CONSUME MINDFULLY

Tips for Mindful Consumption

The best way to consume mindfully and conserve resources is to reduce at the start.

Think twice before you buy: Do you really need it? Do you have enough storage? Will you regret it tomorrow?
Consumers are influential. You have a choice! Choose products with minimal packaging, or ask businesses you support for sustainable alternatives.
If you are not too hungry, why not ask for the "less rice" option? The main canteens on campus all offer this option with $1 discount, and it is cheaper too!
When buying takeaway food, if you bring along your own cutlery and lunch box our caterers will support your green action by offering $1 discount. Otherwise, there is $2 levy on requesting disposable takeaway container.
HKUST has eliminated the sale of bottled water under 1 liter. Say "no" to single-use disposables. Clean water is available for you on campus. Carry your own reusable water bottle and refill it from the drinking fountains (for free)!

Reusing materials for as long as possible helps to extend an item's life and value.

If you are creative, you can often find ways to use things more than once. For example:

Reuse the back side of paper before you recycle it.
Open letters neatly so that the envelopes can be reused.
Dishwater is still fine for watering plants or cleaning.
Donate unwanted items to local charities (from your home, big events, student activities). If you live on campus, you can drop off clothes at one of the clothing recycling boxes (outside Hall I and Hall VI). You can also donate them to new students through the Drop and Adopt initiative or sell them at our popular community Garage Sale.
Share or exchange unwanted or unneeded items with friends, find them a new home! You may event organize your own Barter Trade event.

When items are no longer usable, they can still have a second life.

Sort your waste and recycle properly to reduce waste. Remember to ensure that your recyclables are clean to avoid contamination!
Recycle properly on campus and at your halls. Check out our Recycling page for more information—we collect over 17 types of recyclables at HKUST!
Ensure you recycle off-campus as well and develop a sustainable habit in your daily life. Refer to Hong Kong's recycling map for information on recycling locations.
Check out how much we recycle, and thereby divert from landfill, on campus.

Consider circulating event information via email and social media. If paper copies are essential, print on 100% recycled or sustainably-sourced paper (e.g. FSC-certified), double-sided and use soy-based inks.
Design promotional materials (e.g. banners) so that they can be reused in future events by your department or next cabinet of society.

Gifts look good without wrapping. Keep in mind that non-woven polypropylene bags are non-recyclable.
Donate any untouched remaining food, souvenirs or other reusable items to a local charity, like food charities or community networks.
Always call CMO at 2358 6421 to provide recycling bins or stands to facilitate separation and recycling of waste at your event.
Support social enterprises and use their products or services at your events, when appropriate.

Ask for reusable cutlery, mugs and tableware to reduce disposable when you are ordering food.
Try to order food and drinks in bulk to avoid excess packaging.
Carefully estimate the amount of food required for any event. Support the principle of "zero food waste" and encourage participants to take home any leftover food. Most of the HKUST caterers are recycling food waste.
Choose sustainable seafood and please do not serve food containing shark fin or other shark products. Use WWF-Hong Kong's Sustainable Seafood Guide to help with your menu planning.

Excessive decorations don't add to the festivities and only create more work. Keep it simple and share the joy with your participants.
Encourage your guests to take public transportation, and provide carpooling arrangements for guests.
Consider organizing a carbon-neutral event, or producing a carbon-neutral publication by calculating the carbon footprint.
When you organize student activities, consider performing community service with social enterprises and green groups.