating solid wood furniture > details *Support HK heartbeat by supporting our business members Contact our Member Concierge if you would like an introduction Register or introduce a business to Hong Kong's original natural network. |
Fresh content and connections for conscious everyday choicesHong Kong's original natural network has connected thousands of individuals, businesses and organizations since we launched in 2001, sharing fresh content and authentic connections for clean, green, healthy living products, services and programs. With everything from acupuncture to zero-waste solutions, our members have everything you're looking for -- even when you're not sure what you're looking for -- chemical-free health and beauty, lifestyle services, whole food, sustainable fashion, eco-style, green gadgets and more ... naturally.
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